John A. Schaffner, Friends of the Torpedo Factory Artist of the Year, to Exhibit in Target Gallery

Alexandria, VA - Friends of the Torpedo Factory Art Center will host the exhibition Wood Sculpture, from May 2 through June 15. This exhibition presents John A. Schaffner, Friends' 2002 Artist of the Year. Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery, selected Schaffner as recipient of the award. A reception will be held on Sunday, May 4, from 2-4 PM. The exhibition and reception are free of charge and open to the public.

The Friends of the Torpedo Factory Art Center hosts an annual competition among Torpedo Factory artists for the Artist of the Year Award. The recipient receives a cash award and a solo exhibition in Target Gallery to be held the following year. In 2002, Trapp chose the wood sculptor because he "found John Schaffner's sculptures impressive for their architectonic forms and clean lines. The smaller pieces have an imaginative conception that is refreshing." Trapp and Schaffner share a background in industrial design. Schaffner utilized his degree in Commercial Design during his 28-year employment with The May Company. This background continues to heavily influence his artwork, creating combinations of man-made designs and organic shapes. Schaffner says, "Using natural materials has a fascination for me in the way I can bend, shape, cut, and mold them into a form which is either natural or unnatural to its original means."

The Friends is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization created to promote, enhance, and preserve the unique aspects of the Torpedo Factory Art Center and its value to the community. Target Gallery is the national exhibit space of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, displaying artwork in all media from artists across the United States and abroad. Located on the ground floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Target is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 12 noon to 5 PM and other times by appointment.