Studios on the Park hosts Magnum Masterpieces reception

By Josh Petray

Twenty-inch high, hand-painted wine bottles crafted by some of the area's most well-known local artists were on display this week at Studios on the Park in downtown Paso Robles for a special reception recognizing its special Magnum Masterpieces project.

The invitational art show and fundraiser was presented by the Paso Robles Art Association with proceeds to help establish and equip its new facility, The Showroom Gallery, now under construction at Studios on the Park, a major renovation project being undertaken at the old Pioneer Auto Parts Building, 1130 Pine St.

The masterpieces are slated to be on display during Paso Robles Wine Festival 2009 inside the interactive art venue, where event goers and locals alike will be invited to stop by and place a bid on the one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Several have already been sold.

All of the pieces have a reserve bid. If the reserve is not met, the masterpiece will be held for a future fundraiser. According to the PRAA, the event is not annual. Thus, "2009 Magnum Masterpieces are sure to become sought after collectibles," according to the PRAA's Web site.

Auction bidding for the pieces begins today and will conclude on Sunday, May 24. The masterpieces can also be purchased online now at gallery prices, or the public can purchase raffle tickets for two of the masterpieces selected as prices, or the public can purchase raffle tickets for two of the masterpieces selected as prizes that will be raffled off on Sunday, May 24.

For more information on the project or to view the masterpieces online, visit www.pasoroblesart.org and click on the Magnum Masterpieces link, call 238-5473 or e-mail president Phyllis Frank at pasoroblesarts@gmail.com.