Current Issue Articles

"Belgian II," oil on canvas, by Carol Wood.

The Elverhøj Museum
of History and Art
  Housed in the former residence of artists Viggo Brandt-Erichsen and his wife, Martha Mott, the Elverhøj Museum is itself a work of art. With a hand-carved redwood entry, ornamental ironwork and detailed, hand painted panels, this museum reflects the talents of the artists who called it home. With art classes offered throughout the year (check their website for an up-to-date calendar) and numerous exhibits and special events, the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art is a vibrant part of the Valley’s art scene.
  The gallery at the Elverhøj features new exhibits at least six times a year. The current exhibit gets a jump on Valentines Day when it opens January 31. “All You Need is Love” features the work of four artists exploring relationships in various mediums: photography, printmaking, collage, ceramics and multimedia. A reception for the artists, from 3 to 6 p.m. on opening day, is free of charge. The exhibit runs through April 11.
   The Elverhøj Museum of History and Art is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang. Open 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Contact them at 686-1211 or www.elverhoj.org.

The Pavlov Art Gallery
  One of the newer galleries in Solvang, the Pavlov Art Gallery, opened almost two years ago. Born in Macedonia, owner/artist Chris Pavlov moved to the United States in 2004 and started taking classes at U.C. Santa Barbara while selling artwork at the beach. After marrying a Solvang native, he decided to put down roots in the Valley and open the gallery that bears his name.
  Featuring a mix of impressionistic and contemporary paintings and sculpture, Pavlov says he chooses artists who use bright colors and convey optimism in their work. “I wanted to bring more contemporary artwork into the Valley,” he says. His gallery includes internationally known European artists as well as local favorites, including himself.

The Judith Hale Art Gallery
Judith Hale has been part of the Los Olivos art scene since 1987 when she opened her first gallery. She has been in her current location by the flagpole since 1997 and her gallery continues to be a major attraction, housed in an historic building and an featuring an outdoor sculpture garden. The gallery represents more than 75 local, regional and nationally known artists, and is probably the largest gallery in the Santa Ynez Valley. Here you’ll find everything from sculptures in wood, bronze, marble and clay, to western art and landscapes, whimsical garden designs and jewelry.
“I love the way it’s all come together in a fun unexpected mix,” says Hale. “And I really feel honored the way people respond to the level of art that I have.”
Hale will once again help to organize the Ladies First Art Show on March 21. Honoring female artists represented by galleries in Los Olivos, this special event gives people a chance to meet the artists and watch demonstrations throughout the day.
The Judith Hale Gallery is located at 2890 Grand Avenue in Los Olivos. Open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact them at 688-1222 or www.judithhalegallery.com.

The Wildling Museum
  The Wildling Museum will open to the public in its new location on February 8 with a free celebration. Dedicated to wilderness art and education, the Wildling has made a name for itself since it opened nine years ago in the historic Keenan-Hartley House. The new building has a small education center, an expanded library, and a larger gallery. Exhibits change four times a year to correspond with the seasons.
  Southern California impressionists are featured in the current exhibit, “The Land of Sunshine: Paintings from The Irvine Museum Collection.” The 24 paintings in the exhibit depict California landscapes between 1900 and 1930. The show runs through March 29.
  During the last week of March, artist David Gallup will teach a plein air workshop for adults, taking participants to various locations throughout the Valley to paint for five days. “Predator and Prey,” an exhibition of black and white underwater photographs, opens in April and the spring Art Camp (April 6-10) will focus on underwater art. (Visit their website for detailed calendar listings.)
  The Wildling Museum’s new address is 2928 San Marcos Avenue in Los Olivos. They are open Wednesday thru Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact them at 688-1082 or www.wildlingmuseum.org
  You might not expect to find fine art in a women’s apparel shop, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you enter Details in Los Olivos. Featuring the impressionistic artwork of four local women (including co-owner Carol Jacksen who signs her pieces with her maiden name, Wood), the paintings rotate in and out of the store on a regular basis.
   Owners Jacksen and Barbara Bochte opened the boutique gallery in 1996 and have enjoyed success with their unique combination.
  “Since the day we opened we’ve had art in the store,” says Jacksen. “I’ve just always liked art.” Jacksen painted for many years, then retired for 15 years before starting up again. “Barbara really encouraged me to start again after we opened the store.”
  Jacksen will be demonstrating her oil painting techniques during the Ladies First Art Show in March. You’ll find the gallery at 2920 Grand Avenue, Unit B in Los Olivos. Open Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5.p.m. Contact them at 686-5529.

Zaca Creek Art Gallery
Chances are if you drop by the Zaca Creek Art Gallery in Buellton, you’ll find Peggy Brierton hard at work. “I paint in the gallery, finishing up what I started on the weekends or finishing up some other project,” she says.
  Brierton opened the Zaca Creek Art Gallery in 2005 to showcase her acrylic landscape paintings as well as the work of other local

"Above Happy Canyon," acrylic on canvas, by Peggy Brierton.

Cypress Gallery
At the Cypress Art Gallery in Lompoc you’ll find the work of more than 60 local artists. With everything from watercolors, oils, acrylics, and pastels to mixed media, photography, ceramics and jewelry, the Cypress Art Gallery is the place to visit when you want to see variety. One of the artists is always on hand when the gallery is open, and a featured artist is always exhibited every month in the changing exhibits. The Cypress Art Gallery is located at 119 East Cypress Avenue in Lompoc. Open Tuesday thru Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

“C”  Gallery
Connie Rohde Stanchfield opened the C Gallery this past August after she retired from teaching at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. In a short time, Rohde and her daughter Nina have managed to create a haven for contemporary, “contemplative” art.
In addition to a permanent collection of artists, the C Gallery also has revolving exhibits of local and national artists. The women’s art classes have been filled since the gallery opened and the “Sing to Me” recital series has showcased some of the most talented musicians in the area.
The C Gallery is located at 466 Bell Street in Los Alamos. It is open Wednesday thru Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Contact them at (805) 344-3807 or www.thecgallery.com.