Solvang’s PARc PLACE hosting show put on by the Central Coast Art League starting March 15
Café Joy at PARc PLACE in Solvang is hosting an art exhibition by the Central Coast Art League (CCAL) featuring the art of an impressive group of women who meet once a week in Los Alamos under the guidance of renowned instructor Mary Kay West. The event will run from March 15 through April 15, with an opening reception from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15, where attendees can meet the artists and view their work.
The CCAL has cultivated a community of talented artists passionate about classical realism and representational art. CCAL offers a unique atelier setting that honors the techniques of the old masters while embracing the innovations of modern technology in fine art. During the reception, visitors will have the opportunity to view a diverse range of artworks created by dedicated students, including Nicole Burnett, Diane Connors, Michelle Feldman, Sally Jones, Ruth Kelsey, Pamela Mack, Karen Tuttle, Sandy Wilson, and Rachelle Witt.
In a press release, it states that West, a native of Asheville, North Carolina, brings a wealth of experience to her teaching. With a background in psychology and yoga, she discovered her true calling as an artist in 2003. Since then, her work has garnered acclaim for its timeless quality and vibrant detail, earning her the designation of Associate Living Master by the Art Renewal Center. West’s paintings, particularly her sharp focus on still life and trompe l’oeil, can be found in prestigious galleries and museums across California and beyond.
“The venue complements the artistic vision of the CCAL,” said Georgina Gettman, a contemporary artist and owner of Café Joy and Sainte Maria boutique. “Café Joy is about the senses; it is a very artistic and creative environment. I like to share the space with local artists. I knew of West’s work, and I’ve also always admired the work of Rachelle Witt, one of the students in West’s group. So, I invited the group to do an exhibition in the café. The springtime sounded like a good time to do it with all the flowers in bloom, and I thought it would work out nicely. There will be over 40 still life oil paintings to view.”
Café Joy opened at Christmas and Gettman said, “It was a Christmas present to myself.” The café is a European-style coffee house that offers a variety of European-style coffee and pastries made by Chef Mauro Lozano from Madrid, Spain.
“We invite the community to join us in celebrating the creativity and dedication of these artists,” Gettman said. “The reception will feature Cafe Joy’s apothecary elixirs, cocktails, and decadent European desserts inspired by the classical paintings, and the chance to engage with the artists and learn more about their creative processes.”
For more information about the Central Coast Art League and upcoming events, please visit www.centralcoastartleague.com.
Café Joy is at 1623 Mission Drive, Ste H, Solvang. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (505) 270-2332, visit shopsaintemarie@gmail.com or Instagram @shopsaintemarie.
