Lompoc is known as the “Valley of Flowers,” but the community is also blooming with artists of every persuasion. The small-town feel of Lompoc is enriched by multiple arts organizations, from the Mural Society that brightens public spaces to the multiple musical ensembles and organizations that fill churches and other venues with song and sound.
One stalwart and longtime institution in the valley is the Lompoc Valley Art Association (LVAA), which welcomes visual artists of all media. In 1994 the LVAA opened the Cypress Gallery in the heart of Lompoc’s historic downtown, just across the street from the old Carnegie Library that is now the Lompoc Museum. Ever since opening, the gallery has served as a space for LVAA members to come together and share their work.
Even before the LVAA opened the Cypress Gallery, there had been a biannual tradition of hosting a massive group exhibition that welcomes artists who aren’t members of the association to join in as well, explained Vicki Andersen, publicity chair for the LVAA.
“They’ve been doing this as far back as I can remember, and I’ve been involved since the early ’80s,” Andersen said. “They do a spring show and a fall show that is open to the public and includes awards.”
The new exhibit, the Spring Show, welcomed members and other artists in the community to submit their work for a small fee. In return, the works show through most of April. Awards are given at a reception event on April 1.
The awards come with ribbons and money, for first through third place in many categories as well as a “Best of Show” distinction, Andersen explained. The competition aspect ensures artists contribute pieces they’re particularly proud of, she said.
“This show specifically is supposed to be your best work, and it’s nice to see because you get some really neat stuff in there, and it’s stuff you wouldn’t normally see,” she said. “And you never know what will win when you put something in because the judges are always different.”
The categories include several just for painters, including acrylic, oil, and “aquamedia.” Other categories include mixed media, photography, digital art, graphics, and three-dimensional works.
The range of media allows for a diverse and interesting show, Andersen said, noting that she always contributes a painting or two every year, though not often with the intention of winning an award. But another engaging aspect for her and other members is the chance to see and share their work with peers, offer insights, and talk shop.
“I think artists like to share their work and show it off,” she said. “And I think most of us are very friendly in sharing how we did something and talking about it. I’ve never liked those artists who you ask them how they did something and it’s a big secret.”
That friendliness is extended to artists who aren’t LVAA members but join the show and attend the opening reception. The member artists are always friendly and supportive to the newcomers, Andersen explained.
The LVAA always welcomes artists who consider joining the association, Andersen explained, as the organization’s mission is to promote and share a diverse array of work from as many artists as possible. After all, every artist takes the plunge and shares their work for the first time, she said.
“To me, it’s a very nonthreatening sort of situation,” she said. “If you’ve never been in a show, this is probably a good place to start. Hopefully it gives new artists some confidence and feedback on their work, and if they get an award that’s even better. It’s hard doing your own thing and not having anybody see it.”
Arts Editor Joe Payne is always doing his own thing. Contact him at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Mar 31 – Apr 7, 2016.