Saturday, May 06, 2006

Another stroll along the Tri-Annual Ventura Artwalk...

Last weekend, I attended – a better phrase would be “strolled and perused” – the tri-annual Artwalk in downtown Ventura, CA. Three times a year Main Street and the surrounding downtown corridor becomes a showcase for the arts during a Saturday afternoon and evening. Anywhere from 60 to 80 local businesses – shops, restaurants, galleries, museums and studios – will display the works of various local and regional artists (mostly paintings and sculptures in various forms of media).

You pick up a free map, you grab a cup of coffee, and you scan the listings on the map. You circle a handful of “must-see” locations, leaving the option to see other locations by chance and tickled fancy. And you go for a stroll throughout the downtown area. Some locations are a bit out of the way, so you drive to those places first – usually at the far ends of the district.

I always check out several places at the far western end of town, including Pacific Stoneworks (always intriguing), Stoneworks Studio (always quirky), and the new Bell Art Factory where 25 artists are in residence.

At Pacific Stoneworks I met up with artists Scott & Pat Wynn (husband & wife). What a wonderful couple who were so affable and unpretentious. We ended up chatting for almost an hour on varied topics and experiences. Scott’s been painting for only four years and does simple oil landscapes. Pat's forte is small scale watercolors. Also displayed in the studio was the works of artist Tiger Huang – pencil, pen and charcoal drawings & sketches.

At Bell Art Factory, there were quite a few varied art works on display. What struck me the most was a series of paintings by Susan Cook. Dreamy and sepia-toned in appearance, her paintings can be seen here at her website.

There were two photographers who have an incredible eye: Robert Fields and Dan Holmes. Click on their names to link to their respective websites to view their beautiful visions captured on film.

You can spend several hours just walking around downtown, as many others do, poking your head into a trinket shop here, a clothing shop there, a restaurant across the street, an alley or nook with hidden treasures. Finally, before leaving downtown, I’ll visit two places on the map which I always make sure to visit: the small Buenaventura Art Galley at the corner of Thompson and Santa Clara, and another small studio/gallery on the opposite corner.

Some of Norman Kirk’s watercolors were on display at the former. He’s well known in these parts, and his paintings are masterful slices of life.

Across the street, Lee Hodges has her mixes media pieces on display at her studio. These works are strikingly spiritual and powerful when viewed in person. Viewing them on the computer does not do them justice. They’re mixtures of painting and collage in what she terms “The Cross Series.” Her website better describes her approach to each piece in the series. You can stare at one of her paintings and become lost in the mood and message it attempts to convey, always discovering something new or hidden. Deeply, deeply spiritual in a quiet and introspective way.

One piece which I saw displayed at the previous Artwalk event, entitled “Time of Decision” (here) really moved me in profound ways. Again, the website image does not compare to viewing it in person. It’s now on display in a studio in New Mexico. If I was independently wealthy I’d buy it without hesitation.

I’ve met Lee both times at her studio, and we always chat for a bit and discuss her works. Also displayed at her studio are various wood and marble sculptures by reclusive artist Mitch Mays. I have no link for you to click and view, but his religiously themed pieces are inspiring – including a life-sized wood sculpture of the hands of God and Adam taken from Michelangelo’s “The Creation” fresco in the Sistine Chapel.

Enjoy the links above and see for yourself the beauty, skill, power and grace of the various artists and their works of art.

P.S. This is will be last post for awhile as I’m heading off to visit family in a few days.

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