Santa Maria Sun / Art

Arts at the Adobe

BY SHELLY CONE

The Central Coast possesses a beauty that makes it the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon of fine art, wine, and music. With its expansive vistas and historic backdrop, Dana Adobe has been the ideal location for the Nipomo Arts Commission to host its Arts at the Adobe fundraiser, which will take place there on Sept. 8.

Money for the arts: Arts at the Adobe is a day full of wine, music, and art. The event is a fundraiser for the Nipomo Arts Commission’s scholarship program for Nipomo High School art students. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DANA ADOBE

Arts at the Adobe is a fundraiser for the Nipomo Arts Commission’s scholarship program for art students at Nipomo High School, and is held each year at the Dana Adobe. Sponsored by the Nipomo Arts Commission and the Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos, the event attracted nearly 400 people last year.

“It’s such a beautiful setting. The display is in the [Dana Adobe] house and then there’s music and wine,” said Marina Washburn, executive director of the Dana Adobe.

The event is family-friendly and includes art activities for children, food, and refreshments.

This is the third year the event has been held and this year the art theme is “Celebrate the beauty of the Central Coast.” Each year a theme is chosen and artists submit works reflecting the theme. In the past the theme has focused on a variety of topics, but this year the theme was brought back home.

“There’s so much beauty around us, so expanding the theme to reflect the beauty of where we are was a natural,” Washburn said.

Art of the Central Coast Arts at the Adobe will feature art, music, wine, and children’s activities, and will be held on Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rancho Nipomo Dana Adobe. Admission to the event is free. For more information, call the Dana Adobe at 929-5679.

Artists Tricia Reichert and Maryanne Nucci will be jurors for the art exhibition. Reichert has expertise in drawing, painting, printmaking, and clay-figure sculpture. Her portraits are in private collections throughout the country and in Europe. She teaches a wide range of classes and workshops, both privately and as part of Cal Poly’s Continuing Education program.

Also a widely exhibited artist, Nucci received her degrees from Otis Art Institute and taught at Cuesta College from 1984 to 2004.

“We are delighted to have their participation as judges this year,” said Shirley Horacek, president of the Nipomo Arts Commission.

Everything from painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, stained glass, mixed media, woodcarving, quilts, and photography will be on display, reflecting the beauty of the Central Coast.

Prize ribbons will be awarded by category. The public will participate by selecting a “People’s Choice” award. The winners will also be featured in a month-long show in the Shepard Hall Gallery at the Santa Maria Public Library.

But organizers suggest visitors don’t wait to see such great artwork representing the Central Coast and instead see it at the Dana Adobe for a great day of fun.

“It becomes a day out. It’s gorgeous. It’s a great combination of beauty and fun,” Washburn said.

Arts Editor Shelly Cone can be contacted at scone@santamariasun.com.