An opening reception for photographer Billie Brodsky will be held on Friday, August 6, 2010 from 7-9 pm at the Wintergreen Arts Center.  The public is invited to celebrate her opening party and other First Friday Art Walk events held that evening.  Her work will be on display in the Barresi Financial Gallery at the Wintergreen Arts Center at 149 State Street in Presque Isle from August 6 through the August 31, 2010.  20% of all sales from this exhibit will be donated to the Wintergreen Arts Center.

Billie Brodsky looks at photography as a form of art and strives to use her camera as an artist uses the brush.  Her interest in photography dates back to the early 1970s and while her hopes to turn professional was always a goal, “Life” seemed to happen along the way but the camera has continually been a huge part of it. 

Still a devotee of the 35mm SLR film camera, she has not yet joined the age of digital cameras and remembers with great fondness working in the closet-turned-darkroom for hours into the night.   While living in Miami, Florida, she was a member of a local camera club, earned awards from the Florida Camera Club Council as well as recognition in the Miami Photographic Society.  She also participated in local art shows and was an exhibitor in “Photography Exposed”, the first exclusively photographic show held in South Miami as well as being featured in a photographic gallery in South Dade, Florida.  

Billie moved to Presque Isle in 2005 and operated The Silver Basket on Main Street with her daughter Kimberly Kennedy for three years.  She has embraced life in the County and has become very involved with the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, sitting on their Board as well as the Industrial Council Board and was one of the charter members of the Downtown Revitalization Committee.  She enjoys volunteering with other groups and projects throughout the year while reaping the rewards of successful events and new friends. 

Wintergreen Arts is hosting her opening reception as part of the First Friday Art Walk--which is a new cultural opportunity in downtown Presque Isle.   Downtown businesses and organizations invite visitors to take a self-guided stroll through the downtown and University galleries to hear live music, meet local authors and artists, and experience the heart of our community. First Friday Art Walk is designed to become an event where people can meet, unwind, and enjoy the arts on the first Friday of each month between 5-9 pm.   For more information visit the "First Friday Arts Walk" Facebook page or email Renee Felini at renee.felini@gmail.com.