Artist Spotlight: Ann Browder Branch

Meet Weldon and Beyond Art Show Contributor Ann Browder Branch

by Bert Kittner with Photographer Ann Browder Branch

I was taking a final look around the impressive display at the first Weldon and Beyond Art Show last May when someone said, “Bert, do you remember Ann Browder?” It was such a pleasure to see my childhood friend, Ann, and her husband, Bob Branch, who I had lost contact with over many years even though we settled within thirty miles of each other in the Research Triangle area.

Since that chance encounter, Ann and I have found time to catch up, reminisce and renew our friendship over some leisurely lunches. Sharing our deep connection to Weldon, it feels as if we picked back up exactly where we left off years ago. In our discussions, I’ve learned about Ann’s passion for photography and also heard about some intriguing canoe trips Bob and Ann have taken on the Roanoke River

Ann grew up in Weldon and attended school here in the 1960s and 70s. It’s also where she met Bob and where they attended Weldon Baptist Church together as children.  Ann and Bob attended Triangle universities, married, raised their family and pursued their respective careers in Cary, N.C. Returning to Weldon to visit their parents has been a constant in their lives, with Bob’s mother still residing in Weldon.

In the past six years, Ann has devoted more time and energy to developing her skill and talents as photographer. The focus of Ann’s photography is often found in nature. As for what inspires her work, Ann explains that four special people have had a special influence.

Growing up, my mother, Liz Browder, shared her love of birds and wildflowers, giving me an early appreciation for nature. I will be displaying eight photographs at the art show. Several of these are nature photos, and include flowers, a blue heron and a butterfly. I typically capture my nature photos during my exploration of local trails and sometimes even at my own backyard feeder.

I will also be showing photographs taken on or alongside the Roanoke River, including one of the iconic railroad bridge that crossed from Weldon to Northampton County. My father-in-law and my husband, Boots and Bob Branch, expanded my love of nature with time spent on the Roanoke River. Last year, Bob and I decided to embark on a series of canoe trips on the river. On the first trip we started In Weldon and canoed to Halifax. Next, we went from Halifax to Odom Prison, and then, Odom Prison to Scotland Neck. Beginning this spring, we’ve got trips planned, picking back up in Scotland Neck. Eventually, we will have followed the river all the way from Weldon to the Albermarle Sound.

I’ve always loved being on the water, but being on the river is different. It is so quiet. Life with a growing family doesn’t have a lot of quiet. (Bob and I have four children and five — soon to be — six grandchildren!)

Every time we go out on the river, I get a little nervous on the front end. Once we get started, the thing I appreciate most is the quiet and all the things you notice as you float down the river.

Lastly, I want to mention my friend, Bruce. Our church instituted a program in late 2019, where they assigned a deacon to a person who was unable to attend church. I was assigned to a gentleman in his seventies whose wife had passed away and due to some health problems was living in a nursing home. Even with the constraints of the COVID pandemic, we managed to stay in touch and develop a friendship that was meaningful to both of us. It turns out that Bruce was an avid photographer and skilled photo editor. Our shared passion for photography served as common ground for us. He became a mentor and teacher as I was devoting more time to photography. I ended up buying my first larger camera and lenses from him, and though Bruce has since passed away, he remains an important influence on my work.

You can view Ann’s photography, as well as textile art by her daughter, Lucie Branch, and many works by other talented artists and artisans at Weldon and Beyond Art Show, May 9-10, at the Weldon Mills Distillery, sponsored by Weldon In Action and the Halifax County Arts Council.