Merchent’s vision for this project came to her after seeing a photo by Joe McNally, of a ballerina in surroundings that were a strong contrast to her delicacy and beauty. She thought ballerinas juxtaposed against a golf course would be a beautiful setting for a photography project, but also provide a platform to bring attention to involvement in junior athletics.
“In the world of sports, the PGA and other organizations are always trying to find new ways to get young people interested sports. If a young man or woman looks at these images, I hope it will inspire them to get involved in golf or ballet,” Merchent said.
The project came to life as Merchent lined up local young athletes from the Ballerinas Academy of Dance, the Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and the Noblesville golf team. She took inspiration from the 21,000 images of the golf team she captured last spring as the team’s photographer. Merchent even had a secret Pinterest board of ‘bad ballet’ photography that inspired her on what not to do. Soon enough, her vision and story developed over time, and the project took on a life of its own.
The “Ballerinas on the Green” event is free and open to the public. All of the artwork will be available for purchase. “Ballerinas on the Green” will remain on display and available for purchase to the public from January 13 to February 17 at Purgatory Golf Club. The evening will be filled with attendees dressed up according to the theme, Gowns and Golf, light food and a cash bar. The golfers and ballerinas will be presented at 7:15 and available for photos and autographs.
Upon the opening of the show, Merchent hopes this is only the beginning of “Ballerinas on the Green.”
“I plan to approach galleries, and other places that display fine art photography. Publishing this project as a book may be in the future as well. I will also plan to take this to New York in the fall for portfolio reviews,” says Merchent.
Merchent has an eclectic background that influences her art and photography. She has a degree in economics and comes from a corporate background. However, her talent and passion for storytelling, art and photography has never let up. Being a co-owner of Purgatory, which is run by a management company, has allowed her to combine her love for golf and the arts. At Purgatory, 98% of the photography used comes from Merchent. She is also the motivation behind the new 11-foot tall sculpture behind the first tee.
Merchent has taken numerous classes, been mentored and received private tutoring from several respected photographers in the industry. She was recently accepted to The School of Visual Arts in New York, one of the top photography schools in the world.
Learn more about “Ballerinas on the Green” at http://www.christinemerchentart.com/ballerinas-on-the-green.
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