10 West Gallery: The Nature of Things

Ben Riddering "Whorl," reclaimed wood from the fires, 58 x 16 x 35 tall, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Ben Riddering “Whorl,” reclaimed wood from the fires, 58 x 16 x 35 tall, on view at 10 West Gallery.

The Nature of Things opens on Thursday, May 31, at 10 West Gallery in downtown Santa Barbara.

On view until June 25, with an artist’s reception on Thursday, June 7, from 5-8 p.m., this exhibit features work from guest artist Ben Riddering, who shows his large abstract sculptures, made from the unburned hearts of trees lost to wildfire. Also on view is work by guest artist Lynn Brown, who shows embellished/repurposed masks from around the world. Guest artist Jim McKinniss shows black and white photography of a surreal nature.

Lynn Cunningham Brown, "VaVaVaVoom," vintage Balinese hand-carved wood mask embellished with studs, Swarovski crystals, tacks, weasel fur, glitter, Chinese rooster and jungle cock feathers, 10x7x4 inches, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Lynn Cunningham Brown, “VaVaVaVoom,” vintage Balinese hand-carved wood mask embellished with studs, Swarovski crystals, tacks, weasel fur, glitter, Chinese rooster and jungle cock feathers, 10x7x4 inches, on view at 10 West Gallery.

In addition, the exhibition includes work by 10 West members Penny Arntz, Rick Doehring, Maria Miller, Lisa Pedersen and Iben G. Vestergaard.

10 West artwork can be seen at www.10westgallery.com and the gallery (including participating guest artists) is also represented on the international web site: www.artsy.net/10-west-gallery.

Brad Nuorala, "Urban Life," acrylic on canvas, 50" x 42" on view at 10 West Gallery.

Brad Nuorala, “Urban Life,” acrylic on canvas, 50″ x 42″ on view at 10 West Gallery.

Iben Vestergaard, "Cross Section," 48x36, silicate and mixed media on canvas, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Iben Vestergaard, “Cross Section,” 48×36, silicate and mixed media on canvas, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Penny Arntz, "Filament," acrylic on panel, 24 x 24, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Penny Arntz, “Filament,” acrylic on panel, 24 x 24, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Maria Miller, "Escaping the Present Moment," limited edition digital collage 1/5, archival pigment inks on fine art paper, 30x20 inches, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Maria Miller, “Escaping the Present Moment,” limited edition digital collage 1/5, archival pigment inks on fine art paper, 30×20 inches, on view at 10 West Gallery.

Closed Tuesdays, the gallery (10 W. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 805/770-7711) is open daily from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and from noon-5 p.m. on Sundays.  

Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on May 30, 2018.

You Go Girls! Opening Tonight: The Project-Fine Art Zone

Talk about girl power! Creative Director Tracy Smith Reed and I got a sneak peak at The Project-Fine Art Zone yesterday and came out wishing we could be a part of this powerhouse of talent.  You’ll definitely want to check out the opening during tonight’s First Thursday celebration in downtown Santa Barbara.

Nine very talented female artists have teamed together to create a collaborative non-profit art gallery. The artists–ERIKA CARTER, SUSAN TIBBLES, LIZ BRADYLISA PEDERSEN, VIRGINIA McCRACKEN, DONNA ASYCOUGH, ASHLEY DART, THERESA CARTER and LLOYD DALLETT–will own and operate the gallery themselves and donate 20 percent of all art sales to Girls Inc.

The work runs the gamut, from Erika’s colorful layered paintings invoking the spirit of San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuanto, to Susan’s fascinating mixed media assemblage pieces, Liz’s organic and botanical form explorations, Lisa’s dreamy landscapes, Virginia’s miniature paper mache mouse house shadow boxes, Donna’s vibrant florals, Ashley’s whimsical ironic juxtapositions, Theresa’s stunning color combinations and Lloyd’s Asian-accented creations.

My on-the-fly photography doesn’t do the work justice–you’ll have to go see it.

In addition to a variety of work on sale from each artist, each of the women has created a unique 8 x 8″ collectible square piece on sale for the unbelievable price of $200 each. What a terrific way to start a local art collection, support local artists and Girls Inc. at the same time.

Speaking of support, the space–a gorgeous site at 740 State Street, Suite 1, overlooking De La Guerra Plaza–is being provided by Montesanto Group. Erika wanted to make sure to give a special thanks to Gene Montesanto and John Bennett for their generosity in providing the space and helping to get this fabulous project going.

After tonight’s grand opening, the gallery will be open Thursday through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays noon to 6 p.m. and by appointment. For more information contact Erika@ErikaCarter.com or call 805/452-6127.

–Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on June 2, 2011.

Lloyd Dallett

Lloyd Dallett

Theresa Carter

Theresa Carter

Ashley Dart

Ashley Dart

Works by all nine of The Project artists

Works by all nine of The Project artists