Eyes on Main Street returns to Wilson

The established formula works, says Jerome De Perlinghi, artistic director and one of three curators.

"In early 2014, we had the idea of 100 photographs from 100 different photographers in 100 windows for 100 days," he said. At first the community wasn't sure what to make of it, but they’ve learned they have something special going on.

The photographs are measured in square feet, not mere inches, and fill storefronts with scenes from around the world. Thriving businesses and abandoned buildings alike host the photos of everyday scenes from international neighborhoods, hence the festival's theme "A Crossroad of Cultures."

These are the gritty, realistic scenes of journalistic photography.

De Perlinghi, a native of Belgium, worked for decades for news services around the world. Much of that time he was based out of Chicago. He used those connections to find the photographers -- 50 women and 50 men, from 48 different countries who provide the photos.

"You will walk down the street and hear speakers in 10 different languages on [April] 21," he said. "This festival is a glue to help bind us together."

The six-block photo exhibit lines Nash Street and events are open to all.

Everything is free, though registration is required for the lectures. De Perlinghi wanted to make sure all of Wilson’s families could participate, and thanks to financial support from many in the community, no one has to pay to participate.

Seven additional special exhibits will be offered:

Nash Street becomes a free, six-block open-air art gallery until July 29, when the photographs disappear as magically as they appeared. In that time, De Perlinghi will take three or four daily walks to watch and listen to the reactions from passersby. He, too, will look closely at the large photos.

"And every day I will see things I missed before," he said.