Just in time for holiday gift giving and celebrations, the annual Small Works Show opens at the Judith Hale Gallery located in Solvang Antiques. As is annual tradition, the Small Works Show will open on Friday, November 25th. A reception with the artists will be held on Saturday, November 26th from noon to 4:00pm. There will be refreshments and an opportunity for the public to visit with the attending artists. Each Saturday through December 17th will feature various artists demonstrating their individual expertise. These include Dirk Foslien, Sheryl Knight, Joe Mancuso, Richard Myer, Dee Prater, and Grace Schlesier.
 
“If you have enjoyed kicking up your heels during the recent fabulous Western Art Exhibit, you’re sure to delight in this special feature for the holidays!” declared Judith Hale.
 
Here for the November 26th demonstrations are Dirk Foslien and Richard Myer. Foslien is a noted oil painter, employing the traditions of the Old Masters. He is widely collected for his local landscapes, including fields of poppies and oak trees. A very popular sculptor, Richard Myer, will also be here to demonstrate his unique talent with clay and amazing ability to create bronze castings. Crowds have always enjoyed watching him at the Los Olivos Quick Draw.
 
Pastel artist Joe Mancuso, a long time artist for the Judith Hale Gallery, will be the featured artist on December 3rd. “You will be fascinated by the development of his painting as it comes alive with the rich hues of the pastels,” remarked Hale. Mancuso is also a very accomplished instructor to students working in pastel. He is a recognized oil painter often found in the foothills of the Sierras where he loves to work on location.
 
Local oil painter, Sheryl Knight, will highlight the demonstration on December 10th. She has been very busy with a succession of art shows around the country, as well as traveling to England gathering a wealth of new material to paint. Knight is known for her vibrant oils, with a strong expressive style best described as varying from loose realism to impressionistic.
 
The final demonstrations will be held on December 17th, featuring oil painter, Grace Schlesier, and sculptor, Dee Prater. A nationally recognized painter, Schlesier loves to work plein air and feels that her inspiration comes while she is on location, capturing the freshness of the moment, the light quickly passing, or the subtle changes taking place. Prater has developed a type of paper mache that she calls Lamina Process and is also known for beautiful bronze castings, specializing in equine sculptures.
 
“Featured in our opening are many new works by our gallery artists that are a must see,” said Hale, “including works by Anne Bridge, Betty Carr, Howard Carr and Lynelle Echeverria.” She added, “Small works are perfect for your holiday gift giving and will warm the hearts of all. Art is more than just a lovely thing to look at—it truly becomes an important part of your home. I look forward to seeing you here during our celebration.”
 
The show runs through December 31st. For more information, go to solvangantiques.com.