Asheville fine art photographer finds two new homes in 2014

After shutting the doors to his River Arts District studio / gallery space at the end of 2013, it didn't take long for freelance photographer and fine artist David Simchock to find a new home to show his work. In fact, it didn't take him long to find two new homes, as he was quickly picked up by the Miya Gallery in Weaverville, and the Woolworth Walk in Downtown Asheville. Both locations now have a selection of Simchock's eclectic artwork, ranging from matted fine art prints, to large-format framed prints on canvas and on wood veneer. As is to be expected from the self-proclaimed nomadic photographer, his subject matter ranges from colorful scenes in and around Asheville and the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, to unique captures in exotic locales that many can only dream about visiting, such as Machu Picchu, the Sahara Desert and Easter Island. "In retrospect, as much as my space in the River Arts District was a great place to start after my move south to the Asheville area, my departure from the RAD was over-due," says Simchock. "With so much going on with commissioned photo assignments and conducting photo tours, both of which require me to be on the road, I felt that my space on Depot Street was holding me back from grander things for quite some time. Sure, the studio served as a fantastic venue to show and sell my artwork, and to network with clients and collectors, but the time had come to have the art sales managed by galleries or marketed via the David Simchock Fine Art website." And, it certainly didn't take long for David to find representation in the local area. Continues Simchock, "Since moving to Weaverville nearly two years ago, it was always my intention to approach the Miya Gallery about showing my work, but it wasn't until the Art In Autumn show in September that nudged me along and allowed me to introduce myself and my work to the gallery owners. As for the Woolworth Walk, I had been on the waiting list for at least 18 months, so it was only a matter of time before something opened up. I now have a nice 100 square-foot space downstairs. Needless to say, I am very grateful that these two opportunities opened up so quickly after leaving the RAD." As fate would have it, both gallery invitations were extended within a month of each other, and he was able to maintain perfect continuity on the local art scene. Anyone who has seen Simchock's work first-hand will tell you about his command of color and composition, not to mention his creative strengths in so many different areas. He certainly doesn't limit himself to mountain landscapes or florals, with each image seeming to tell a story about his travels, about the miracle of nature, or about his curiousity for life itself. To celebrate his arrival at Woolworth Walk, Simchock will be hosting a "meet and greet" reception at his downstairs space on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM. The event is free and is open to the public. On hand will be a vast collection of matted and framed prints. David will also be available to chat about his Vagabond Vistas Photo Tours schedule for the year, featuring intriguing trips to both Italy and Greece, with a couple of other multi-day adventures under consideration. About the Miya Gallery: The mountains of Western North Carolina have long provided a rich and fertile home for artists and artisans, both those born in the mountains and those drawn here to the lively arts scene of this area. The Miya Gallery, just ten minutes north of Asheville, draws on this superb heritage and is home to more than eighty of the finest artists and craftspeople around. Address: 20 N. Main Street, Weaverville, NC 28787 Phone: (828) 658 - 9655 Website: www.MiyaGallery.com Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10AM to 5PM About the Woolworth Walk: Woolworth Walk is a uniquely Asheville experience; a privately and locally owned gallery in the heart of downtown, located in a historic building and representing local artists almost exclusively. Woolworth Walk is dedicated to showcasing the wide diversity of mediums that Asheville's local artists are creating. Jewelry, Glass, Metal, Pottery, Fine Art, Photography, Apparel, Fiber, Wood - both Decorative and Functional Art Pieces that bring beauty to your world. Address: 25 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Phone: (828) 254 - 9234 Website: www.WoolworthWalk.com Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10AM to 6PM; Sunday 11AM to 5PM About David J. Simchock:  A native of New Jersey, David has lived and traveled overseas for many years and, since returning to the States in 2002, quickly established himself as a reputable freelance photographer, artist and educator. His images have been published in major publications around the world, and he has exhibited his work in numerous galleries and venues from New York City to Asheville. David's efforts have been awarded many prestigious accolades, while his life story and career have been covered in several publications and TV features.   David is also an educator, speaker and writer (and aspiring rock star). He enjoys being a stranger in a strange land and taking on new artistic challenges, whether abroad or nearer to his own back yard. He strives to bring a fresh approach to his craft, successfully capturing the mood of the moment, as well as, perhaps, an entire journey. David's fine art website: www.DavidSimchockFineArt.com