CONTRIBUTED

"Twenty-Five Squares," an art show featuring the photography of John Gessner, will open Saturday, Oct. 11, at SKY Art Gallery and Photo Studio.

An opening reception with refreshments will be held between 6 and 8 p.m. that evening. The event is free.

"It is only fitting that John Gessner's work will be featured in the first show to open since the announcement of the studio as the Best Art Gallery in the Pilot's 'Best of Moore' Reader's Choice Awards," says a spokesman.

As owner of the gallery, Gessner was thrilled to be recognized for the third year in a row.

"I hope everyone who voted for us and all our customers and clients will come out and celebrate with us this Saturday," he says. "We certainly wouldn't have made it this far without the support of the fine people here in Moore County."

Gessner's photography is powerful. He captures images in a way that is intensely unique. They fill the viewer with a deep sense of longing and understanding. Emotions range from yearning to recognition to pure joy.

Julieanne Kost, co-developer of Adobe Photoshop, has raved over Gessner's work, calling his infrared photos "stunning!"

"Twenty-Five Squares" represents Gessner's newest work. Using a square format, Gessner says he hopes to give viewers "a new way of looking at things in a format that is often overlooked."

Images will be shown unframed so that the focus is entirely upon the work itself. Photos are available framed or unframed.

SKY Art Gallery and Photo Studio is located at 602 Magnolia Drive in Aberdeen, directly behind Applebee's and across from Sears.

For more information, call 944-9440 or visit www.skyartgallery.com.