The following events and exhibits are open at the Workhouse Arts Center, which is located at 9601 Ox Road, Lorton. For more information, call 703-495-0001 or visit www.workhousearts.org.
Michele Norris will present INSECTA: collage and mixed media paintings, from May 5-June 6 in Building W-4. The exhibition will feature work from a series of abstract collage paintings inspired by the wonders of nature. The dynamic paintings are created using hand pulled prints, elaborate drawings on filmy thin papers, charcoal and paint.
Born and raised in rural New Hampshire, Norris began painting as a young child. She attended the University of New Hampshire and graduated with a B.A. in fine arts. Norris then completed advanced studies in graphic design. She realized success as an art director in the fashion industry and as a freelance designer. For the past 10 years, Norris has been painting commissioned work for private clients and participating in exhibitions. Her work is currently displayed with various collectors in Arizona, California, North Carolina, Virginia and New Hampshire.
Building W-5 Featured Artists. The exhibition entitled Positively Negative, will feature original relief prints by Norma Pfaff and scratchboard by Tuula Rissanen Ross. It will be on display in Building W-5 from April 28-May 30.
Pfaff’s interest in working on paper brought her to printmaking, and the process of creating a print has kept her working in this media.
Tuula Rissanen Ross’ great uncle, Juho Rissanen, is a renowned Finnish artist. Her father, Kauko, was a master woodcarver who carved more than 5,000 portraits in his lifetime, and her mother is a gifted fiber artist. Rissanen Ross grew up in a household full of art works that inspired her to draw and paint from an early age. She has an A.S. degree in illustration and has worked as a technical illustrator and freelance artist.
Building W-6 Featured Artist. Laura Markish’s goal as a mixed media artist is simply to continue to enjoy and explore the process. She strives each day to adorn her studio walls with new landscapes, fun abstracts and attention-grabbing "characters" from our surrounding community.
Building W-7 Featured Artist. The GlassHouse featured artist is Lisa St. Martin, a nationally known flamework artist and teacher. She is famous for her colorful and intricate flower and landscape beads, which she incorporates into pendants and necklaces.
Building W-8 Studio Exhibition. The Ceramics Building has a regular recurring group exhibit of Ceramic Resident Artists work.
Building W-10 Featured Artist. Suzanne Clifford-Clark’s art work will be on display from May 8-June 12. Inspired by antique works of art, Clifford-Clark found a way to produce that quality in her own works of art. Using the same materials and techniques that have been used for centuries, she creates present day works that refer to the past. Clifford-Clark is a noted equestrian artist with works being featured at the Lexington, Kentucky History Museum in a special exhibit A Salute to the World Equestrian Games, 2010 from April 19 to Nov. 1,
Associate Artist for the Month. Claudia Cappelle, will present her works in the exhibition From Nature in Building W-16. Exuberant and colorful, Cappelle’s abstract paintings celebrate her vision of seeing inward to express the spiritual essence imbued in nature. Her nature inspired work brings together spontaneous, expressive brush strokes, skimming the surface with calligraphic scribbles and areas of vibrant color. Her intention is an intuitive expression of nature’s qualities, not its imitation. Her work has been exhibited at the Studio Gallery in Washington, D.C., the White Canvas Gallery in Richmond, the Art League in Alexandria and in group shows throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.