“The Body Electric,” a retrospective of the art work of South Whidbey artist Ken Hassrick, will open Friday, Feb. 5 at the Rob Schouten Gallery in Greenbank as a fundraising exhibition to benefit the Whidbey Island Arts Council.

The public is invited to an opening reception Feb. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the gallery located at the Greenbank Farm. The reception is part of the farm’s monthly “First Friday” event.

Light refreshments will be served and attendees will enjoy live music .

“The female body has long been one of the classic subjects for artists, and is without a doubt one of the most complicated and ever variable,” said gallery owner Shouten. “Whidbey painter, Ken Hassrick (1921 to 2004) spent more than 30 years exploring this evocative subject. This retrospective of his work will feature figurative compositions that range from realism to abstract.”

Hassrick developed a distinctive technique using layers of acrylic paint and charcoal that resulted in a unique quality of diffused light and depth of color.

In keeping with Hassrick’s wish to have his work benefit the artists of Whidbey Island, his son Matt Hassrick and Matt’s wife Vicky have donated a large body of his paintings to the Whidbey Island Arts Council. Proceeds from this retrospective will go to the council and be used for their many programs.

Winter hours at the gallery are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. It’s open Tuesdays by chance or appointment. Call 360- 222-3070 or email info@robschoutengallery.com.