As excerpted from Fine Art Magazine "Bellazine"

Wow! Where do you start? An art gallery, a fashion design salon, a recording studio the list is endless. I'd have to say that I have never come across anything like this. Located in the heart of Chicago directed by the creative duo Derek and Veronika who are turning the way we think of an art gallery on it's head.  If there ever was a couple like this I sure can't find them. They are the true definition of the renaissance man or woman or couple. I met Derek and Veronika while  shooting Veronika for this  story who, by the way, just happens to be a well known fine art model. She truly is the definition of grace and beauty and a pleasure to work with.  I first came across the couple while visiting their web site. www.echogallery.org where there is so much information and great artwork  it makes your head spin. I couldn't believe that two people could travel so fast and do so much. But it¹s all there and I am so happy that I was able to become part of their life's journey even if only in a small way. The echo gallery is a 2400 sq. ft gallery which was designed by Derek and Veronika and  built from scratch. It reminds you of some of the forward thinking galleries found in Europe with a heavy Gothic feel. The couple literally did all the renovations themselves down to the plumbing work. It's just another example of the love and passion that Derek and Veronika have for everything they do.  I could go on for hours and endless pages of the accomplishments of the couple, but I don't feel I could come close to doing justice to the immense talent of the couple. When I think of it all it just makes my heart hit the floor wishing I had similar passion.
Bellazine will have 5 artists in the Echo gallery opening on the 28th of Sept. 2002 . The featured artist will be L.A. based Photographers Steve Diet Goedde and Thomas Smugala, German photographer Calvato, N.Y based photographer Michael Barkowitz and Brazilian photographer Luiz.  The artist will be presented at the Echo Gallery for 30 days. We hope to see you there. All of the artist mentioned are represented by Bellazine and their work can be viewed here along with links to their personal web sites.