HOUSKA “HI-DEF” : phd gallery celebrates the high definition colors of painter Charles Houska January 10, 2009

HOUSKA “HI-DEF”

phd gallery celebrates the high definition colors of painter Charles Houska

Bold. Optimistic. Electric! The vibrating, pop-art palette of St. Louis artist Charles Houska will be on view in a solo exhibition of 22 brand new paintings at phd gallery. Houska’s collection of acrylic on canvas, original works will be on display and for purchase from January 10 to February 21, 2009. An opening night reception takes place Saturday, January 10, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event is free and the artist will attend.

Pop-artist Charles Houska (pronounced House-ka) has been a working artist for more than 15 years. His cheerful and whimsical style has been featured in murals at the St. Louis Zoo and adorns the entrance of St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Besides his acrylic-on-canvas paintings and murals, Houska’s ubiquitous imagery has appeared in a variety of forms, from credit cards to shower curtains to an Illinois license plate. Major corporations, including St. Louis Children's Hospital, Absolut Vodka, Emerson Electric Co., and Bergners Co., have commissioned Houska to create artwork for their specific needs.

Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Houska earned a bachelor's degree in art/visual communication from Illinois State University, and worked as a graphic designer in a design studio in Chicago before moving back to Springfield to work as an artist full-time. In 1998, he moved to St. Louis and opened his own gallery, “Houska St. Louis” which was a CWE favorite until 2005, when Houska closed the gallery to focus on painting his new series of paintings.

The artist stays active in the community devoting a significant portion of his time to charitable organizations especially those dealing with animals, such as PAWS, Stray Rescue, and The Humane Society. His favorite community project is what he has dubbed “Houskaballoo” in which he collaborates with children on mural projects in their schools.

Official Website: http://www.phdstl.com