For a limited time, the work of local Los Gatos artists will be featured at the fine art gallery at 24 N. Santa Cruz Ave. The official opening is June 10, but there will be a preview Sat., June 7. Like everything about this unlikely opening, you can't guess--you have to know. The gallery will be open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30.
The exhibit features paintings and sculpture by Los Gatos Art Association artists, artists who have exhibited at the Tait Museum, and some--such as Pat Sherwood--who were associated with the former Durnell art gallery in the same space.
"The taste level runs from traditional, to modern," explains LGAA President Tonya Carpenter, "to whimsy." She adds, "So do the price tags." Pieces in steel, bronze, oil, pastel, and watercolor fill the space. Carpenter received works from two dozen artists a day after inviting them to the show.
The selections will change to keep the temporary exhibit interesting, but will mostly draw from the Los Gatos Art Association, which is considering how to celebrate its 60th anniversary as a club. Proceeds from art sales will benefit the Museums of Los Gatos. The idea for this three-way partnership came from building owners Larry Arzie and David Stonesifer, longtime supporters of the arts in Los Gatos.
"To me, a good art gallery is a form of culture that makes a town--similar to a museum, a theater or a library," Arzie said. "Without these, where do we educate ourselves?"
Arzie and Stonesifer were sorry to lose artist Linda Durnell as a tenant. Durnell reportedly plans to focus on corporate consulting and expanding her online presence. Arzie says they are opposed to renting to some "tourist operation" that just wants to be in Los Gatos, and they are willing to wait for the right tenant.
"We want to raise awareness," Stonesifer said, "so that the art profile doesn't wane while this building is empty." Stonesifer, a renowned interior designer, is also an LGAA artist and Los Gatos Arts Commissioner. Arzie and Stonesifer co-owned the Los Gatos Porch furnishings store until 2006.
LGAA artists will operate the temporary gallery and may bring their tools and create art as part of the exhibit. Details are still being worked out. The gallery space is on loan and the staff are volunteers, so there is no overhead. Artists share a portion of each sale with the Museums of Los Gatos.
Elisabetta textile fiber art is still on the mezzanine above the gallery.
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