SYV Star Staff

Gallery Los Olivos is looking toward the past with gratitude and the future with excitement as it celebrates its 25^th anniversary in October.

Sheryl Knight, “Silver Moon Rising”

GLO’s month-long juried exhibit will have the theme of “Silver,” evoking the traditional 25^th anniversary designation, which GLO artists will interpret through their art for the special show. Visitors are encouraged to vote on their favorite piece for a “People’s Choice” award.

GLO member artists work in a variety of genres and mediums, from canvas to paper, fabric, wood, stone and metal. Photography and jewelry artists are also vital members of the group.

Since GLO’s opening, the gallery has grown from a dozen artists to 46, all of whom play a part in running the gallery and maintaining its unique community of artists.

Martha Inman Lorch, a former GLO president and current Director of Jurying said that the gallery’s rigorous jurying process for new members and its strategic business approach have allowed GLO to maintain its culture of community for the artists throughout its 25-year existence.

“We have a strong identity of who we are and how we want to improve,” she said.

As much as GLO artists enjoy the cooperative nature within the gallery, they also strongly believe in being a part of the larger Valley community. The gallery participates in town events and rents affordable space to the Santa Ynez Valley Arts Association in the Guild Room at GLO.

Though the gallery has seen its share of changes over the years, such as the expansion of tourism in the area and the struggles brought forth by the most recent recession, GLO has always benefited from and enjoyed the visitors coming through its doors year after year.

“We provide a different kind of experience to visitors of the town … We want people to enjoy being in the gallery, looking at art,” Inman Lorch said.

With their commitment to the gallery, each other and the community, GLO artists have and will continue to bring unique beauty to the area: “We want art to have a place in the Valley,” she added.

Charlotte Valestra, “Silver Trees”

At the GLO 25th anniversary reception from 1 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 8, light refreshments will be served and local wines featured. Visitors can meet, mix and mingle with the artists who can answer questions about their work and reminisce about the humble beginnings of GLO above an old hardware store.

GLO will also participate in Los Olivos Day in the Country, a town-wide celebration now in its 38th year, on Saturday, Oct. 21, with artist demonstrations from 1 to 4 p.m.

Gallery Los Olivos is at 2920 Grand Avenue in Los Olivos. For more information, visit www.gallerylosolivos.com.