I love it when good things happen to good people. With so much negativity in the world and with all of the sadness it is wonderful to be able to celebrate the good things. This post without a doubt belongs in my Noteworthy Women series.
My grade school friend, Beth Rich Brown, has had an amazing life. I loved being able to reconnect with her last year in person and when Chris and I went to Idaho in September we stopped into Blackwell Gallery. Beth currently manages and curates the art there and has really changed the look and feel of the gallery in the short time she has been there. We had a bit of time to catch up and it was wonderful to reconnect. Beth always looks fabulous and my hair is always wacky.
Notice those stunning photographs behind us? Those are the work of Beth. She has an amazing gift and captures the most amazing images through her camera lens. You can check out more of her work at her online website and store ThruBlueiis.
But what excites me most today is that Beth has been recognized for her photography in an amazing way. I don’t think she will mind that I am sharing her story with you. It is a pretty amazing story. In Beth’s own words from Facebook this is what has happened:
So excited to make this announcement! I have been invited to exhibit my photography at Photo Beijing 2017 as one of 1,000 international photographers. I have 18 photos that will be on display during the event and I will be sharing them with you one a day.
How did this happen? It’s such a great God story that I want to share it with those of you who are inclined to read more. My journey to my position as the manager/curator of the Blackwell Gallery on Sherman Avenue in Coeur d’Alene is the result of faithfully following God’s direction as he opened doors (and closed others). I started there last October and He has blessed my time there with relationships, opportunities to be creative and financial resources.
In June the President of the Photographic Art Society for the country of China, Yang Yuanxing, walked into my little gallery and walked straight to an exhibit of my photography. What ensued after an hour of visiting (fortunately he had an interpreter in his group) was an invitation to participate in this amazing international event. God thing … you bet!!
I have spent the last 2 months submitting photos and communicating with the Organizing Committee and am happy to have my invitation letter.
The story gets better … Yang had the resources of the organization to be able to “host” certain photographers and consequently they are paying for me to travel to Beijing and will host my hotel, meals and transfers.
I’ll start over the next 18 days by sharing the photos that I have been able to capture ThruBlueiis (through my blue eyes) and then will bring you along if you’d like and share the experience of China with you via photos.
My theme for my Photo Beijing exhibit is “Carry the Beautiful With You” inspired by one of my favorite authors … and one of my favorite quotes: “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
I think photography is a wonderful way that we have to help us capture a moment, a feeling, a memory … and carry it with us.
I have been following Beth’s adventure on Facebook as she has been in China celebrating her art. After some anxious moments pre-trip when her visa and passport were not delivered in time she continued to see God’s hand in the details and made it to the opening ceremony despite all of the snafus. God thing? You betcha.
I have so much admiration for Beth and love that she is getting this fabulous opportunity to share her work with others who may never had had the chance to view it. She even had the chance to have a private tour with the President of the Photographic Art Society for the country of China, Yang Yuanxing, What a dream she must be living right now.
Image from Beth Rich Brown’s Facebook page
What I love about Beth’s photography is how she pairs the most wonderful quotes with each of her brilliant offerings. She told me that during her quiet time as she looks at the images she is able to find the perfect quote, the perfect scripture, the perfect sentiment that pairs with the photographs. I love that, don’t you?
I really want my readers to check out Beth’s work but I will share just one of her images below so that you will get drawn in. I am tricky that way, you know.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Johm 1:5
Image by Beth Rich Brown at www.thrublueiis.com
Please join me in celebrating with my childhood friend, Beth Rich Brown, as she shares her life journey through her photography. I love the greeting cards she creates and know that this is just the beginning for her. You can follow along on her adventures by clicking on the following links below to connect with her on social media. You won’t be sorry.
And Beth, when you read this, know that I am so proud to call you friend and to reconnect with you. You are a true inspiration.
