CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Julie Rohrdanz with her dog and one of her inspirations in her photography.

Local photographer and digital artist, Julie Rohrdanz, will showcase her work in a new exhibit titled “Amazing World – As I See It” at Marshalltown Community College in the Ray Frederick Gallery. The exhibit opens 9 a.m. on Oct. 8, and will be on display through noon on Oct. 31.

The exhibit’s title reflects the artist’s inspiration. “The world is an amazing place, so full of stories, beauty, and wonders,” said Rohrdanz. “Especially in night photographs, it became clear to me that so many people just miss the wonders that I was seeing. So many things look different when you can use a long exposure, the details reveal themselves.”

The exhibit is a culmination of years of work inspired by a desire to capture what the artist sees in the world, including the beauty in everything her own dogs do while adventuring and hiking.

The exhibit will feature a diverse range of photographic works, including night photographs, infrared, ultra-violet and full-spectrum photography, with a special emphasis on dog portraiture.

Many of the pieces will be available for license or purchase as prints. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the artist to discuss options.

Rohrdanz, who is self-taught, credits her late cousin, Clint, with sparking her passion for photography. This passion was further fueled by a quest to capture the moon and her own dogs, and share the wonders of the universe and everyday moments that are often unseen. Prior to pursuing photography as a profession, Rohrdanz had a background in science but always maintained a love for drawing and art. She honed her photography skills through small classes and online tutorials, learning how to apply what she discovered to her unique creative vision.

When asked about her biggest influences, Rohrdanz named two: Jessica Drossin and Travis Patenaude. Drossin, a painter-turned-photographer, is a major inspiration with her serene, painting-like portraits. Patenaude, known for his haunting portraits of Galgo dogs, has influenced her with his ability to convey deep emotion and support for a cause through simple, powerful images.

Rohrdanz, who formerly worked at the MCC Bookstore, is excited to return to the college. “MCC is filled with young people and welcomes the community,” she said. “I hope that my work will inspire those who see it while also starting conversations. Just as that spark caught fire for me, I would love for my work to start a student or visitor to consider their own creative path, whether hobby or career.”

Since 2018, Rohrdanz has owned and operated Hunting the Moon Creative Studios, a business specializing in dog portraiture. She is thrilled to share her work with the MCC community. “Art is better shared,” she said. “MCC is a fabulous community resource.”

The Ray Frederick Gallery is open weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information about the gallery, contact Tim Castle at Tim.Castle@iavalley.edu.