Jim Ballard, Ben Russell

press release: Through the talents of two area photographers, Jim Ballard and Ben Russell, you can look at the mysteries beneath your feet as well as the Driftless Area beauty all around you, starting with a show that opens the first weekend of April at Longbranch Gallery in Mineral Point.

Ballard, long-time Dodgeville resident, is presenting a fascinating collection of large photos of calligraphic markings on city streets, mysterious to passersby, but well known to tradesmen. They are abstract, colorful, and amazing graphic designs, caught by a photographer who happened to look down one day and grabbed his camera. The exhibit is called “Look Down,” and Ballard has produced a book of the same name, with photos.

Russell, from Mineral Point,  is the kind of photographer who gets up and goes out with his camera before dawn to catch the first glints of awakening sun on filigrees of spider webs strung across branches and twigs. He sees things in ways many of us rarely see them. Ben has an eye for capturing nature’s beauty, whether sweeping vistas across fields and woodlands, still life, animal life, or unique close up images that will make you wonder. And he’s not above a few delightful shots of his favorite cats at their funniest.. 

During a weekend highlighting the arts at Lonbranch Gallery, exhibits by both Ballard and Russell open on Friday, April 5, from 10 am till 9 pm. Saturday starting  at 10 am with refreshments from 5:pm until 9:pm with the artists, and Sunday from 10 am until 3 pm. The Gallery also features a diverse selection of rustic, folk, and fine art from many artists from the Tri-states and beyond. More info at LongbranchGallery.com