Artists, art lovers, and dignitaries join Disney artists as he launches the new gallery on Alisal Road in Solvang
EDITOR’S NOTE: Shortly after this story was published, the A. Alvarez Fine Art Gallery was closed. A statement from Art Alvarez’s lawyer said, “The A. Alvarez Fine Art Gallery of Solvang was forced to quit due to a lease agreement that was only benefitting the landlord and not the lessee.”
The A. Alvarez Fine Art Gallery was overflowing with guests, with over a hundred people attending the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Art Alvarez’s new art gallery on Saturday, Nov. 23. They were all there to celebrate and support Alvarez in his new endeavor.
Guests included dignitaries such as Mayor Mark Infanti, Mayor Pro Tem (and Mayor-Elect) David Brown, and City Manager Randy Murphy of Solvang, who all helped Alvarez with the ribbon cutting.
Guests enjoyed wine and charcuterie while perusing the works of award-winning artists. On display were the oil paintings of Joel Phillips; pastels by Kris Buck; watercolors by Karen McGraw; sculptures by Pat Roberts; Disney-inspired oil, pastel, and watercolor prints by Devyn Samara; panoramic architectural ink and watercolor prints by George Rosu; and of course, the distinguished Disney originals by Alvarez himself. All but two of the artists were in attendance to talk to the guests about their work. Unfortunately, Buck and McGraw were unable to attend due to a traffic pile-up on Highway 101. The gallery also displays a collection of vintage airbrushes, an array of Disney memorabilia, and pencil art.
Alvarez, who previously had another gallery in Solvang, which was off the beaten path and not a good location for an art gallery, was approached by Ed St. George, who was looking for an artist to create historic murals for his buildings.
“When Ed approached me with his idea of creating historic murals for his buildings and realized I was a former Disney artist, he said, ‘I have a spot for you!’ And that spot was in his newly acquired building, located on Alisal Road near Copenhagen Street,” Alvarez said. “When I saw the space, I jumped at the offer. It is the perfect spot for an art gallery. I didn’t want to create one of those sterile galleries where people are reluctant to enter. I wanted to create one that is warm and inviting. And this is it. I had a soft opening in September, and we’ve had a ton of traffic.”
As Alvarez cut into the red ribbon in front of his new gallery, he spoke to the attending crowd, saying “This is a dream come true. Over the years I have visited thousands of art galleries, all the while dreaming of having one of my own. But what makes it super sweet for me is opening one in my hometown.”
Both guests and artists were eager to extend their well wishes to Alvarez.
“Art is a great contribution to our city,” said Infanti. “He had another gallery down a pretty little laneway, but it was out of the way, and he didn’t get enough foot traffic. This building used to belong to David Rasmussen, and when he sold it, the new owner divided it into several small shops, and Art had the opportunity to move here and become much more obvious to the public. And it’s been wonderful. I want to say to Art, congratulations, and wish him the best of luck.”
Fellow artists added their praise to Alvarez.
“I am honored to be working together with Art, to be showing my work in the company of so many fine artists,” said Phillips.
“It is a joy to exhibit my work in Art’s new gallery. The paintings and drawings he’s included appeal to all ages and to many different art aesthetics,” Samara said. “I especially enjoyed seeing the kids’ faces light up as they passed the gallery and saw some of their favorite Disney characters on the back wall. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to be exposed to a variety of different types of art and broaden their creative education. All of the artists here are so talented and I feel privileged to be in their company.”
“The A. Alvarez Fine Art Gallery is a beautiful addition to downtown Solvang. It elevates the experience for visitors and locals alike. It is very inviting,” said Ester Jacobsen Bates, one of the guests who attended the opening. “Not often do you get to meet the artists and learn the stories behind their art.”
“It’s been a long time since we’ve had a true and inviting art gallery in Solvang. It’s warm, inviting, comfortable, and easily accessible,” said Roberts. “It is nice for the artists too, because of the increased foot traffic they will get in this location.”
“I used to sell my prints to Rasmussens in 1975, and off and on over the years,” said Rosu. “I go out almost every weekend selling my prints at various art festivals all over the United States. I’ve known Art since the 1980s. We used to hang out but lost touch over the years. I was in Solvang recently and saw a sign for his gallery, and one day I caught him in and rekindled our old friendship. He asked me to exhibit my art in his gallery, and I immediately said yes. I am honored to be exhibiting in Art’s new gallery. He is a genius.”
The A. Alvarez Fine Art Gallery is located at 461 Alisal Road, Solvang. For more information, call (805) 691-9058.
