This Century Art Gallery's March 30, 2004 opening features a collection of photographs by Washington, DC photographer, Caroline Helou, and ceramic sculptures by Jennifer Van Dyke.

Entitled "Close Encounter", Helou's goal is to share her images and feelings with others. Her photographs are meditations on up-close portraits of natural things, such as flowers, trees, branches and even insects. Caroline Helou's show will continue through May 7th.

Caroline is vice president of the International Photographic Society (IPS) of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Her work gained recognition in many clubs and regional competitions and is held in both public and private collections. Caroline has been exhibited at the Glenview Arts Mansion and in juried group shows at the IMF, World Bank, Touchstone Gallery, the Rockville Arts Place and others.

In addition to Helou's photography, the downstairs gallery also will feature works by area ceramic artist, Jennifer Vandyke. Still life and portraiture will be the focus of This Century Art Gallery members works in the upstairs gallery.

Admission is free to This Century Art Gallery. A longtime affiliate and Partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the gallery is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and promoting high quality arts and crafts through regular exhibits of both visiting and member artists as well as providing educational and cultural enrichment through a variety of community outreach programs.