SPSA’s Heritage Valley Flora & Fauna: 40th Anniversary exhibit a beauty
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Published: August 13, 2008
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
Flora and fauna and a few wild animals here and there are a fitting artistic tribute to the Santa Paula Society of the Arts, which is celebrating their 40th anniversary with two unique exhibits.
“Heritage Valley Flora & and Fauna: 40th Anniversary” displayed at the Santa Paula California Oil Museum is an “exemplary collection of paintings depicting the picturesque landscapes and stunning life forms of the Santa Clara River Valley,” according to SPCOM General Manager Jeanne Orcutt. The exhibit “offers an artist’s perception of the empyrean complexity of the natural world that flourishes in this quaint and endemic setting.”
The August 1 opening reception for the exhibit drew many artists and art lovers, as well as Madeline Ricards, a founder of the SPSA. “I don’t have a painting in the show,” noted Ricards, who happily added that although she considered displaying an artwork she ultimately decided “the hell with it.”
Local scenes of course dominate “Flora and Fauna,” including an unusual multi-layered work, “Chrysanthemums” by Virginia Gunderson, formerly longtime president of the society. The watercolor was created with watercolor paper behind a layer of Japanese silk; each piece is separated by 1/4 inch for “depth,” said Gunderson, and helps add an early morning fog-appearing background to the work.
SPSA shows have become favorites for interior designers. “From previous experience we have good sales at our shows by interior decorators,” who Gunderson said find the original works of arts more cost effective - and more beautiful - than prints of better known works.
“I think it’s a good show,” noted SPSA President Judy Dressler. “The theme gives you such a broad field to choose from, it doesn’t limit the artist.” Although Dressler said the exhibit is “small by our usual standards, it’s still very nice.”
The displayed paintings are categorized by medium, ranging from oil-acrylic to watercolor to computer graphic.
Louise Saviers’ welcoming “Sunflower Walk” in acrylic and Lynda Gruber’s computer-generated playful “Cardinal and Parrot” are prime examples of SPSA quality, as is Dressler’s “The Garden Party,” featuring area citrus amid the flowers and place settings. “Bunny Blue” in pastel by Joan Eichman is another rare show critter.
“It’s my kind of show with all the flowers,” said Cathy Barringer.
“Featuring the beautiful plants and animals of the area, the collection will remind you of why the Heritage Valley has been so highly regarded for centuries,” noted Orcutt. “Come enjoy the work of local artists as they take you to a singular time and place, far removed from the encroachment of modern society.”
The Santa Paula Society of the Arts was founded in 1968 with the intent of encouraging artistic growth, appreciation of art in all phases, and furthering the development of artistry in the community. “The SPSA Founders” art exhibit, which includes works by society founders as well as scrapbooks of society news clippings and memorabilia, is on display at Blanchard Community Library, 119 N. 8th Street.
The Santa Paula California Oil Museum is located at 1001 E. Main Street. Museum Hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 adults, $3 seniors and $1 youth, and free for members. Call 933-0076 for more information or visit the museum website, www.oilmuseum.net.
