Oct. 17 will be a day local art lovers won’t want to miss. The
day will begin with the unveiling ceremony of the
”
Legacy of Gilroy
”
downtown sculpture project.
Oct. 17 will be a day local art lovers won’t want to miss.
The day will begin with the unveiling ceremony of the “Legacy of Gilroy” downtown sculpture project. Three bronze sculptures will be unveiled beginning at 10 a.m. on the corner of Fourth and Monterey streets and continuing on Monterey Street to Sixth Street.
Designed by Gilroy’s Public Art Committee at the request of the city, this project is part of the downtown Monterey streetscape renovation. Local artist Marlene Amerian was chosen to create a permanent legacy of Gilroy’s history.
Three statues represent historic figures associated with the themes of transportation, hospitality and commerce.
Amerian did considerable research into the characters chosen to represent the three themes and used living models in period dress in order to achieve authentic representations.
From her original sketches on paper to the final bronzing at a Monterey foundry, Amerian’s knowledge of Gilroy’s history and attention to detail is evident in these beautiful works of art.
If you attend the ceremony, you will have the opportunity to meet the artist. Exhibits relating to the historic figures will be available for viewing at The Gilroy Museum on the corner of Fifth and Church streets.
Immediately after the unveiling ceremony, walk back to Fifth Street for the Art and Wine Festival, co-sponsored by The Gilroy Arts Alliance and Theater Angels Art League and enjoy the Willey Cultural Center Art Exhibit sponsored by the City of Gilroy Community Services Department and the Gilroy Arts and Culture Commission.
JoAnne Perez Robinson is one of the artists not to miss. Done mostly in watercolor, her work can be seen in the Leedo Gallery on First Street.
I visited the gallery to view her work a few weeks ago and was truly impressed.
In fact, I couldn’t resist purchasing several of her cards depicting simple subjects such as a bowl of peppers and little yellow tomatoes exactly like those in my garden, and “Tres Garliques”, three garlic bulbs in stunning color.
Influenced by Mark Adams, Edward Hopper, Wayne Tiboux and Andrew Wyeth, Robinson looks for beauty in simple every day things. Her eye for simple beauty has won her several honors.
She won the Garlic Festival poster contest in 2006 and came in second in 2008. The festival entered one of her posters in a National Juried Festival Art event, where it won first place. Her painting depicting Goldsmith Seeds won the City of Gilroy Mayor’s Award in 2008, and a painting purchased by the Gilroy Art Culture Commission is now in the city’s art collection.
Although primarily a watercolor artist, Robinson recently began painting miniatures in acrylics. These affordable small paintings come with easels and depict local scenes. You can see her miniatures at the Leedo Gallery or see her portfolio by visiting FineArtStudioonline.com.
Believe it or not, the day promises even more. The events on Fifth Street between Monterey and Church streets will keep you entertained until 6 p.m. Back from the Fifth Street Live Series, Sagebrush will play for your enjoyment from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., followed by Usual Suspects from 1:45 to 4 p.m.
Wear your dancing shoes, enjoy a taste of wine, visit the Children’s Art Exhibit and browse the arts and crafts. You can purchase snacks or meals at one of the downtown restaurants open for the day.
El Teatro Campesino will present a free performance of “La Carpa de Los Rasquachis,” written by San Juan Bautista’s own Louis Valdez at 4 p.m. The world-renowned theater group has just returned from a tour that wrapped up at Arizona state University.
“La Carpa” is an immigrant story, the epic tale of the Chicano Farm worker in the United States. Bought to life through Mexican Ballads known as Corridos, the songs are written with ironic humor and a Tex-Mex beat.
I have seen this production twice and guarantee that you will be pleasantly entertained. Be sure to bring a chair and a donation to help this nonprofit group when they pass the hat.
Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to eat, drink and be merry while supporting local artists. Come on downtown and enjoy the day.
Carol Harris serves on the City of Gilroy Arts and Culture Commission and is a founding member and Past President of the Gilroy Arts Alliance and Past President of South Valley Civic Theatre. If you would like to suggest an artist or event for future articles, email ca*********@*****il.com.
