© 2024 WMKY
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Kentucky Arts Council May Spotlight: Photographer Mary S. Rezny

www.msrezny.com

Kentucky photographer Mary S. Rezny of Lexington, has been selected as the Kentucky Arts Council's Featured Artist for May.

Rezny, whose studio is in Lexington's Distillery District, is a photo-based mixed media artist. Inspired by nature and gardens, Rezny adds paint, collage and organic materials to her work, creating three-dimensional illustrations. Her work has also evolved to include the creation of sculptural artist books. Rezny's studio doubles as a gallery for regional, national and international artists.

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," comments Rezny.

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," adds Rezny.

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," says Rezny.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Paul Hitchcock earned his Masters in Communications from Morehead State University and Bachelors in Radio-TV/Psychology from Georgetown College. A veteran broadcaster for more than 40 years and an avid fan of blues, jazz and American roots music. Hitchcock has been with WMKY since 1986 and was named General Manager in 2003. He currently hosts "Muddy Bottom Blues" (Fri., 8pm-9pm), "Nothin' But The Blues" (Sat., 8pm-12am), "Sunday Night Jazz Showcase" and "Live From The Jazz Lounge" (Sun., 8pm-9pm) and "The Golden Age of Radio" (Sun., 2pm-3pm). He also serves as producer for "A Time For Tales" and "The Reader's Notebook."
Related Content