Deck the Halls with Art from Studios on the Park

By Meagan Friberg

Walking through the Paso Robles home of Jesus Cruz and David Stenslein, one immediately notices artwork that gives off a distinctive feel of the Central Coast. Imagine photos, paintings, and more in their collection representing docks in Morro Bay, cattle in Green Valley, architectural gems of San Miguel, and Santa Margarita sunsets. All of these local scenes and more were made possible by several artists at Studios on the Park.

Deb Hofstetter, a photographer featured at Studios on the Park, and several of her fellow artists have works featured in the newly-renovated home of Jesus and David. Deb was commissioned to have her art printed on metal with the main piece, 60 inches wide by 20 inches tall, featuring local grapes and vines. Additional artwork by Ann Laddon, Dennis Curry, Dean Crawford, Betty Wick, and Helen Davie adorn spaces throughout the home.

“I wanted to fill our home with as much local art as possible,” Jesus said. “To me, these art pieces reflect the epitome of the Central Coast. We met many of these amazing artists at one of the Winery Partner nights at Studios. We immediately fell in love with a lot of pieces, and then we kept going back and discovering new artwork and artists.”

As artists, what does it mean to have someone buy their art and feature it in their home? The responses were varied: “It’s thrilling and fulfilling.” “It’s what we are all about, to share our art and have other people appreciate our art.” “It really is a completion of the whole idea of being an artist.”

Although Jesus and David currently call Los Angeles home, they purchased the Paso Robles property in December 2017 and plan to live in the 2,800-square-foot five bedroom home fulltime upon retirement. Until then, they visit at least once monthly and depend on the folks with Paso Robles Vacation Rentals to keep the house occupied with short-term rental occupants.

“Everything and everyone in this area is just so pleasant,” Jesus said. “We also like Paso’s proximity to the coast – I need to be close to the water – and I like the western side of the area. And the art and culture, of course! We can’t wait to live here fulltime.”