Witchy Women

Laurel Hausler has been working her magic on Russian nesting dolls by transforming them into witches with paint, pen, torn paper, and twine.

Laurel Hausler, “Russian Witch Dolls 2”, 2009, mixed media

The little works of art in Laurel’s solo exhibition “A History of Dogs and Witches” last fall cast a spell on many who came into their midst, and she was commissioned to create a second set. Each doll takes on the persona of an unconventionally witchy figure with enchanting attributes.

Laurel Hausler, “Russian Witch Dolls 2” (Doll 1)


Laurel Hausler, “Russian Witch Dolls 2” (Doll 3 - side view)

Laurel Hausler, “Russian Witch Dolls 2” (Doll 5)

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about Laurel Hausler’s work.

Don't Miss "A History of Dogs and Witches"

You’ve probably already hung up your brooms until next year, but it is not too late to see Laurel Hausler’s solo exhibition “A History of Dogs and Witches”.

Laurel Hausler, “Witch Hunt”, 2008, mixed media on paper, 18” x 18”

The show will be up through this Sunday, November 9th.

Inside the Phelps House

Take a peak inside Laurel Hausler’s “Phelps House”. Laurel’s house was inspired by paranormal activities that took place in a mansion in Stratford, CT beginning in the 1850s. To read about some of the incidents that took place in the mansion click here or here.

“Phelps House” is part of Laurel Hausler’s solo exhibition “A History of Dogs and Witches” on view through November 9th.

Happy Halloween!

In the Press: “A History of Dogs and Witches”

The press responds to Laurel Hausler's solo exhibition “A History of Dogs and Witches”.

Laurel being interviewed by Sasha Wilson for the Georgetown Hoya

Click here to read Lynne Venart’s interview with Laurel Hausler for the DCist.

Click here to read Sasha Wilson’s article in The Hoya.

Click here to read a review on Washington Post Express online.

"A History of Dogs and Witches" will be on view through November 9th.

“A History of Dogs and Witches” Charms at the Opening Reception

Last week we celebrated the opening of Laurel Hausler’s solo exhibition “A History of Dogs and Witches” and wanted to share some pictures from the party.

Laurel Hausler, Alice Poole and Adam Jaroszynski with "The Moors"

Guests taking a peak inside "The Phelps House" (more on this later)

The scene from above

The scene from outside

Congratulations to Laurel on this mysterious, haunting and charming new series. “A History of Dogs and Witches” will be on view in the gallery through November 9th.

Photos courtesy of Laura Kuah (I hope to put all of our reception pictures on Flickr in the near future)

Dogs, Witches, and Purple Cats...Oh My!

Thank you to everyone who came out yesterday afternoon for the Haunted Open House in support of the Washington Animal Rescue League. Laurel Hausler’s “A History of Dogs and Witches” was the perfect backdrop to celebrate Halloween and our furry friends for a great cause.

Laurel Hausler, The Party, 2008, mixed media on board, 36" x 44"

Nevin Kelly, Dr. Gary Weitzman (Executive Director of WARL), and Laurel Hausler

Two-legged and four-legged art lovers came out to support WARL

Boone sporting his witch costume…that lasted for about five seconds

Purple sugar cats

WARL has many wonderful animals up for adoption. Please visit their Web site for more information on adopting a pet or for other ways to support the organization.

Laurel Hausler’s “A History of Dogs and Witches” will be up through November 9th.

Laurel Hausler’s “A History of Dogs and Witches” Opens Next Week

Laurel Hausler has been working around the clock in her studio in the old Lorton Prison in preparation for her upcoming solo exhibition “A History of Dogs and Witches”. The show will feature paintings, ink and watercolor drawings, sculpture, and other mixed media compositions.

Laurel Hausler in her studio working on paintings for the show

Laurel Hausler’s “A History of Dogs and Witches” is a pastiche of beloved works of literature, movies, admired artists, observations from everyday life and strange nuances in history. Her fanciful witches—partially inspired by Quentin Blake's illustration for Roald Dahl's book The Witches—wear 1940's suit-coats and hats with veils.

“The Moors”, 2008, gouache, pen, ink and pencil on paper, 12" x 12"

Hausler’s characters live in a world of dark ambiguity. Her paintings often appear haunting at first, but her message is typically more poignant and cheeky than macabre. Guided by her choice of medium, Hausler explains that her characters often push forth their own stories—a phenomenon she describes as “mysterious.” Alternately erudite, evil and beautiful, the works contain elements of narrative, fashion, history and theater.

“Family”, 2008, gouache, ink and pencil on paper, 10" x 8"

This is just a sneak peak! “A History of Dogs and Witches” will be on view from October 15 through November 9, 2008. The Opening Reception will be held Thursday, October 16 from 6 to 9 pm.

For art and animal lovers, we will also host a Haunted Open House to benefit the Washington Animal Rescue League on Saturday, October 18 from 3 to 6 pm. We will be collecting a $10 donation to WARL at the door; additionally 10% of sales made during the open house will be donated to WARL. Costumes are encouraged!

In addition to the special event benefiting WARL, Laurel will be donating 10% of all sales (outside of WARL event) to Miriam's Kitchen.