A former student’s recommendation led photographer Benita VanWinkle to the Carolina Theatre at Belk Place. But it’s her lifelong love of classic movie houses that has taken her much further.

VanWinkle, an associate professor of visual arts at High Point University, has been photographing movie theatres for 42 years – more than 900, in total. Her work will be featured in her book, America’s Hometown Movie Theatres: Please Remain Standing, coming in spring 2025. In fact, she was putting the final touches on her book when a former student told her about the renovation of the Carolina Theatre. She knew she had to include it.

“When I contacted the Foundation For The Carolinas, I was welcomed,” VanWinkle said about her June photo shoot. “I was able to make images of the construction that is being done to bring this incredible space back to life for the Charlotte area. Indeed, it is a showplace of astonishing inspiration, beauty, and most importantly, community spirit.”

VanWinkle started her project 42 years ago after she learned her hometown theatre – the Carib in Clearwater, Fla. – was being torn down. She had just photographed the inside two years earlier for a school project. That led her on a mission to document these classic movie houses as fast she could.

“I hear from many theatres how critical they are to their communities, bringing people together in a place that is for everyone and building up businesses around them,” VanWinkle said about the impact the renovation of the Carolina Theatre might have. “I am so honored that I was allowed to see the progress, and I can’t wait to photograph it again soon when it is unveiled to those who will be entertained, educated and enlightened in this inspiring and uplifting showplace.”

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