Staff Report

Artist Joe Mancuso will be featured June 19 as part of the Solvang Antiques summer art series, which will feature gallery openings during Solvang “3rd Wednesday” events.

The gallery will host a champagne reception and artist demonstration by Mancuso from 3 to 7 p.m. on June 19, and his work will be on special display for the following four weeks.

Mancuso says he is greatly influenced by the changing of seasons and celebrates the moods each season brings. Known for the quality of light in his work, he enjoys working on location to accurately see and capture the changing light.

“When I am attracted to a certain place or scene, it is always my goal to move beyond a literal translation and say something extraordinary about light in my work. It is always the light.”

Mancuso’s continuing recognition as a top landscape painter keeps him in demand as an instructor. His classes, workshops and private lessons are continually sought after.

Mancuso is a Signature Member with the Pastel Society of America. He is also a participating member of the California Art Club, Laguna Beach Plein Air Painters, The Pastel Society of America, The Pastel Society of Southern California and The Pastel Society of The West Coast.

He has exhibited in the Butler Institute of American Art, St. Mary’s Academy Art Museum and The Haggin Museum. His paintings hang in private collections throughout North America and Europe.

Upcoming Solvang 3rd Wednesday openings include Dirk Foslien on July 17 and Angie Whitson on Aug. 21.

Solvang Antiques is at 1693 Copenhagen Drive. For more information, go to solvangantiques.com/gallery-events.