N.Y. The Elvis phenomenon and his personal life are the focus of exhibitions at two local galleries. The narrative, photographic series by Christian Brothers University behavioral sciences assistant professor Teri Mason and local photographer Judy Wimmer examines the extraordinary, undying devotion to Presley. The show opens tonight at Christian Brothers. An opening reception for that show also is tonight, at Jay Etkin Gallery. Mason and Wimmer interviewed and took photographs of fans during Elvis Week at Graceland in August 1999.
Some people have ecstatic experiences listening to grand opera or seeing a ballet.
It's a feeling they want to keep, and returning to Graceland and renewing friendships with other Elvis fans is one way to keep it fresh. Those interviewed were asked a range of questions on Presley's appeal and their visits to Memphis. They find him an interesting, charismatic figure. It's just an extraordinary experience. The stories include that of a Trevor O'Sullivan of Castlebar, Ireland, who awoke from his second kidney transplant to Elvis songs played for him by his family.