wilkes

Hiddenite Center Gallery to Feature Exhibit by Joseph Eck : �People, Places, and Pets� Drawings in Pencil, Pastel, and Charcoal

Born and raised in Reading, PA, Joseph Eck has had an interest in drawing since the young age of 8 years old. What began as a fascination with Sunday comic strips has blossomed into a finely honed set of skills. This newly discovered artist works primarily in pastel and has a keen mastery of portraiture and landscape.

Eck now finds his roots in Bethlehem, North Carolina and is exhibiting for the first time at The Hiddenite Center�s Lucas Mansion Gallery during the months of January and February 2012.

�We are so pleased to present these incredible works by a budding new artist in our community,� said Gallery Curator, Allison Houchins. �Part of our mission at the Hiddentie Center is to provide a forum for emerging artists , encouraging them to grow in their considerable talents. Joseph Eck possesses a real mastery of the pastel medium and we look forward to seeing many more great works from this new artist.�

With an emphasis on realism, Eck�s exhibit features detailed landscapes, incredibly life like portraits of celebrities ranging from The Beatles to Mae West, as well as touching portraits of family members and pets.

Entirely self taught, Eck has devoted countless hours to research, study, and development of his natural talent.

� I strive for perfection in every piece of art that I complete,� says artist Joseph Eck. �I get great enjoyment from the work that I create and I look forward to sharing it with the public during my exhibit at The Hiddenite Center.�

The public is invited to a �Meet the Artist� reception, which will be held at the Lucas Mansion on Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 3:00pm until 4:30pm. Light refreshments will be served and the artist will be on hand to discuss his work with visitors.

The Hiddenite Center�s Lucas Mansion Gallery is FREE and open to the public Tuesday � Friday from 10:00am until 4:30pm and on Saturday from 10:00am until 3:00pm. For more information about Hiddenite Center events and programs, visit www.hiddenitecenter.com , search �Friends of the Hiddenite Center� on facebook, or call (828) 632-6966.