NEW ART INSPIRATION IN TOWN
By Shannon Casey


There is a new space for creating all sorts of art including folk art in town – right on Copenhagen in Solvang. The new venture, The Art Clinic, is the brainchild of Syd McCutcheon and Carol Kemp. Both long term Valley residents, many of you may have met one or both them as Syd had the La Tienda retail store for many years, and Carol has been teaching art for a long time, most recently at Dunn School. Both women also create and sell their own work.


The Art Clinic is a combination workshop and open studio space. It is located downstairs at 1576 Copehagen, just east of the Wine Valley Inn. The Art Clinic has classes in various traditional and non-traditional art techniques, such as collage, drawing, painting, assemblage, book arts, fiber & jewelry. Classes are taught by Syd, Carol and various guest artists.


Classes offered include drawing, painting and printmaking, but upcoming classes will include felting (a unique way of working with wool), needle felting, some doll-making and slinky shrink jewelry. Thursdays are designated as open studio day.


Both Syd and Carol had been working out of their houses for many years and longed for a space where their artwork and materials could stay out. “Home has too many distractions, like laundry and telephones, said Carol.” “I didn’t want to have to put everything away around dinnertime.” And both wanted to have an art community space in which to teach and learn with other artists. “I don’t like to work in a vacuum. It’s so much better to have other artists around; a different point of view.”


Right now the art community takes form every Thursday from 10 – 6pm. Not only can you come in and work on your own projects, but Syd and Carol will also offer art “challenges” for people to participate in if they like, in an effort to encourage creativity and exploration in the vast world of creating art.


The studio is large and well lit, with tables filled amid different materials and art on the walls. It is quiet and has a comfortable feel - it is not fussy but a place where you are encouraged to “get messy.”


Syd’s background is in fiber arts; she used to weave and tan leather hides; now she works in several mediums, including Folk art, fiber, paper mache, assemblage, print making, non torch jewelry and journaling. She is also the founder of the Queen of Arts benefit show.


Carol has a background in Art History and Studio Art, brought about by her college studies in Theater and Dramatic Arts in Santa Barbara. Carol has a fascination with mythology and symbols which infuses her work, which includes a variety of media such as watercolor, acrylic, collage, fiber and jewelry. Carol’s current project is faceaday.blogspot.com, where she submits one face a day onto the blog. She likes the discipline of a self-imposed deadline, which carries over into her work.


To view class schedules please visit www.artclinic.blogspot.com, which has information on everything that is coming up in the next few months at the studio. Syd and Carol are very excited about their new art adventure and are interested in hearing from folks about art mediums they might like to try, if it is not already offered. For more information please call 805.588.0876 or 805.680.8713.


ART SCENE : UPCOMING EVENTS


Art fans please mark your calendar for these April/May events:


LOS OLIVOS:


May 1 – 31
GALLERY LOS OLIVOS 2920 Grand Avenue New work by muralist Vicki Anderson. Artists reception Saturday, May th, 1 – 4 pm. For more information please call: 805.688.7517


April 29
“ Vivan Los Californios BBQ Fiesta” WILDLING MUSEUM 2329 Jonata St., Los Olivos, CA 93441 5th Annual benefit for the Wildling Museum will take place at Rancho Tinaquaic, from 2 – 6 pm. ‘Tepusseut Peak from Rancho Tinaquaic”, a painting by Rick Schloss, will be auctioned off; docents will demonstrate ranch activities from the late 1880’s such as carding, spinning, weaving etc. Benefit includes an early California menu, along with valley wines, and classical guitar music. Tickets are $125 p/person. Reservations deadline is April 20th. Transportation is available from Santa Barbara For more information please call 805.688.1082


April 21-22
“Arts Prima Vera” LOS OLIVOS GRANGE HALL 2374 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos, CA 93441 Art show and sale featuring local artists in a wide range of mediums; Pottery, jewelry, glass, folk art, fiberart, paintings and mixed media. Sat: 10-6, Sun: 11-4. For more information please call: 805.688.7878


SANTA YNEZ


April 22
“Valley Gardens and Mountain Flowers” SANTA YNEZ VALLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM PARKS-JANEWAY CARRIAGE HOUSE 3596 Sagunto Street,Santa Ynez, CA 93460 Photo exhibit of local wildflowers and gardens by Photographer Cheryl Alter Morris


May 19 “Beyond the Garden Gate” SANTA YNEZ VALLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM PARKS-JANEWAY CARRIAGE HOUSE 3596 Sagunto Street,Santa Ynez, CA 93460 Third annual Valley Garden Tour/benefit for the Museum. Several private Valley Gardens and Ranches will be showcased. Tour 12 – 4pm Reception 4 – 6pm, tickets $30 For tickets and more information please call: 805.688.7889