Color of Koi at Millbrook School

MILLBROOK — The Hamilton Science Center Gallery at Millbrook School was the site of a reception for the opening of The Color of Koi, a collection of fine art prints from Millbrook’s Philip Balshi. It was hosted by Balshi and his wife, Pamela Scott. 

The Saturday, Sept. 15, reception was a celebration of color, of fluid motion caught in a moment and of sheer artistry from the celebrated photographer.

The collection was born when New York Times best-selling author Maxine Paetro asked Balshi to photograph a collection of her Koi ponds. Balshi not only photographed the collection, he fell in love with the beauty of the Koi. These delightful fish are the national fish of Japan, and highly regarded by both the Japanese and Chinese cultures, often called “living jewels.”

The fragility, the form of the Koi, the light and the treatment of the photographs, resemble watercolors. Some are reminiscent of oil paintings, but with a luminosity that Balshi has captured in photographs.

The 16 limited edition prints are giclee prints and have names such as Kimono, Flight School, Wave Runner and Scarlet Night. The names pique the interest; the renderings hold one’s attention.

Balshi studied at Harvard, majoring in visual and environmental studies. It was there that his interest in photography began, and where he learned the fine art of photography. He moved to New York following college and worked for 20 years as creative director of advertising agencies. He won many awards for advertising campaigns for Fortune 500 companies. He now lives in Millbrook and finds the beauty of the surrounding area inspiration for his photographer’s eye, imagination and artistry. 

The prints will be on view through Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Millbrook School. They are for sale, with or without frames.

For more information, go to www.phibalshi.com or contact Balshi at 917-488-8634 or phil@philbalsi.com.