Art that you can wear

By Monica Fiscalini

Last February I was possessed by most boyfriends’ fantasy of a “cool girlfriend.” I said, “I don’t need a Valentine’s Day gift. Don’t sweat it.”

I even ended the conversation quoting Rodgers and Hart via Elvis Costello: “Each day is Valentine’s Day.”

This year I’m making a wish list. I’ll take art, preferably wearable art.

I stopped in at the Gallery at the Network at 778 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo to check out the “Fabulous Fiber” exhibit and work on my list. The gallery has quite a bit more jewelry than in the past, including quite nice creations by Beads of Sharon.

Featured fiber artists for February and March are Kathy Briles, Sandy Christey, Sharon Gellerman, Carol Manuputy, Cheryl Tomano and Karen Wilkinson. I especially liked Kathy Briles’ small fabric baskets. The Orcutt artist also weaves hats and purses.

As I admired Sharon Gellerman’s silk scarves, gallery co-owner Dotty Hawthorne asked if I’d ever seen one of Gellerman’s demonstrations showing how she dyes her scarves. I haven’t..

Studios on the Park is also the spot for “Valentine Art Affair” from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. Participants can make Valentine’s cards, artsy wine glasses and mica and glitter body art. The cost is $5 per card, $10 for body painting and $15 for a glass. The couple’s special for $50 includes a mix of each.

Jumping off the Valentine’s train for a minute, the Paso Robles Art Association will showcase and celebrate the creative work of teens Feb. 13-19 at Studios on the Park and the reception for “Up with the New” is set for 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Association member Rod Payor notes that part of the group’s mission is to promote art for youth education. “This show will be a great opportunity for local teens to participate in a gallery venue.”

Seven Sisters Gallery on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay is also featuring wearable art. Susan Terese’s “Evening Tides” jewelry exhibit kicks off with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and runs through March 14. Her woven bead jewelry ranges from collars to lariats. She says color and design cues come from focal pieces, such as beads created by noted glass artists and hand-carved bone or shell sculptures.

Contact freelance writer Monica Fiscalini at Monica_Jane2000@yahoo.com.