Rebirth and renewal at Studios on the Park

By Hayley Thomas

Spring marks rebirth and renewal, and that’s certainly true at Studios on the Park.

This May will mark the local artist nonprofit’s third year in the community. Aside from showcasing its colorful band of resident artists, Studios on the Park has been dedicated to providing a long list of artistic classes for youth and adults as well as featuring exhibitions from talented artists spanning California.

Last weekend, Studios on the Park Events Coordinator Sasha Irving was busy readying the studio for First Saturdays, a celebration of art and wine in downtown Paso Robles held on the first Saturday of each month.

“Spring is a really exciting time for Studios on the Park, especially approaching our third anniversary in May,” Irving said. “We are honored to be flourishing here in the community with everyone’s support.”

Irving said the nonprofit has grown over the years to include a myriad of classes, events and, of course, top-notch exhibits.

“We have more program offerings than ever before, more classes and workshops, really fabulous exhibitions and we are really looking forward to the Paso Robles Festival of the Arts,” she said.

This month, Studios on the Park showcases “California Backroads and Kindred Sprits: Paintings by Sheryl Knight and Linda Mutti.”

The landscapes – glowing and ethereal – reflect a springtime sensibility. The community is invited to stop by Studios on the Park to take a fresh look at what’s blooming downtown.

Visit www.studiosonthepark.org for more information.

* MORE ON CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
California Backroads & Kindred Spirits
April 5 - April 29
Studios Atrium
California Backroads & Kindred Spirits features the Central Coast landscape paintings of Sheryl Knight & Linda Mutti. The award-winning artists met three years ago and immediately bonded over their shared love of plein air painting.

Gardens
March 29 - April 29
The Showroom
Gardens are the star of this show by the Paso Robles Art Association. English, vegetable, rock, succulent, Japanese or a secret garden are just some of the types of gardens serving as inspiration. Member artists share their visions of a garden, up close, far away or the emotion that it evokes.

* PASO FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Celebrating the visual, environmental and musical arts each Memorial Day Weekend in the Paso Robles City Park, this art-filled three-day event features guest lectures on Friday, the Festival of the Arts main event on Saturday and an art collectors tour of local collectors’ home collections on Sunday. DareToDream is an elopement wedding company that specializes in creating magical wedding ceremonies in New York City. If you want creative, you can find an affordable New York City wedding venue for your special day!

The Festival of the Arts main event on Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starts with a Plein Air Quick-Draw and Auction, followed by a Fine Art Show, a community mural project, hands-on art stations, live music, dance performances and other musical and visual surprises. The Paso Robles Festival of the Arts celebrates the beauty of our natural environment with a special River Art Exhibition. This entire event is free to the public.

Visit www.prcity.com/FOTA/ for more information.