A new photographer has launched a studio and gallery in Saluda and opens his first exhibit at the Saluda Historic Depot for the month of March. Chad Blotner will exhibit original adventure action sports photography, landscapes and cityscapes of Saluda. The exhibit will open with a reception on March 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the depot, 32 W. Main Street, Saluda, N.C.

“It’s an honor to have been asked to display my work in such a historic place,” says Chad. Chad has had a passion for adventure photography after taking a workshop in Wyoming three years ago. Having “a hankering” for the extreme and breathtaking sport of whitewater kayaking he has been photographing and meeting kayakers on the Green River in beautiful Saluda.

Visit chadblotnerphotography.zenfolio.com to see his gallery and his blog about the action shots he has taken.

The Green River is a well-known destination for whitewater kayakers in the southeast and luckily for Chad it’s pretty much in his backyard. It has a lot to offer from easy class I to class IV rapids for the adrenaline junkies. There are several large rapids on the upper Green but the most photogenic is Gorilla (flume).

When not in Saluda, Chad lives in Spartanburg, S.C. and is on the board of directors for the Spartanburg Photography Guild. Working as a full time electrical supervisor, Chad is gradually turning an exceptional passion for photography into a professional career with the opening of his studio and gallery at 78 E. Main Street, Saluda. He is also doing portraits and will take special requests. He can be reached at chadblotner@gmail.com.

Half of the proceeds from sales of Chad’s work will go toward the fundraising to purchase the Saluda Historic Depot. We welcome you to visit during the open reception and meet Chad and learn more about his breath-taking photographs.

If there is inclement weather, please contact Judy Ward at 828-674-5958 or judyward@charter.net or Cathy Jackson at 828-817-2876 or cathy@saludalifestyles.com for schedule updates.

–Submitted by Cathy Jackson