August 21, 2004

Ventura Art Walk

Today was the Summer Ventura Artwalk, an exhibiton by local artists sponsored by the city of Ventura. I'm sitting in the post buying glow, after buying three pieces of original art for under $150.

I like the idea of buying local art. Sure, you can go to one of those places in the mall, and buy posters or lithographs, and frame them. They'll look nice, but it's not the same as buying from the artist themselves. I now have a connection with the piece that I didn't otherwise have. I feel good, and I know that no one will ever visit my house and say, "Hey, I've got that same picture!"

After lunch at the Busy Bee Cafe (An open faced meatloaf sandwich and garlic mash potatos, which were quite good, as well as a hot dog for the kids, which was also tasty), we started our walk. The problem was that we were an hour early, and many artists weren't set up yet.

We looked at some of the things that were set up, and I was beginning to think that the whole thing would be a bust. Still, I kept my wife and kids moving, and eventually we found our way to Sherrie Carlson. The Art Walk Map said "Watercolors of Ventura," and there were bright colored chalk footprints leading up Oak. Once inside, we found brightly colored paintings of Ventura scenes that made me feel happy. Nice colors, small sizes, reasonable prices, framed and ready to go. I talked to Sherrie's husband, who matts and frames his wife's work (I like that, an older couple who work together), and after some looking my family decided on "Purple Courthouse", a stylized painting featuring several identifiable Ventura landmarks. It set us back $100, which, since it was well framed, seemed very reasonable. My wife also appreciated a painting called "Reflections".

From there, we walked to For Your Home Furniture store. My wife struck up a conversation with the artist painting in the window, but unfortunatly I didn't get his name, and it's not here on my Artwalk Map. His work was nice, but not what we were looking for. I do always appreciate a friendly artist.

We did by two smaller pieces from Terri Wuerth, an acrylic of Ventura City Hall, and a drawing of a surfer. Cost for both: $35. The two pictures were matted but not framed, and Terri suggested we head to Michaels to buy the snap together frames (The snap together frames cost as much as the pictures).

I also like the work of Katherin McGuire, who has painted portraits of several homes in my neighborhood. She was the "Featured Artist" at the Artwalk, and so her work was a little expensive for my taste. The other thing, too, is why would I have a painting of a house in my neighborhood inside my home? Several of her "Poli" pieces are nearby. If she'd have done one of my house, I'd have bought it. I'm actually tempted to ask her, and might by the next June, especially when all my flowere are blooming. I spoke to her briefly, but she was very busy.

We headed home at around 5 pm, just when things were starting to pick up. My kids were tired, and about to melt-down, so we really did need to be going. I bought frames and started to hang the artwork, and my wife decided that she wanted Sherrie's "Reflections." It was 8:15.

I drove back to where Sherrie was, and found that much of her work had been sold. Her husband offered me a glass of wine, which I accepted, and we got into a discussion about matting and framing while I looked to see if another piece would work. She still had a few that I liked, but I wasn't sure if my wife would enjoy them, so I passed. They did offer to let me see their home studio, which I may take them up on.

I walked back on Main Street, and the place was packed. Lots of well dressed people carrying around various artwork, and I quickly glanced at some things that weren't out before. There was a wide variety of photographs and paintings, along with some sculpture and pottery, all of it looking pretty good.

The next Artwalk is scheduled for November, and I think I'll approach it differently. It's probably best to start at about 3, when everyone is set up. Plus, if I can get my kids to rest before hand, they'd be much better walkers. I'd have liked to spend more time walking, but my kids were too tired.

The Artwalk is a great idea, and I hope it remains successful.

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