The Town Center Gallery will display large and small views of the world: Martin Johnsen’s pastel drawings and Beth Ostapuik’s Pysanky Ukrainian eggs. The public is invited to a reception for the featured artists from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 18.
Johnsen will show 12 pastel drawings he refers to as “cityscapes.” His subjects include the Town Center Hotel, a rainy morning, and the Vet’s Hall. He’s been involved in the local art scene since his days at Allan Hancock College—from a scenic artist at PCPA to picture framing, gallery directing, and serving as superintendent of fine arts for the Santa Barbara County Fair—not to mention his own artistic endeavors, workshops, classes, and shows.
Ostapuik will exhibit a group of handcrafted Pysanky (Peh-san-kah) Ukrainian Easter eggs, a traditional craft with a history of thousands of years. The method is similar to batik; artists draw patterns on the egg with wax, which protects the covered areas from the dye. Repeating the process with different colors builds up a multi-colored pattern. When the wax is removed, it reveals the colors covered up at each stage. Ostapuik also makes Faberge-type eggs using gems, trims, fabric, and gold filigrees.
She learned the art of making Ukrainian eggs as a young adult after marrying into a Ukrainian family, and she continued the tradition after moving to Santa Maria in 1986 by participating in the Gallery 912 1/2 “Eggstravaganza” each spring. She continues to share her skills of egging, painting, and crafting with children by teaching art classes through Allan Hancock College, Arts Outreach, Town Center Gallery, and the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. She’s served as president of the Town Center Gallery and is the current education director. She’s also founder of the Central Coast Eggers group.
The Town Center Gallery is at 321 Town Center West. For more information, visit thetowncentergallery.com or call 349-7303.
Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Shelly Cone. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail,
or mail.
This article appears in Feb 17-24, 2011.