Here's some information about artist Michael Auger who will be exhibiting in the gallery through August.  Reception, Friday July 17th from 6-8 p.m.

Artist Statement:  
An offbeat assortment of characters are continuously filling my up the inside of my head. To prevent overcrowding, and possibly a messy explosion, I am fortunately able to allow them to spill from my pen and take life on paper. Some make it onto canvas and others are made digitally, but most are born with wild, swirling eyes that have a slightly disturbing quality.

They say there is a fine line between genius and the insane. If this is true my creations would probably do acrobatic tricks along this line. They like to be noticed and stared at and enjoy the limelight of the carnival freak-show that is my exhibits. But despite their not-quite-right qualities, they also have a whimsical, childlike charm.   

I was formally taught all about color and form and light. I am sure that this has a subconscious influence on me but I have always felt liberated to break the rules when compelled...  nay, possessed... Yes, perhaps I don’t create art, but rather I am art’s median. If so, then I am to blame for various angels, demons and other countless creatures escaping into existence, but I make no apologies for I believe the world is better off with a bit more silliness and magic.   

Artist Bio:
Michael Auger (last name pronounced: O-'zhA / rhymes with okay) was born in Maryland in the autumn of 1975. From a very early age he filled his bedroom walls with drawings and created picture books using the back sides of his father's government reports.

In school Auger quickly became known as the "class artist".  He contributed cartoons to his school's newspaper, literary magazine and other various clubs designing posters, t-shirts, and even an animated opening for the morning news broadcast. He graduated both elementary and high school with medals of recognition for excellence in art. Outside school Auger took additional art classes from a private tutor, Marion Osher, and also illustrated and self-published a children's book called Fish Tails that featured the collected poems of his sister, Jeanne Durso.

Auger attended the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio on a four year merit scholarship and graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Afterwards he returned to Maryland where he established his freelance graphic design and illustration business: Auger Artwork Studios

Auger has been employed as an Art Teacher, Graphic Designer, and an Art Director in addition to his freelance career, which has steadily grown and today is his full-time profession. In addition, Auger also actively creates offbeat paintings which have been exhibited at various events and galleries in the Washington DC area.