Rocky Woodling exhibition packs West Shore Gallery

March 14, 2011 - PRLog -- Wormleysburg, PA - A graphic artist at Rite Aid Corporation by day, Rocky Woodling is certainly a star at night - at least in his hometown. The artist's first solo exhibition opened Friday (March 11) to great fanfare at the West Shore Gallery, located at 100 South Front Street in this borough. At its peak, patrons could barely sneak a peak at the "SOLD" tags being posted.

The gallery had extended its "River Art" exhibition an additional month, overlapping the start of Rocky's show, but the majority of the turnout were Rocky's connections from his various recreational pursuits including rock climbing, stand up paddling and the blues. Free wine, beer and food were also provided.

"This was our best turnout yet", said co-owner Lawrence Knorr. "Just when you think the art community is non-existent around here, we get a response bigger than anything I've seen at any gallery within 50 miles. I thought for a moment we were in Chelsea on gallery night."

"I am really humbled by this --- totally blown away", said Rocky after the last patron had gone home.

Rocky's work is a mix of action poster designs, sketches and paintings of musicians and other ocean or beach-oriented scenes. The most popular piece was a collage of famous musicians including Johnny Cash, Robert Plant, Jim Morrison, Dimebag Darrell Abbott and many others. Woodling is also known for his unique frames, often carved with phrases and distressed with nicks, dents and paint stains. Often the pieces themselves are distressed, including burns, rips and stains.

"Some of his work looks like something you'd find in an alley, dropped by some angry mother chucking her teenage son's memories", said Knorr, "but it is unlike anything currently on the market. It definitely appeals to the under 35 set."

Going against the grain of other local art galleries, West Shore has been opening their exhibitions on 2nd Fridays. Another young local artist, Christopher Pajak, is scheduled to open on Friday May 13th in tandem with a book-signing appearance by local medium Michele Livingston.

Given the turnout, Rocky will likely be back next year.

"We'd love for him to open our 2012 season", said Knorr.

For more information about West Shore Gallery, please see:
http://www.westshoregallery.com

For more information about Rocky Woodling, please see:
http://www.rockywoodling.com

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West Shore Gallery, Inc., located in Wormleysburg, PA, is a fine art gallery and photography studio. The gallery carries original art work in all media. The photography studio specializes in wedding, portrait and commercial photography.