WEST CHICAGO – Swiss-born photographer Britta Renwick is exhibiting a photography spread featuring images from a sweeping vista of the Swiss Alps to a sweet bowl of strawberry ice cream.  Renwick’s “Switzerland, and Other Beautiful Things …” – a photography and hand-crafted jewelry exhibit – will be on display through Nov. 25 at Gallery 200, 200 Main St., West Chicago.

Surrounded by the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne growing up, Renwick was raised in a creative environment. Her passion for photography birthed after recieving a camera from her parents at the age of 5. 

With Renwick’s family still living in Switzerland, she and her husband and children visit her homeland each summer, spending four to five weeks immersed in the culture. During trips home, Renwick often finds the time to add to her photographic repetoire of Swiss shots.

Renwick works as an administrator for the Swiss Machine Tool Society, and often combines her photography with her job by using her images in marketing efforts, such as the society’s membership directory.

In her spare time she gives back to her childrens’ school district by volunteering her time as a crossing guard and lunch supervisor.

While looking for new creative ways to relieve stress, Renwick discovered jewelry-making – a medium she has added to her artistic endeavors.

“Photography is what I love, but I can’t go out on a rainy day and take pictures. That’s why photography and jewelry making are such a good combination,” she said in a news release.

Her own love of jewelry making lead Renwick to organize a series of jewelry making classes at Gallery 200 as part of a “girl’s-night-out” initiative. 

“Women don’t do enough for fun – we’re always busy. Let’s go out, have fun and wear our new jewelry creations out to dinner at a local business afterward,” she said in the release. 

Currently, three classes are offered: Bracelets will take place Nov. 9; Crimp Bead Necklaces Nov. 16; and Hoop Necklace Nov. 23. Classes are held at 7 p.m. Fridays and cost $20-$25. The fee includes all supplies. To register for a class, visit www.gallery200.org. 

There will be a free opening reception for Renwick from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2 at the gallery. Swiss chocolate, and other Swiss treats will be available for tasting.

Along with jewelry, additional photographic items available include cards, placemats, bookmarks and reusable tote bags.  There will also be poster prints available for purchase.

To view items for purchase and Renwick’s photography, visit www.brittasphotography.com.

About Gallery 200
Gallery 200 is a cultural initiative supported by the City of West Chicago and the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, and is one more reason West Chicago was named an Illinois Arts Friendly Community in 2007. For more information, including a complete list of current art classes, call (630) 293-9550 or visit www.gallery200.org.