January 19, 2014
By Monica Fiscalini
I’m starting to feel like Lucy Ricardo in that “I Love Lucy” episode with her and Ethel failing to keep up with the chocolates rushing down the conveyor belt. But instead of candy, I’ve got paintings, sculptures and photography coming at me full tilt.
Whenever I walk out of San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, Studios on the Park in Paso Robles or Art Center Morro Bay I think how nice it is that I’ve just seen such a variety and impressive amount of talent and that I am all caught up.
Caught up? Never. Maybe for a week or two, but an exhibit just as good or better is following right behind. Classes, demonstrations and events are always in the cards, too.
These three venues feature up to three exhibits monthly and if you ever want an activity to anchor an afternoon drive, you can’t go wrong. These spots are my perennial best bets and nicely spaced out around the county.
Let’s take a quick look at what these powerhouses have in store for June.
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
Genevieve Hastings of San Jose uses video, sculpture, sound and smell for an installation of three rooms called “Recollections: A Series of Stratachronistic Rooms” on view through June 23. Expect plenty of found objects and art objects for an interactive experience.
A 20-year retrospective of works by Cuesta College student printmakers is up through June 30. “The Proof Is in the Prints: A Retrospective Exhibition of Cuesta College Student Printmakers” is sponsored by the Central Coast Printmakers group and culled from program instructor Leslie Sutcliffe’s collection of more than 300 etchings.
San Rafael artist Phyllis Thelen will exhibit three-dimensional fiber structures through June 30. The boat-like sculptural “spirit vessels” are inspired by nature, and the artist says she wants to provide a symbolic place of safety and simplicity in turbulent times.
Studios on the Park
Members of the Paso Robles Art Association are going without a theme for the June 13-through-July 21 exhibit called “Whatever.” However, art’s basic rules apply: composition, use of color, line, value, etc.
“Wild & Precious,” the signature exhibition of the 2013 Paso Robles Festival of the Arts held Memorial Day weekend, continues through June 30 showcasing original artwork inspired by the Mary Oliver poem “The Summer Day.”
The second annual “Plein Air Masters” invitational exhibition will be up through the end of the month and features 12 artists.
Art Center Morro Bay
Jade Herrera (mixed media, painting with paper) and Jacqueline Morello (graphite/ mixed media) will be featured during “Parades and Festivals” through June 24.
Central Coast glass artists on display include George Jercich, Larry LeBrane, Bryn Bridenthal, Rod Baker, Jamie Stehula, Jim Huchthausen and Richard Mortensen.
If you miss it, don’t worry, another is fast approaching!
