Whether the subject was the grandeur of the Moreton Bay Fig looming over the Depot by Gruber or the grand scale of “Santa Paula Ridge,” Klement’s work that beckoned visitors into the Keck Gallery, all the works indeed were outstanding in both beauty and appreciation of river valley scenes.Even the stark “Grimes Canyon Madonna” by Kramer showed the beauty of nature through a proud bare tree; Ricards’ impression of “Santa Paula Creek” was bubbling with color and soft touches.“The Glen City,” a collage by Tubbs, leaned heavily on the area’s past for an artwork so very much enjoyed in the present.Dowling’s “Faulkner Farm” is a small acrylic work but with a big feeling for the historic ranch and Gunderson’s “The Path” conveys the feeling of a stroll those lucky enough to live in the river valley can take pleasure from.“The exhibit is a way to celebrate the Heritage Valley as a place where countless artists have found, and continue to find, inspiration,” curator John Nichols of the Sespe Group noted.Again, the Santa Paula Society of the Arts has proven to be a leader in not only art and talent, but in the great appreciation for what they enjoy - and capture for others’ enjoyment - right around every Santa Clara River Valley corner.
Heritage Valley Impressions: SPSA offered outstanding views
September 26, 2003
Santa Paula News
If you missed “Heritage Valley Impressions” shame on you: not only did the Santa Paula Society of the Arts show attract art lovers from throughout Ventura County, it also set a record for the number of paintings sold that were highlighted in the exhibit.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesIf you missed “Heritage Valley Impressions” shame on you: not only did the Santa Paula Society of the Arts show attract art lovers from throughout Ventura County, it also set a record for the number of paintings sold that were highlighted in the exhibit.The Santa Paula California Oil Museum exhibit filled the walls of the Keck Gallery, all inspired by the beauty of the Santa Clara River Valley.Even the impressionistic “Jennie’s Kitchen” by Robert Herrera, a portrait of the legendary Glen Tavern greeter, represented local landscapes, the craggy face of Jennie perfect for those who like a home cooked touch of surrealism.Artists included Elisabeth McGinn, Gail Pidduck, Sally Miller, Louise Saviers, Virginia Gunderson, Dolas Tubbs, Judy Klement, Gene Marzec, Dorothy Orr, Tony Kramer, Madeline Ricards, Susan Stoutz, Cynthia Adele Davis, Lynda Gruber, Wendell Dowling, George Appel and Wana Klausen, a cornucopia of artistic talent whose impressions ranged from water color to computer graphic, collage to acrylic.“I liked a lot of pieces in the exhibit a lot,” said SPCOM Executive Director Mike Nelson. “There were wonderful works showing the valley.”
