Wildling announces birding classes

Wildling Art Museum has openings for its “Birds of the Santa Ynez Valley Region,” a six-week birding field course. The class begins Jan. 16, 2008, and meets on consecutive Wednesdays from 8:30-10:30 a.m., through Feb. 20. Limited to 20 enrollees, the sessions will be lead by well-known local ornithologist and naturalist, Dr. Fred Emerson.

Dr. Emerson has a wide following in Santa Barbara County with students of all ages and levels of experience. The class accepts beginners, and will include basic information on recognizing common birds, and other animals, as well as advice on equipment and books. For advanced birders, “Birds of the Santa Ynez Valley Region,” provides an excellent framework for regular observation with expert guidance.

The first class will convene at the offices of the Wildling Art Museum, 2948 Nojoqui Street, Suite 4, in Los Olivos. Thereafter, students will meet at different locations throughout the region, where they can study birds in different habitats, such as riparian, woodland and savannah.

Cost for the course is $70 or $55 for Wildling Art Museum members. For more information, or to reserve a space in the class, call (805) 688-1082.

 

Artiste Studio expects new inventory

Artiste Winery & Tasting Studio is expecting a new inventory of art pieces to arrive in January. Cindi Ray said the studio currently has special discounts for Aldo Luongo artwork. Works by other artists are also available at the studio, including Craig Nelson, Daniel Bayless, Donna Talerico, James-Paul Brown, and Christina LoCascio.

Luongo’s paintings include romantic enclaves, frenzied sporting events and richly textured landscapes. Nelson depicts figures, landscapes and environments with oils and has won more than 200 awards of excellence, as well as several gold medals.

Bayless, from San Francisco, is known for his ability to capture the drama of light and natural elements of a scene. Talerico, a contemporary impressionist from Cincinnati, Ohio, paints French landscapes and Parisian cafes.

Brown, a neo-impressionist, blends broad brushwork and vibrant colors with pastel shades to produce passionate pieces. LoCascio, resident artist at the Artiste studio, paints with wine in a revolutionary technique, giving her pieces a unique dimension.

For more information, contact Ray at (805) 686-2626, extension 104 or by e-mail at cindi@artiste.com.

 

Wild horse film scheduled

“Wild Horses of Mongolia with Julia Roberts,” will be presented Jan. 4, 2008, as part of the Wildling Art Museum’s “Free Friday Flicks.” The documentary, part of the award-winning Nature series produced for Public Broadcasting Service, is a 56-minute piece that follows the Academy-award winning actress to Mongolia. There she spends several weeks as a guest of a nomadic family, living in a one-room transportable “ger,” with no bathroom, no running water, and no heat, and learning first-hand about the wild horses that have been such a part of their lives for millennia.

According to Wildling Art Museum director, Penny Knowles, “this film will make you laugh and make you cry and endear Julia Roberts to you forever.” As part of the museum’s promotion and devotion to the art of America’s wilderness, this special screening begins at 7 p.m. at the museum’s administrative offices, 2948 Nojoqui, Suite 4, in Los Olivos.

The first Friday of each month, the Wildling Art Museum, screens notable films about nature or art and invites the public to see them free of charge. The Museum also provides free popcorn and cookies, wine, water and soft drinks.

The films are underwritten by a grant from the Valley Foundation. Reservations are not required, but space is limited and seats are available on a first come, first served basis.

For more information or directions, call 688-1082 or consult the Museum’s website, www.wildlingmuseum.org.