The annual show was the beginning of the Santa Paula Civic Art Collection featured at schools, City Hall, Santa Paula Memorial Hospital, etc. Each year many of the show’s top paintings were purchased on behalf of the public agencies affording citizens their own public art collection.Since there are no longer such purchases, it’s time for individuals to consider purchasing a painting or photograph, Gunderson noted. “You’ll be able to take this opportunity to add fine pieces of genuine fine art to your own collection or make a purchase to donate to your local church, hospital or Hospice. . .many of the library and hospital paintings were given as memorial donations in memory of a departed family member or civic leader.”The Santa Paula Art & Photography Show can be seen at the library Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until March 2.
Art & Photography Show
now at Blanchard Library
February 17, 2000
Santa Paula News
The 63rd Annual Santa Paula Art & Photography Show is now showing at Blanchard Community Library and “be prepared to be overwhelmed!” said Virginia Gunderson of the sponsoring Santa Paula Society of the Arts.
“We have hung a better show in 2000 than we did last year,” she added. “The response was overwhelming and, sadly, we had to be brutal and jury out more paintings this year than were hung in the first show,” that occurred in 1937.The reception and artist awards will be held on Saturday, Feb. 19th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the library, 119 N. 8th St. Music by Mexican folk harpist Xavier Montes and refreshments will be offered at the reception, sponsored by Santa Clara Valley Bank.Artists are vying for over $4,000 in cash and prizes, the highest offering yet for the show, perhaps the oldest such pre-juried event in the state that features oils/acrylic, watercolor, graphics/mixed media and photography.Prizes include the prestigious Douglas Shively Award of Excellence - Shively, a prominent artist, was a show founder - in each category, and Best of Show. The unique Jury of Your Peers Award of Excellence is voted on by competing artists, as well as the People’s Choice Award decided by the public. Special and public balloting closes at 5:30 p.m. during the Feb. 19th reception.Gunderson said SPSA docents are on duty to “help you secure your program, give your People’s Choice Award ballots and try to answer questions as they occur. . .don’t miss your opportunity to express yourself in your vote.”
