Artist Kat Block Exhibits at Watchung Arts Center

The Watchung Arts Center is pleased to announce an exhibition of paintings by artist, Kat Block. This show entitles “Eternal Spring” will be on displays in the Center’s Lower Gallery during the month of June. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, June 5 from noon to 4 PM. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.

Kat Block is particularly inspired by spring landscapes which she photographs, and the flowers of spring which she paints from still lifes. Because of the ephemeral nature of her subjects, she is forced to work with urgency, enthusiasm and passion. The landscapes are mixed media collages which combine patterned papers that are rearranged to appear natural, watercolors, photography and graphite. These same elements are the components of her mandalas. Despite the diversity of materials, her work is so meticulously designed that it reads as inevitable. Her watercolors are based on still life; however, she enhances the compositions by extending the image out to all edges of the picture plane. The resulting paintings are simultaneously real and surreal. Her compositions are complete. In spite of its complexity, her artwork is comforting to behold, and yet, at each viewing there is something new to notice.

After graduating Summa Cum Laude from college with a degree in English Literature/Creative Writing, Kat Block attended the Visual Art Center of New Jersey. Within one year, she was selling her artwork, and never looked back. Eventually, she was invited to join the faculty there. She also attended the duCret School of Art, where she currently teaches as well.

In addition to creating and teaching art, Kat is the published illustrator of a childrens book, and has designed posters for the Union County Jazzfests. She has taught workshops throughout the region and has juried several art shows. She has won numerous awards. Additionally, her work was featured in the 2010 release, "Remember Me", starring Pierce Brosnan and Robert Pattinson.

The Watchung Arts Center is located on the circle at 18 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ. The Gallery is open Tues.-Fri. noon-5pm and Sat. 10:00am-3:00pm. For more information go to watchungarts.org or call 908 753 0190.

Photo Captions: 1) For the Lover of Sunflowers 2) Awakened Poppies