The Runnels Gallery is proud to present work from photographer Stephanie DeFranco in its current exhibition. Artist’s Statement: I remember walking into Barnes and Noble looking for something to read during an upcoming trip. Browsing the sale racks one particular book stood out to me; I choose it because it was small enough to fit into my purse and looked like a simple read. Little did I know, this book would soon spark a passion in me that I never knew I had. Marie, Dancing written by Carolyn Meyer tells the story of a young poverty stricken girl whose only passion is dance. In the story, Marie encounters Edgar Degas who develops a fascination with her after he sees her in the dance studio. She was not like any of the other dancer; he asked her to model for him. From this, the sculpture Little Dancer Age Fourteen was created and so was my fascination with the story and subject matter. Marie and Edgar’s story has inspired my photographic work.
