She has studied art at Hollins University, Prague and in New York City. As she has traveled, di Franko has used her camera to reflect human experiences far different from the world of rural Virginia. She has won several awards for her photography, which has been exhibited nationally internationally and featured in various publications. di Franko is the owner of Gala Studios – Mexoteca.
There are photos of both familiar scenes and unusual locations that hint at shared experiences across many cultures, along with a striking photocollage of a labyrinth-like tannery that spills across a stretch of red leather. Normally di Franko makes only one print of a photographic image, but in The Bridge, she repeats a single image and reprints it in several tones, each with its own distinctive characteristics.
this exhibit also includes works in gold leaf, drawn images, paint and other materials to explore dreams, symbols and ideas celebrating the artist’s life force and revealing her inner self. They are accompanied by an original written piece. Other aspects of the show include several creative three-dimensional constructions-three dimensional sculptures which incorporate fiber and found objects, reflecting some of her other interests (needlework, heritage, and memory pieces).
The Bridge exhibit will be at the gallery through August 20. Admission to the center is free and it is open from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday.
