Exhibit also will feature live artist demonstrations on Saturdays
Staff Report
Elverhøj Museum of History and Art is now featuring “Widening Circles: Landscape Portraits of Solvang,”a new gallery exhibition with works by accomplished Santa Ynez Valley artists Chris Chapman and John Iwerks. The exhibit debuted Sept. 18 and a reception for the artists will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25.
The art on view focuses on the sites and structures located on the 8,883-acre parcel purchased in 1911 to establish a new Danish colony in the Santa Ynez Valley. The land extended far beyond present-day Solvang and, along with the layers of history, provides the inspiration for this exhibition.
“Some of the layers on display are very much present tense, like cattle ranching and Old Mission Santa Inés,” explains Chapman, “while other sites, such as dairy farms, no longer exist.”
Also included are tributes to habitat in the form of small works depicting native plants and wildlife.
Chapman and Iwerks — husband, wife and best friends — have been making art together for over 25 years. Most of their work is begun outdoors and finished in the studio. They enjoy painting adventures and the sensory aliveness of working outdoors. The studio offers a more meditative approach without racing the light and provides perks like music and comfort. Iwerks primarily works with watercolors and oils; Chapman uses pastels, watercolors and oils.
Artist demonstrations will be presented in the gallery on fall Saturdays. “Oil Painting from Start to Finish”with Iwerks takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 9. Chapman will demonstrate “Painting with Pastels” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 30. Iwerks returns with “Reflections in Watercolor”from 2:30 to 4 p.m on Nov. 13. Chapman will return to the gallery with “Watermedia Studies“ from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 20. Stay tuned for other events as COVID allows.
This show will also be a special opportunity for art collectors as all the works on view will be available for purchase.
Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang, is open Thursdays to Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge for admission; suggested donation of $5 is welcomed. For more information, visit Elverhoj.org or phone 805-686-1211.
