Modern Pop Culture Twists on Old World Techniques

There’s a little bit of Soho anchored right here in Dunwoody. Dawn Tresh, an accomplished artist, saw the value of showcasing others’ art in addition to her own.

She explained, “Opening Dunwoody Gallery was a natural extension of my own practice. What began as a few pop-up shows and studio visits evolved into a full gallery devoted to authentic, contemporary voices. I choose artists whose work demonstrates depth and consistency, along with technical skill and originality. The gallery operates within the standard professional commission structure, and I view every relationship as a partnership built on trust and respect.”

Some of those local artists are Scott Eichler, Susan Proctor, and Michelle Akerman.

Tresh is a contemporary painter and mixed-media artist. She grew up in New York in a family that “valued creativity, curiosity, and conversation.” Her artistic training began early when her parents made space for imagination. As a teenager, she spent summer studying art through the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) at the Royal College of Art’s Kensington Campus in London. That experience confirmed what she already knew — that she would always be an artist. Tresh went on to earn a B.A. in fine arts from the Smith School of Art at George Washington University and M.A. from New York University. Since she’s been studying art since childhood, she still signs her paintings with her maiden name, Knauer.

Her work bridges painting, collage, and photography, blending traditional craftsmanship with more contemporary imagery. She explained, “My use of balance, composition, acrylics, and photographic layering encourages viewers to see each piece through their own perspective. Drawing influence from fashion, travel, pop culture, and art history, I create floral-inspired collages on deep-hued backgrounds. Sort of a modern pop-culture twist on old world techniques.”

Her process is very tactile. She constructs layers of images, paint, and mediums that invite viewers in with the familiarity of flowers that, on closer look, reveal something deeper: a juxtaposition of daily life across history. Her greatest influences include the Dutch Masters, especially Rachel Ruysch for her luminous floral still-lifes and Rembrandt and Velázquez for their mastery of light and composition. Then there’s Matisse and Kandinsky, whose explorations of color and form inspire her.

She shared, “Each painting takes time — months of curing and hand-sanding between layers — so the final surface feels smooth. I work primarily in acrylic and mixed media on canvas, painting daily in my home studio, a bright, quiet space that allows for both experimentation and focus. I believe my greatest strength lies in composition and visual storytelling — reflecting on time, space and introspection. I strive to build balance out of contrast, creating images that reward both immediate and long contemplation. On average, I complete two to three major works a year, along with smaller pieces.”

She chose Dunwoody because it reflects the same balance she seeks in her art: sophistication with community. She said, “It’s a place where art feels approachable but refined, where neighbors value conversation and creativity. The gallery has become a warm, welcoming hub for that kind of exchange.”

In addition to Dunwoody Gallery, her work appears in both private and public collections. She has exhibited at the Atlanta Art Fair (2024 and 2025), the Hamptons Fine Art Fair in New York, and at ArtMiami during Art Basel week; and she is represented by Vogelsang Gallery out of Brussels, Belgium.

Tresh hosts receptions, seasonal exhibitions, and charitable events, including collaborations that benefit Giving Kitchen, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Ian’s Friends Foundation (IFF) and Make A Wish Foundation. Social media helps reach collectors, but genuine, in-person relationships remain the heart of her operation. She is a member of the Georgia Chapter of the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the Dunwoody Fine Arts Association.

For more information, please call 404-915-5526.