Less than 1 percent of the global population is an Olympic athlete. Catalina Bertola often compares the achievement with life in the art world. Most people will never reach Olympic status—in athletics or art—but that shouldn’t stop people from giving it a go. In her opinion, physical activity and creativity are part of a balanced […]
painting
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Joe McFadden brings his dramatic landscapes to Gallery Los Olivos
Though he now calls himself an artist, Joe McFadden spent his career in the tech industry. While he was advising software companies by day, McFadden found balance by slathering oil paints on canvases in his free time. “I wanted something I could develop over many years and maybe develop someday into a real skill and […]
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A Guadalupe muralist is one step closer to opening an arts academy in town
Stephanie Krouse was trained as a scientist. In her early career, she worked for seed companies, studying different treatments that impact plant growth. But a Chicago company’s acquisition of the business left Krouse and many others out of a job. As cliché as it may sound, another door opened for her. “Once that happened, I […]
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Chris Jeszeck’s paintings are featured at the Cypress in July
After watercolorist Claudette Carlton’s June show at the Cypress Gallery, Chris Jeszeck recently took over as the featured artist. Her Pouring My Art Out exhibit will be up through July 26. Jeszeck—a longtime member of the gallery’s operating body, the Lompoc Valley Art Association—paints using fluid art techniques to blend realism and abstraction. Flowing color, […]
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The Elverhoj Museum celebrates the 100th birthday of a Danish American painter
Artwork by Roland Petersen is up at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art through Aug. 9. The Danish-born American artist is best known for his Picnic series, defined by geometric abstractions and striking colors. “This exhibition celebrates Petersen’s 100th birthday and honors a remarkable life in art that continues today through his ongoing dedication […]
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Explore the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum in a new light
Just after celebrating its one-year anniversary, the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center is offering new experiences including a self-guided audio tour, a free event series, and a gallery of paintings by Christopher Evans. “As the museum enters its second year, it remains a place for learning and cultural connection, strengthening its overall visitor […]
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See this month’s solo show at Gallery Los Olivos before it’s gone
There’s but one limit to the current Gallery Los Olivos exhibit, titled Limitless. It’s only up until May 31. Ann Wirtz is the painter responsible for the solo exhibit featuring abstract, figurative canvases that express the relationships people have with their environments. Themes include play and risk but really anything that’s a result of letting […]
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Cypress Gallery hosts an artist reception for its duo exhibit
The latest show at the Cypress Gallery, titled Evolving, is made possible by the work of C. Wood and Chuck Klein. They’ll meet with the public on May 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. for a reception at the gallery. Wood’s work is nonrepresentational. Life is short, so she wants to keep trying new styles. […]
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Valley Art Gallery presents its latest show
A multigenerational art exhibit is next on the agenda for the Valley Art Gallery. See paintings in distinct styles from three family members at the Santa Maria Public Airport from April 6 through the end of May. An artist reception will be held on April 18 starting at 11 a.m. inside the airport near Pepper […]
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A Central Coast artist paints today’s landscapes for tomorrow’s remembrance
When Katy Smith tells people she’s going painting in Orcutt, she gets puzzled looks in return. “They’re like, ‘Where do you paint in Orcutt?’ As if there’s not something here to paint,” Smith said. “There are so many beautiful places in Orcutt to paint, and you just have to stop long enough and take it […]
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Buellton Rec Center hosts kids’ art classes during break
Registration is open for kids’ activities and day camps organized by the Buellton Rec Center for students to enjoy during school break. From Feb. 17 to 20 the Rec Center is holding a day camp for 6-to-12-year-olds. Students will go on field trips and take part in games and crafts each day from 8 a.m. […]
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Eviction notice: Plenty on Bell and new landlord go to court with disagreements over lease terms
On average, about a dozen or more newlywed couples kick off their happily-ever-afters at Los Alamos’ Plenty on Bell a year, restaurant co-owner Christine Gallagher told the Sun. Compared to previous years where wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners got booked far in advance, the small-town eatery’s 2026 roster is less plentiful than usual, in light […]
