“Higher Realms,” by Mary Ellen Mogee, acrylic and mixed media on canvas. Photo Contributed
Great Falls artist Mary Ellen Mogee is exhibiting paintings at Katie’s Coffee House in Great Falls, from Friday, Feb. 1, to Friday, March 1, 2013. The abstract paintings in the exhibit, titled “Bright and Cheerful,” have high light, color and energy. The artist selected them to provide a Bright and Cheerful atmosphere for the customers of Katie’s Coffee House as they get their morning coffee and start their day. Katie’s Coffee House is located at 760 Walker Road in Great Falls.
Mary Ellen Mogee is a contemporary abstract painter working in acrylic and mixed media who works in the AHH! (Art Happens Here!) Studio in Great Falls. A native of Illinois, Mogee moved to the Washington, D.C., area to pursue graduate degrees in policy analysis. After working more than 30 years in that field, she took up painting, fell in love with it, and retired early to follow her new passion. She regards herself as an explorer of color. Her chief joy is to apply color to achieve novel visual effects. Her paintings address levels of existence and meaning, and flows of energy. They evoke feelings ranging from unrestrained joy and childlike playfulness, to a calm sense of mystery. She has had several solo shows and participated in juried group exhibits. Her works have been featured in national and local publications and are in private collections across the United States. More work may be seen online at www.maryellenmogee.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/maryellenmogeeart. She has taken classes with local artists, including Jennifer Schoechle, Brenda Belfield, Kurt Schwartz, Marsha Staiger, John Blee, and Marise Riddell. She is a Workhouse associate at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, as well as a member of Great Falls Studios, the League of Reston Artists, and the Art League in Alexandria. Contact Mary Ellen at 703-785-5784 or MyArtandSoul@gmail.com.