Art Exhibit: Places from the Heart

Sonoma County artist, Beverly Bird, presents Places from the Heart, a collection of paintings depicting the artist’s favorite locales. No ticket needed for this trip to France, the Caribbean and West Coast highlights. Cityscapes and local denizens help the viewer savor the unique character of these places. “Arles en Provence” captures a typical neighborhood in this ancient city right down to its blue shutters. A Cuban shopkeeper welcomes customers in the colorful “Havana Tienda.” Bringing us closer to home, “Daybreak in Bodega Bay” explodes with cloudscape drama in a favorite Sonoma seaside town. “During this time of Covid lockdown, it has been a joy to paint these beloved places, bringing back cherished memories and sparking the hope of traveling again,” remarked Bird. A lifelong Californian, Bird has loved making art since childhood. She earned a BA in art from California State College Long Beach. After a fulfilling career in government, she returned to her first love, painting, upon retirement. An award-winning artist, Bird has exhibited throughout the county and participated in the Art at the Source Open Studio program for the past thirteen years. Meet the Artist: Beverly Bird will host the gallery May 15 and May 29, 2021. The Small Works Showcase on the stairway features Karen Miller’s “Brighter Days,” a collection of small pastel paintings marking spring and renewal. Responding to sunshine and wildflowers, the artist searched for mustard vistas and signs of spring to capture in pastel. “This year, spring felt like a rambunctious release from winter and strife and sadness. With the vibrant yellow mustard and redbud in the mountains, spring became a celebration to be shared far and wide,” stated Miller. A signature member of the prestigious Pastel Society of the West Coast, Miller’s work has been selected for a number of juried exhibits. Artist Demo: Karen Miller will host the gallery May 8 and May 22, 11am – 3pm, during which time she will demonstrate her approach to pastel painting – just drop in and learn about this amazing medium.