Exhibit showcases local artists' work

By: JENNIFER KABBANY - For The Californian
'Visual Expressions Art Show' runs through Dec. 2 | Tuesday, November 20, 2007 11:29 PM PST ∞

Artist Janice Cipriani won the Best of Show award for her 'Blues on Blue' watercolor. Her work and that of others in the the Arts Council of Temecula Valley 2007 Visual Expressions Juried Art Show competition are on display at the Gallery at the Merc at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.
DAVID CARLSON Staff Photographer
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TEMECULA -- Art lovers seeking to be whisked away by images of scenic landscapes, abstract paintings and colorful pictures need look no further than "Gallery at the Merc," which is hosting the annual "Visual Expressions Art Show."

Now in its 18th year, the show boasts paintings and photographs by artists from throughout Riverside, San Diego and San Bernardino counties. The gallery opened two years ago in the historic mercantile building that leads to the theater in Old Town, and is housing the event for the first time.

"It's exciting because we don't have a lot of galleries in Temecula and this gives local artists an opportunity to show their work," said Cathy Smith, director of programs for the Arts Council of Temecula Valley, which puts on the event in conjunction with the city.

The artwork on display represents some of the finest that has been shown to date, Smith said.

While the gallery is smaller than previous venues that have hosted the show, thus limiting the number of paintings able to be shown compared with previous years, its central location and clean, distinguished atmosphere make it a good locale, Smith said.

Bea Barnett, patron services coordinator for the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, described the gallery as a "great gem in the heart of Old Town." Guests can enjoy the exhibit and then walk to dinner or finish up their outdoor shopping, she said.

This year, more than 140 original pieces of art were submitted for the show. On display are 20 pieces by 18 artists.

Horses, flowers, historic buildings, abstractions and modern art are some of the images hanging on the walls. The show runs through Dec. 2.

Smith said the show helps the 18-year-old arts council attain its goal of playing a key role in cultural activities in Southwest County through the promotion and support of various arts and education programs in local schools and the community.

Those who visit the exhibit may vote on their favorite piece, and at the end of the show a "People's Choice" award will be given to the winner. All artwork also is for sale.

Cash awards already were handed out to several artists in various categories, including watercolor and oil paintings, historic pieces and photographs.

This year's "Best of Show" winner was 55-year-old Hemet resident Janice Cipriani, an accomplished watercolorist who often shows her pieces at the Brandon Gallery in Fallbrook. She is a signature member of Watercolor West, a prestigious watercolor society with a national reputation.

Cipriani won for her portrayal of a homeless man playing his guitar near Sea Port Village while his bike, possibly carrying all his possessions in the world, rested nearby. She named the piece "Blues on Blue" in honor of the bright blue guitar he played, which perhaps was his most prized possession.

Her piece also won first place in the watercolor category.

"I paint a lot of people, but I try not to talk to them otherwise they tend to make artificial poses," said Cipriani, who often uses a telephoto lens to capture the images she then transports to a canvas.

She said she entered the blues painting because she considered it one of her best. She said she feels delighted and grateful for the honors she has received as part of the show.

"It always draws quality people," she said of the show. "It's an honor to be 'best of show,' particularly in this show. There is so much quality work here."

ART SHOW ON DISPLAY

The Arts Council of Temecula Valley's 'Visual Expressions Art Show' runs through Dec. 2. Original works by artists from Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties are on display at the 'Gallery at the Merc.'

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