Even with two months of winter still ahead of us, things are heating up at Gallery Los Olivos—at least in a non-literal sense—according to local stained glass and mosaic artist Michele Knect.
“The gallery is warm and welcoming, both for patrons and artists to connect with each other,” Knect told the Sun, while discussing the venue’s ongoing Winter Salon exhibition, which opened on Dec. 4.
Knect joined Gallery Los Olivos two years ago, at the suggestion of one of her peers who was already a longtime member. Her debut exhibition was New Perspectives, a group show that highlighted new gallery members, which was held last February.
Knect’s mosaic art is also featured in the gallery’s current group show, which includes works from more than 50 different local artists. Winter Salon runs through Jan. 30 and is styled after traditional salon art shows, which originated in France during the 17th century and entails paintings being hung from floor to ceiling, filling as much wall space as possible.
“I love the style of hanging everyone’s unrelated pieces in a way that they do actually relate to each other,” said Knect, whose subjects are usually plants or animals.
One of her featured mosaics, titled Sisters, depicts two black cats snuggling with one another. Another piece, Sunflowers, is also a duo, but as expected it’s a pair of the titular flowers.
“Sunflowers seem to make people feel happy,” Knect said. “Guests can expect colorful mosaics inspired by nature—animals, plants, all the elements.”
At the other side of the spectrum (quite literally) is the black-and-white photography of Paul Roark, who is also a featured artist in Winter Salon.
“I’ve been involved with photography for most of my life. I grew up with a darkroom,” said Roark, who was surrounded by photographers and other artists growing up.
“Dad had a good friend who was a professional photographer, and my mother was an art major and painter,” Roark continued. “My uncle was very active in photography and painting also.”
Despite being engrossed in photography at an early age, Roark was cautious about making a career out of it as he entered adulthood.
“While I was always passionate about photography, I was also practical and realistic,” said Roark, who decided to pursue a career in public service law.
But that didn’t stop him from taking photos, he explained. Roark is currently “mining” thousands of negatives he’s taken throughout his life but never had printed.
The majority of Roark’s photographic works are landscapes, many of which are featured in a permanent display at the gallery as well. Roark has been a member of the gallery since the early 2000s and currently serves as its co-manager.
“For good artists on the southern Central Coast, I think it’s the best there is,” Roark said. “I’d encourage such artists to apply for jurying if they are interested.”
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood embraces the weatherless winter of the Central Coast. Snowball him at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jan 9-16, 2020.
