A new medium of art will make its debut on February 25, 2010 at the Hibel Museum, featuring the creative expression of Wilkes Honors College student Michael Metzner. 

Michael’s photographic works depict a priceless collection of hand-painted fans from the museum’s rare treasures.  But the captivating element is how the artist photographer tells a story with each photo, involving a model and environmental accents that take the work to another dimension.  As Michael shares his vision: “I express the essence, and transcend it into the extraordinary”, surely the riveting results deliver on that statement.

The February 25 opening night “Vernissage” of the exhibit will include a Reception featuring artistic creations by Kelly’s Catering, along with world-renowned harpist Charlene Conner. A special dedication will be made to Edna Hibel in celebration of her 93rd birthday.  

This is the first time another artist has been invited to stage a one-man exhibition alongside Hibel’s Masterpieces. Metzner was born in New York, where he lived for thirteen years before relocating to Wellington, Florida five years ago.  Michael graduated high school from Wellington Christian School in 2008 and is currently pursuing degrees in both Biological Chemistry and Art at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College in Jupiter, Florida, and currently has an internship with The Scripps Research Institute

Michael has always been fascinated by the art of photography, but did not get his first camera until Christmas 2007. After spending one year learning about his new hobby, Michael began to take it seriously after he won the Home Grown Artist award in 2009 ArtiGras, a nationally recognized art show, and was featured on ABC as one of the artists selected for this amazing honor. Since then, Michael has continued to enjoy great success in photography. He was a finalist in the Nikon’s “College Photography Competition,” and saw one of his photographs published in the book, Best of College Photography 2009, printed in June 2009. He is currently working on a project called, “Perceptions of Beauty,” which explores the many different points of view that exist on what constitutes “beauty”. In the spring of 2010, Michael will have a number of his photographs displayed in a travelling art exhibit at Penn State University. His self-published magazine, MW, will be printed at some point during the summer of 2010 and will contain all of his work that relates to this conceptual project. Man of many talents, he is also an accomplished pianist.

The exhibit will be displayed from February 25 through until March 6, 2010. The “Vernissage” opening night reception will be held February 25 from 6:30-8:30 pm at The Hibel Museum, located in Abacoa, Jupiter.  It is tucked back on the corner of University and Main Street on the Florida Atlantic University John D. MacArthur campus. Valet parking will be available.  Admission is complimentary, but proceeds from sales will go to Art Scholarships for underprivileged children. The Hibel Museum of Art (a non-profit 501c3, surviving solely on donations from the public) greatly appreciates all donations. Please RSVP by February 18 to 561-622-5560.