News

The 'Colors of Paso' exhibit redefines what a landscape can be

Organizers continue work to put Paso's art scene on the map

Paso Robles' eclectic wineries and restaurants are there for the picking. And coming up: Harvest Wine Weekend.

Two current exhibits at Studios on the Park are part of the busy art scene in Paso Robles

'Circle of Life' is meant to help the public view the area and its wildlife as having a high value

I love the way watercolors melt. It's like letting color go renegade; to let them do whatever it is they please. In other painting mediums, as well as in life, it is correctness that one strives for; crisp lines and reliable chromaticity. But watercolor is other paintings' wild and kooky, yet lovable, cousin. Watercolor embraces the mistakes; the drips and dots; the spills. Watercolor makes no prejudices toward sweeping color ranges, and asks the artist to "let go" a little. As local artist Stephen Kellogg said, "Watercolor is not for people that thrive on control."

Studios on the Park resident artists wear many hats, and all of them are colorful. Most recently, the artists took on the role of educators and creative mentors benefiting local youth. The result? The "Tribute to Experience" show, which ran in conjunction with the Paso Art Association's Pick a Color Reception last Thursday at Studios on the Park.

"What's your favorite color?" It's one of the first questions they ask you in school and if you're lucky, it's the first question your mom will ask you when you inherit your brother's bedroom when moves away to college. It's also a question that the Paso Robles Art Association asked artists for this month's "Pick a Color" art exhibit at Studios on the Park.

"Silk marbling? What is that?" You might very well be asking yourself this question. The process sounds a little like something that happened to rocks back in the prehistoric age. Well, you don't need to remain in the dark any longer about this hip and gorgeous art form. Let silk fiber artist Sharon Gellerman of Color Vibe Designs show you the ways of marble and silk. In her demonstration, Gellerman will show you the ins and outs of marbling silk fiber. She produces and sells some amazing works of wearable art. Come listen and learn on July 22 from noon to 6 p.m. For $31, you'll be able to pick Gellerman's brain and create your own one-of-a-kind scarf. This demonstration will be held at Studios on the Park at 1130 Pine St. in Paso Robles. For more info, visit studiosonthepark.org or Gellerman's website, colorvibedesigns.com.

Just more than six months after Paso Robles' First Saturdays: Wine & The Arts partnered with ARTS/Obispo and the SLO County Arts, the event is stronger than ever.

Paso Robles may not be the first place Californians think of when planning a trip to wine country, but that's what makes it such a refreshing surprise. In place of Napa's celebrity-anchored restaurants and pricey boutiques, Paso is filled with funky art studios and cowboy bars-plus a bumper crop of top-notch (but totally unstuffy) tasting rooms.

A party atmosphere prevailed during the three-day Paso Robles Festival of the Arts (May 25-27, 2012) in California. The event included a quick draw competition; a Local Colors juried show, a special Plein Air Masters exhibition, live bands, dancers, and acrobats. Find out who won awards in the art competitions.