Artist Bettie Ringma was 28 years old when she left Holland and arrived in the States. She met fellow artist, curator, and writer Marc H. Miller, and the duo developed a working relationship that found them moving to New York City in the late 1970s and rubbing elbows with East Village luminaries like Patti Smith, Richard Hell, and Debbie Harry.
A record of their time together has been collected in what David Owen, co-founder of London vintage booksellers IDEA Books Ltd, has described as a “Superbook” — a unique work of “cultural significance.” Bettie Visits CBGB contains a group of photos featuring Bettie with CBGB legends and other icons, presented in a folded leather wallet. The work is the subject of a 30-minute episode on Radio Wolfgang, hosted by Owen, featuring interviews with Ringma, Miller, Punk magazine founder John Holmstrom, photographer Roberta Bayley (the door person at CBGB), and more.
Miller, who runs the online exhibition space and shop Gallery 98, offered a closer look at the photos, featured in our gallery.
Patti SmithMarc H. Miller and Bettie Ringma, courtesy of 98 Bowery
Debbie HarryMarc H. Miller and Bettie Ringma, courtesy of 98 Bowery
Nancy Spungen & Sable StarrMarc H. Miller and Bettie Ringma, courtesy of 98 Bowery
Talking HeadsMarc H. Miller and Bettie Ringma, courtesy of 98 Bowery
Richard Hell & The VoidoidsMarc H. Miller and Bettie Ringma, courtesy of 98 Bowery
The RamonesMarc H. Miller and Bettie Ringma, courtesy of 98 Bowery
The Dead BoysMarc H. Miller and Bettie Ringma, courtesy of 98 Bowery
The DictatorsMarc H. Miller and Bettie Ringma, courtesy of 98 Bowery
Rat ScabiesMarc H. Miller and Bettie Ringma, courtesy of 98 Bowery
Lance LoudMarc H. Miller and Bettie Ringma, courtesy of 98 Bowery
Marc H. Miller and Bettie Ringma, courtesy of 98 Bowery