Several years ago I was looking to relocate my studio. I was drawn to a renovated warehouse in Lexington’s Distillery District where the natural light and 14 foot high ceilings provide an ideal location to create art. It is the perfect place to concentrate, and my artwork has flourished. I expanded on the complexity and layering qualities of my photo/mixed media works by adding paint, collage and organic materials to the compositions. With my desire to take the photograph to a different dimension I began creating sculptural artist books. The photograph begins in two dimensions and then opens into a three dimensional illustration. I have been rewarded with my artwork being accepted into regional galleries and juried exhibitions. In addition several universities have purchased my artwork.

I wanted to foster an awareness and appreciation of the visual arts in the community. There was enough space in the new studio to establish a gallery. Soon I was bored looking at just my own artwork. The space needed the stimulus of other artists. I asked other regional contemporary artists to exhibit their work and now my exhibits change monthly. Annually, I host an international juried art competition. A juror with a national reputation selects from artwork submitted by region, national and international artists. The selected artists compete for cash awards contributed by community sponsors.

The studio/gallery has become a place to conceive, collaborate and create art. Workshops are frequently offered by me and other exhibiting artists. It was fantastic when the Kentucky Women Photography Network provided the funding to bring international painter/photographer Holly Roberts and documentary photographer Sarah Hoskins to the studio/gallery for weekend workshops. The studio/gallery is a place that not only inspires me but has become a visual experience to share with the community.

Mary Rezny
MS Rezny Photography
Lexington, Ky.

Telephone: 859-252-4647
Email: mail@msrezny.com
Web: www.msrezny.com