From:            Ocee Arts Center

                        6290 Abbotts Br. Rd, Bldg 700, Johns Creek, GA 30097

Contact:          Dyanne Carpenter, Ex. Director
                       770-623-8448
                        Email: dcocee@bellsouth.net

                        Website: Oceeart.org

Event:             ‘Porcelain and Tulips’
                       Marissa Hudson & Tyler Francisco
                   An Exhibition of Original, Ceramic Fine Art

Show Dates:               March 28-May 2, 2008

Opening Reception:   March 29, 6:00-9:00 p.m

Location:       Ocee Arts Center
                       6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Bldg. 700
                        Johns Creek, GA 30097

MARCH 3, 2008: The combined pottery of two talented clay artists along with flower displays will be exhibited at the Ocee Arts Center, Opening Reception, March 29, Johns Creek.

Tyler Matthew Francisco is a traveler and artist. Tyler’s adolescence was divided between Greenfield, Indiana and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Studio Art with focus in Ceramics from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas in 2001. He worked professionally for only a short time before continuing his studies in France, Japan and the Czech Republic. He is a collector of life experiences and uses them in his art work. His work is earthy and organic reflecting the nature of clay itself and the natural beauty of Earth and its infinite adornments. He intends his pots to be a flowing extension of floral and geological forms. Tyler is also a certified Yoga instructor.    (Tyler teaches hand building at the Ocee Art Center.)

Marissa Hudson is a passionate potter who has always known that she wanted to be an artist. With her BFA degree in Ceramics from Georgia State University 2004, Marissa has been working with clay (throwing, trimming, carving, reforming, glazing and firing). “The process of making functional pots on the wheel is something that challenges, delights, frustrates and completes me,” Hudson said. She currently works in porcelain and stoneware at high-fire temperatures. Her goal is to make ceramic objects that are functional and beautiful, graceful and feminine. She believes in beautiful objects for daily use that touch our lives and become a part of our daily rituals. (Marissa teaches wheel classes at the Ocee Art Center).

The Ocee Arts Center, a not-for-profit corporation, was established in 1996 and has evolved into a premier art center offering the largest class/camp and workshop programs in Northeast Fulton, S. Forsyth and West Gwinnett. The Center’s mission is to inspire artistic development for youth and adults by embracing community and corporate relationships that stimulate creative growth and opportunity. www.OceeArts.org