'Censored' Art Show in Multiple Local Galleries Includes Art from JR Harke Photography, Inc.

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 6, 2010) JR Harke Photography, Inc., is participating with other fine art photographers from the Washington, D.C. area in a special exhibit called “Censored.” The exhibit opened Saturday evening, March 13, at three galleries including the artDC Gallery located at 5710 Baltimore Avenue in Hyattsville, Maryland, the Cheryl Edwards studio located at 4103-4105 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, Maryland, and the Design Studio Art Gallery

located at 5702 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, Maryland.

The show’s curator, Renee ‘Azcra’ Woodward said, “Eroticism has been an important part of art throughout history and has made a significant impact on many major European art movements. Here in the United States, erotic art has often been considered taboo resulting in censored exhibits. But thanks to MOCA DC in Washington and the annual Erotic Arts Festival in Seattle, we have good reason to celebrate the breakdown of traditional barriers in this country.

“Our intention is to poke fun at the long-running practice of moral and social censorship of art by covering any visible genitalia in each work of art with ‘post-it’ notes. Of course, we will encourage visitors to take a sneak peek at what’s going on underneath the notes.”

Commenting on the exhibit, Harke said, "Thanks to the work of Dave Quammen at MOCA DC Art Gallery in Georgetown, the month of March has come to be known for the presentation of erotic art in Washington, D.C. With several other galleries joining forces, I'm hopeful that one day we will be able to hold an erotic arts festival on the level of the Seattle Erotic Arts Festival. As a corporate sponsor of that event, I'll be joining Renee 'Azcra' Woodward, in Seattle this year. Her work will be on exhibit there and I will be looking to develop a strong and productive relationship with the SEAF staff.

"Earlier this month, MOCA DC held an outstanding opening reception for the March Erotic Arts Show. As a corporate sponsor of that event, my company brought in Kitty Victorian from Chicago to both perform and emcee a special amateur burlesque contest. The gallery was packed with people and I believe this was the best reception we've ever held there!"

The artists whose work is on exhibit in the CENSORED show were chosen for their outstanding work in capturing fine art including both the nude figure and erotica. All of the art shown in the CENSORED show is for sale and, of course, we encourage visitors to come see the work and take pieces home with them.”

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