CENTREVILLE, MD – OCTOBER 27, 2014

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (CENTREVILLE, MD – OCTOBER 27, 2014) MEDIA CONTACT: AMY STEWARD (410) 829‐0436, [email protected] Vicco von Voss Featured in Urban Bungalow Exhibition in Washington, DC CENTREVILLE, MD—Wood sculptor, Vicco von Voss, will be included in the new exhibition, “Urban Bungalow,” on display at the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery in Washington, DC from October 31 – December 20, 2014. The exhibition explores how from the Arts and Crafts movement to Mid‐Century Modern to now, artists, architects, and designers have aspired to create living spaces where every element worked together as a harmonious whole — a balance of aesthetics, function, and social purpose. Curator Jennifer Lindsay has invited local artists to envision the gallery as a ‘home,’ transforming the space with contemporary, handmade furniture, glass, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and even skateboards and electric guitars. Artists, in addition to von Voss, include Shawn Arlauckas, Joseph Corcoran, Art Drauglis, Yoshi Fujii, Sylvia Gottwald, Matthew Hyleck, GretchenKlimoski, David Knopp, Tamara Laird, Laurel Lukaszewski, Peter Malinoski, Yoko Sekino‐Bovè, and Caleb Woodard. Urban Bungalow challenges our assumptions about the art we use and live with and where and how it is made. It initiates us into the privilege of experiencing exceptional objects, and promises to alter our quotidian routines into rituals we anticipate and cherish. All artwork will be available for sale during the exhibition, with proceeds supporting both the artists and Smith Center’s cancer‐care programs. This past year von Voss’s work has been featured in exhibitions at The Kohl Gallery at Washington College in Chestertown, MD, and at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD. von Voss was born in Kiel, Germany, where he was greatly influenced by both his grandfathers. One was a forester and woodcarver who inspired his deep love of nature, understanding of trees, and introduced him to the craft of woodworking. The other was an architect who worked in conjunction with Frank Lloyd Wright to re‐build structures in post‐war Hamburg. von Voss came to the United States as a teenager and eventually enrolled in Washington College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in art with a minor in chemistry in 1991. After graduating from college, Vicco completed a three‐year carpentry apprenticeship in Hamburg, back in his native Germany. He then returned to the Chestertown area and began making custom furniture from salvaged wood, trees blown over by storms or removed by landscaping and tree‐removal companies. The essence of Vicco’s work is in relationships: he feels a spiritual connection to trees, an understanding of the nature of wood, a collaborative partnership with clients, and a unique creative process with each piece. Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery will host a Curator & Artists’ Talk & Holiday Gift Sale Saturday, November 22, from 3:30‐5:30 p.m., followed by a festive reception will follow the talk with a holiday gift sale featuring handmade works, including jewelry, tea sets, skateboards and clothing. Urban Bungalow’s curator and recognized fiber artist, Jennifer Lindsay, will then lead hands‐on workshops, open to all levels. The workshops include “Introduction to Sashiko Embroidery: Embellish It!” on Saturday, December 6, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and “Introduction to Hand Spinning: Spin It!” on Wednesday, December 10, form 6 – 7:30 p.m. To register, visit smithcenter.org. The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery is located at 1632 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. For further information, visit www.smithcenter.org/gallery or [email protected] or call 202.483.8600. Gallery Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and by appointment. The gallery will be closed Thursday, November 27 through Saturday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Caption: Vicco von Voss Chair, Baltic Burch Plywood, Walnut Veneer, 2014, 22" x 20" x 42"