The ROOT Studio and Gallery announces it’s

Grand Opening and Welcomes Photographer

Fritz Liedtke

You don’t have to suffer to be a poet;
adolescence is enough suffering for anyone

~John Ciardi

The ROOT Studio and Gallery, Bellingham’s new photography and new media gallery, announces their Grand Opening February 4th, 6-10pm during the Art Walk, at 19 Prospect Street, downtown Bellingham.

The gallery will present renowned photographer Fritz Liedtke’s collection “Quite Normal” during the Grand Opening and throughout the month of February.

“Quite Normal” explores and celebrates adolescence. Each pre-teen subject was allowed to write their own words directly on the print, capturing the image and thoughts of each. In Liedtke’s own words, “I was frequently struck by how creative and beautiful adolescent children are. This seemed all the more poignant since society often views pre-teens as annoying ‘pre-people’. I find the inventiveness, humor, and pathos expressed in their… words to be endlessly delightful.”

Fritz Liedtke has been showcased in galleries and universities from Seattle to New York and Switzerland. He has been featured in magazines, books, juried and art show. Liedtke lectures on photography in his hometown of Portland and publishes regularly on the subject of photography and creativity.

The ROOT Studio and Gallery features a new artist or group monthly with an opening during the downtown art walk. For more information or to propose a show, visit www.TheRootGallery.com.

The Grand Opening is free and open to the public and is part of the monthly Art Walk. Food and beverages available.

A big round of applause to all of our lovely collaborators.  Juntunen Gardens provided the wonderful stage and backdrop.  The grounds are absolutely breathtaking.  Thanks to Trish and Rachel with A New Leaf for providing the bouquets and headpieces.  Alicia’s Bridal and a Princess Bride contributed some of their best gowns and dresses for the shoot.  Leah and Anna of Tart Beauty did a phenomenal job with hair and makeup (per usual).  Thanks to Colleen of Creative Celebrations for orchestration on the grounds.  And a great big thanks to Alissa French, production manager extraordinaire.  The shoot was several months in planning, a full day of shooting, and much post production–every step of the process had her stamp on it.

Check Facebook as well for more pictures and tags for the models: Rebecca Boatman, Myrriah Train, Brianna Erchinger, and Alex Hoelzen.

Our shoot was staged at Juntunen Gardens which is an expansive formal gardens tucked away in the foothills between Bellingham and Seattle.  The grounds are absolutely breathtaking.  There is nothing else like it in the area.

Thanks to Trish and Rachel with A New Leaf for providing the bouquets and headpieces.  I asked them to shoot for the moon and create pieces that would show what they could do.  And they did! 

Alicia’s Bridal and a Princess Bride contributed some of their best gowns and dresses for the shoot.  Leah and Anna of Tart Beauty did a phenomenal job as usual.  Thanks to Colleen of Creative Celebrations for orchestration on the grounds.  And a great big thanks to Alissa French, production manager extraordinaire.  The shoot was several months in planning, a full day of shooting, and much post production–every step of the process had her stamp on it.

I’ll post a link to the NSCW edition and spreads next week.  Check Facebook as well for more pictures and tags for the models: Rebecca Boatman, Myrriah Train, Brianna Erchinger, and Alex Hoelzen