NILES — Shelf Life Community Bookstore in Niles will host its first Meet the Artist from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 15. Featured will be South Bend artist and photographer Blu Phoenix.

Phoenix received her associate’s degree in visual communications with a concentration in photography from Ivy Tech in South Bend. Her award-winning photographs have been juried and exhibited regionally, nationally and in London. Her early work was influenced by the black and white art portraiture of photographer Tom Casalini of Zionsville, Indiana. 

One of Phoenix’s first narrative black and white fine art portraits, Martha Mae, is part of the permanent collection of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.

Phoenix is also trained as a Reiki Master and a certified crystal healer. She now photographs the phenomena of the physical world more frequently than the human countenance.

Several Blu Phoenix photographs are currently on display at Shelf Life and may be purchased prior to March 15 or at the Meet the Artist event.

Complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be served during the event.

Shelf Life is located at 223 N. Fourth St. in Niles. Street parking is available and a parking lot will be open at the corner of Fourth and Sycamore Streets.

No advance reservations are needed.

Shelf Life sells new and used books, DVDs, VHS tapes and CDs.  Books may be purchased during the March 15 event.  Also on display and for sale are paintings and wood burning art by Hal Mayer.