Spirit Gallery – New London’s art gallery and tattoo studio hybrid – presents “Creatures,” an exhibition of movie sculptures and artwork created by Hollywood creature sculptor, painter and character designer Jordu Schell. The collection will be displayed in Spirit’s main gallery beginning August 7.

A part of the television and film industry since 1987, Schell’s talent as a designer and sculptor is world-renowned with credits including lead characters designer for the 2009 blockbuster “Avatar,” conceptual creature designer for “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” “300” and “Aliens vs. Predator – Requiem” and sculptor for “Hellboy.” Schell currently serves as owner and head designer for Schell Sculpture Studio, a full-service sculpture and design facility – located in Sherman Oaks, Calif. specializing in creature and character design, props, prototypes for toys, special effects work and creature design classes.

The exhibit opening will mark the completion of Spirit Gallery’s week-long Schell creature building workshop, scheduled for August 2-6. For the workshop, Schell will give participants an overview of the basic principles and history of creature design, in addition to an ongoing demonstration of how to create a full-head sculpture. The Schell multi-day workshop is currently at capacity.

The “Creatures” artist’s reception will be held at Spirit Gallery, 207 Bank St., New London, Conn., on Saturday, August 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The show runs until September 7. Viewing hours are 12 - 8 p.m., Tuesday - Thursday, and 12 - 10 p.m., Friday - Saturday. For more information call (860)443-0484 or visit www.spiritgallerytattoo.com

ABOUT SPIRIT GALLERY:
Located at 207 Bank St. in downtown New London, Conn., Spirit Gallery is a tattoo studio and fine art gallery focused on custom tattoos that compliment the wearer's body and style. Spirit shows and sells works of local artists in its gallery and rotates shows every two to three months. A firm believer in community involvement, the studio supports and promotes a variety of events and causes including the American Red Cross, Wolf Conservation Center, Friday Nights in the District and the Festival of Trees auction. For more information, visit www.spiritgallerytattoo.com

ABOUT SCHELL SCULPTURE STUDIO:
Schell Sculpture Studio offers the finest creature and character design available anywhere. The studio has been providing concept art in the industry for over ten years, and owner and head designer Jordu Schell has been in the film and television industry since 1987. The studio specializes in creature and character design, props, prototypes for toys and model kits, general special effects work, and creature design classes. For more information, visit www.schellstudio.com