To celebrate Studio H’s second anniversary as the most hole-in-the-wall gallery on H Street, owner Phil Hutinet celebrated the run of not one, but two concurrent shows this past weekend.

Studio H itself is a wonderful space and a true find.  Climb up the stairs above a fitness center with no permanent sign, to find a bare bones studio where the emphasis is solely on the art.  The artist’s private studio upstairs (closed to the public, eee!) has the best view of the Capitol building I’ve seen.  The owners were there to welcome patrons, pour wine and answer questions.

With two shows running side by side, or room by room, rather, Studio H played host to an eclectic crowd.  The attendees sipped complimentary wine (which was not Two Buck Chuck–I love you TJ’s, but sometimes it’s too much) and peered intently at the pieces hanging on the wall.

Katherine Tzu-Lan Mann‘s Slurry show consisted of large and medium size mixed media pieces.  One of the most striking mixed media paintings was painted on both sides of transparent plastic, creating a mystifying layered effect (shown here in Prelude).  Her woodblock prints were also stunning.  The detail and attention to the simple colors became more and more apparent as the viewer concentrates on how she did that.  The pieces were inspired by nature and had running themes of braids, baskets, ribbons and rope.  Pieces start at $500.

Pam Rogers‘ Autumnal Equinox was also mixed media on paper.  Mostly watercolors with leaf and moth motifs, Rogers included some mysterious lines and creatures to spice things up a bit.  Sadly, since an unfortunate incident in which I became angry with some watercolors for not going where I wanted them to go! I have no good feelings about them.  So sad.  However, that doesn’t change the fact that Rogers art is excellent with pieces starting at $800.

Studio H usually shows about two to four shows a year, but you’re in luck: the opening reception for the next show, Amalgamations by Steven Pearson is this Friday, October 21.  The gallery shows first-run art, as in, buy while you can art.  Without normal business hours, the owners are committed to working with prospective buyers who wish to see the art.  Seeing this kind of first-run art in an unfinished space is an H Street experience.  Put the show on your calendar.