The Unique Art Of Ellen Hoverkamp Comes to The MAC

Award Winning Photographer* Ellen Hoverkamp grew up in Milford and returns to join the Milford Arts Council (the MAC) at their Firehouse Gallery, November 15 - 18 with an exhibit reception on November 15 from 5:30-7pm. Hoverkamp will be on-site Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18 from noon to 4pm. Hear her story and learn about her journey on Sunday, November 18th 11am - 12pm. Only 25 seats available and $20 includes brunch and mimosas.

Her gorgeous work uses a flatbed scanner instead of a camera to create imagery combining plants and natural objects. Her art has been compared to Dutch Master painting and it explores the seasons, earth's bounty, and color in nature with amazing rich detail. Framed and unframed prints, note cards, lined silk scarves and more will be on display and available for purchase. This exhibit is not to be missed, as it will be a treasure-trove for the senses.

*Best Photography 2013: Association of Garden Communicators page (Formerly called, Garden Writers Association, hence, the GWA.)

Sculpture, painting, mosaics, floral design, botanical illustration and systems of symbolism associated with natural objects and flowers, inform and inspire Hoverkamp's work. Some of her images are allegorical narratives, others are meant as a group portraits or vignettes from nature and the day. She strives to bring attention and honor to the exquisite beauty of nature.

Hoverkamp explains, "I have used the flatbed scanner as a camera since 1997, preferring the dramatic, detailed, three-dimensionality of objects scanned in high resolution. I usually bring samples of nature to my studio for imaging but occasionally set up my equipment on location to work "straight from the garden. Items may be propped, weighted or in need of being suspended to rest gently on the glass. Making several slow passes of the scanner at low resolution. I experiment with and build the image composition, making scanner software adjustments. It usually takes an hour or two for this phase of the process. Then using Photoshop, I work to adjust color, tone and sharpness, digitally retouching lint, haze and pollen from the image."

The Milford Arts Council's freshly renovated Firehouse Gallery is located in Walnut Beach at 81 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford, CT. For more information: milfordarts.org or call 203.878.6647 (Tues-Fri 10am-5pm)