This Saturday – February 6th – 10am to 4pm
Heads Up — it’s almost Valentine’s Day! Love it or not, Cupid’s big day is rapidly approaching, and it is definitely time to start shopping. Forget the See’s Candy or jewelry store at the mall routine and head over to Art Under the Umbrellas at Old Town La Quinta to find that special “something” that is sure to WOW your very special “someone.”
With 80 talented artists assembled to present their finest one-of-a-kind creations in every possible media category and price range, your biggest problem will be to make the right choice: a dazzling necklace, a stunning glass piece, a striking sculpture or a unique painting. What will it be?
And while pondering all of your lovely options, why not sit back, relax, and enjoy some great music by the fabulous Steve Madaio Band, and have a bite to eat and a refreshing libation at one of Old Town’s great eateries. Valentine’s shopping can be fun. Seriously!
Featured Artists on February 6th are Jeweler Kathy Caldwell and Painter Erin Hanson:
Kathy Caldwell has been making hand forged sterling silver and gold jewelry for many years, starting out in a small studio in Chicago where her keen craftsmanship caught the attention of local galleries and jewelry stores.
Her art and design training from The University of California at Berkeley’s Fine Art Department and the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles served her well upon moving to California, where she served as a vice president and head merchandiser for a series of high-end jewelry stores in San Diego, with a specialty in precious and semi-precious stones.
Caldwell moved to La Quinta in 2004 where she went back to creating jewelry in the studio, and was later honored with the Distinguished Artist of La Quinta Award in 2010 for her years of participation in Art Under the Umbrellas and the prestigious La Quinta Arts Festival. Her current jewelry is influenced by the sleek designs of Scandinavia and features rare stones and organic lines.
Erin Hanson transforms ordinary landscapes into abstract mosaics of color and texture. Each oil painting is created wet-on-wet, without layering, producing an emotional work that captures the true spirit and vivacity of the outdoors. Her modern blend of classic impressionism and vibrant expressionism has become known as “Open Impressionism.” Her bold impasto paint strokes on large wrap canvases stand out in crowd, bringing a fresh new look to contemporary Western landscapes.
Raised in the Southern California desert, Hanson’s thirst for adventure and love for art has been evident from a young age. First painting in oils on an easel constructed by her father while in elementary school, Hanson has rapidly emerged as a must-watch for art and nature lovers worldwide.
Erin celebrated the grand opening of The Erin Hanson Gallery in Los Angeles this past November. On January 16, 2016, the St. George Art Museum in Utah unveiled Erin Hanson’s Painted Parks – an exhibition of 40 works kicking off the National Park Service’s Centennial celebration. The impressionistic pieces showcase majestic national park landscapes, from Bryce Canyon to the Oregon Cascades.
Presented by La Quinta Arts Foundation, Art Under the Umbrellas offers free admission and free parking. Old Town La Quinta is located in the Village of La Quinta. Take Washington Street south, go west on Calle Tampico two blocks; Old Town is on the left. LQAF.com / 760-564-1244
