After four and a half years, SKY Art Gallery and Photo Studio has closed its doors on Magnolia Drive in Aberdeen.

Owner/photographer John Gessner, plans to reopen as SKY Media, in a new location, this fall. The new location for SKY Media has not been finalized.

"We're considering several options at this point," Gessner says.

Meanwhile, Gessner said he will continue to shoot on location and using another local photo studio when needed.

The gallery opened in 2004 and was the host to many art shows, with opening receptions on the first weekend of each month. Local and regional artists were showcased and a wide variety of art styles and genres were available.

As a result of the popularity of these opening receptions and the quality of the artists represented, SKY was voted the "Best Art Gallery in Moore County" three years in a row in the Pilot's Readers Choice Awards. Art shows can be viewed at www.skyartgallery. com.

"The art gallery was a lot of fun," Gessner says. "We enjoyed the openings and meeting so many wonderful people and talented artists. But for me, the greatest benefit came from the exposure my own photography and videography got from being here. While the art business has remained steady, the demands for my time shooting video and still photos have rocketed."

Needing a larger space in which to meet those demands, Gessner said he plans to relocate and to focus his full attention on all aspects of visual media.

SKY Media will be home to Gessner Photography and will offer a wide range of photography, including commercial, portrait, and event photos, as well as videography, graphic arts, and public relations.

Last April, Gessner's film series, "Persistance of Vision" was featured by the Visual Art Exchange in Raleigh.

One of his photos was selected as the Photo of the Week by world-renowned photo company, Calumet. This led to Gessner being noticed on a national level and many clients from around the country, being drawn to Gessner's Web site, have added to his local clientele. His photos will soon be published in a book by Vicky Ann Moon.

Gessner said he also donates his services to several local organizations, including the Sunrise Theatre, Episcopal Day School and the Rooster's Wife. Samples of these videos can be viewed at www.wishingstone-films.com

Anyone wanting more information on the future of SKY Media can call 638-1687 or check the Web site at www.johngessner.com.