John Stewart Studios presents

Heartworks

FEB 10, 2007 AT 6:00PM TO 10:00PM

Hearts, the international symbol of love and understanding, is Februarys theme at John Stewart Studios in North Park. The show premiers during the monthly Ray at Night Artwalk: Saturday, February 10th, from 6 – 10 PM, and runs through March 3rd.

The symbol of the heart, with its inherent message, has brought together an eclectic group of artists featuring the owners of the studio and gallery, Connie and John Stewart McGaughy who, together with other San Diego artists, including Waters and Rose, T-Bone and Kaja Laustsen, will show hearts in a variety of mediums and interpretations.

The shape of the heart can be traced back to ancient Egypt where the symbol/letter "ab" bears a remarkable resemblance to today's hearts, and is translated as "heart souls", referring to the seven souls coming from a mothers heart. Later, in 7th century BC, the Greek city of Cyrene in north Africa (in today's Libya) minted coins with a heart on one side. The heart depicted Cyrene main export, the heart shaped seedpods from a now extinct giant fennel, silphium, used as spice as well as in medicine. In the middle ages the heart was often associated with love in the romances of "Courtly Love" and was in the same era incorporated into stained glass windows to symbolize the "Sacred Heart" of Jesus.

Hearts first became associated with Valentines day in Victorian England when the holiday became popular and the first Valentines day cards were exchanged. Join us, at John Stewart Studios, in the celebration of hearts and their long and colorful history. Maybe even find a unique and heartfelt gift of original art for a special Valentine. John Stewart Studios 3805 Ray Street San Diego, CA 92104 619-574-1135 johnstewart.rayatnightartwalk.com For information and map to Ray at Night: www.rayatnightartwalk.com

An exhibition of heart-inspired original art featuring works by:

• John Stewart McGaughy
• Connie McGaughy
• Kaja Laustsen
• T-Bone
• Franklin Bolster
• Waters & Rose
• Gustaf Rooth
• Benjamin Lavender
• Dillon Kerekes
• & other local artists

John Stewart Studios
3805 Ray Street
San Diego, CA 92104

For hours & Information, call 619-574-1135