Exhibit Featuring Works of Strauss, Hock, Opening at Workhouse Arts Center

Submitted News

Opening on June 1 and on exhibit until June 30, the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton will showcase an exhibition by artists, Kathy Strauss and Maria Bennett Hock. Their show, Weddings & Destinations celebrates brides, the wedding process and all of the sights & sounds a couple can see on their honeymoon. Maria’s traditional oil painting & Kathy’s photography integrate various antique techniques with modern digital methods. The result is a bright combination of artistic expressions that celebrate all of the happenings of a wedding.

Both artists will be on hand to talk about their work and the processes they used at the opening reception on June 8, 2013. It will be held from 6-9 p.m. in W16 in the Vulcan Gallery. The Workhouse Arts Center is located at 9601 Ox Rd. in Lorton. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri.: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m; Sun: 12-5 p.m.

The artists have created pieces that will stimulate conversations, spark imagination, and bring smiles to all who see their work. Kathy says, “Have you ever walked by a scene & what you see takes your breath away? You remember these images in your dreams, they might be clear, they might be small & slightly out of focus… but for some reason it sticks with you… you feel it’s energy… it makes you feel good. I try to capture this energy in each piece I create — allowing the viewer to feel.”

Kathy Strauss is the Creative Director and Partner at ImageWerks. Her work is informed by 30 years of experience as a designer, photographer, creative coach, artist, teacher, business owner and community volunteer. Her graphic design background gives her imagery a distinct clean style that electrifies each image with precision and harmony. In her pieces, she uses a digital technique called High Dynamic Range to exaggerate the linear aspects of the scene, invigorating just the right spark, to bring each image to life. She is an Associate Artist in Gallery 902 at the Workhouse Arts Center where she exhibits her work. She exhibits her work at festivals and other galleries throughout the Washington Metropolitan area and mid-Atlantic. Both her work and business have garnered numerous awards.

Maria Bennett Hock specializes in painting portraits that convey emotion. Along with commissions and gallery exhibits, Maria is an Associate Artist in Gallery 902 at the Workhouse Arts Center, and is also a member of the Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters of America, Springfield Art Guild, Torpedo Factory Art Center and volunteers as a docent at the Workhouse Art Center. Maria is also a Copyist at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. She has studied in Europe and Asia as well as throughout the United States. She has a Bachelors degree from George Mason University with a degree in Art and Visual Technology.

For more information about the artists or the Workhouse visit: www.workhousearts.org