Pajaro Valley Arts 40 Years of Inspired Expression Klay Schott
Klay Schott, owner of Safari Signs and Graphics, installs fresh lettering for the current show at Pajaro Valley Arts, "Pajaro Valley Arts: 40 Years of Inspired Expression." Photo: Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian

Artwork by more than 130 local artists has filled the walls of the Pajaro Valley Gallery in Watsonville with Pajaro Valley Arts’ first show of the year.

“2024, Pajaro Valley Arts: 40 Years of Inspired Expression,” which runs Jan. 17–Feb. 25, spans a wealth of medium, including sculpture, drawing, painting, ceramics, fiber, mixed media, encaustic (wax), printmaking, photography, glasswork and more.

“This came about during our annual planning and I took a whack at it,” curator Tim Sterling said. “It’s the biggest show as far as the number of artists. It’s a team effort and I think the show has stunning works. It’s an exciting show. I had no idea of the wide diversity involved in this show. This is my homage to the Pajaro Valley. Please come and check it out.”

Lyn MacDonald, who has work in the show, and serves as an exhibit mentor, said, “People were just able to let it all hang out and do what they love and it shows. It is a difficult show to hang. There are around 140 art pieces and making things gel together is a challenge. We’re always learning. And I really think it turned out great. The show expresses, quite well, 40 years of creativity.”

Organizers at Pajaro Valley Arts said the exhibit is “a favorite tradition and encourages our members to explore a huge range of topics, insights and new approaches. Together we celebrate the power art has, to inspire and transform communities today and for another 40 years to come.”

The public is invited to the opening reception on Sunday from 2-4pm. The Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery is at 37 Sudden St. in Watsonville.

Additionally, PV Arts has announced a call to artists for their upcoming “More Than Cars” juried exhibition. The deadline for entries is Feb. 2 and the exhibit runs March 10-June 30 at the PV Arts Porter Building in downtown Watsonville.

For information, visit pvarts.org/artists-opportunities.

Pajaro Valley Arts 40 Years of Inspired Expression Mary Altier
Mary Altier entered this color photograph in the show.
Pajaro Valley Arts 40 Years of Inspired Expression Larry Cohen
“Sneaker Waves” is a multi-media painting by Larry Cohen.
Pajaro Valley Arts 40 Years of Inspired Expression Lyn MacDonald
This cold cast bronze sculpture titled “Havana” is by Lyn MacDonald. Photo: Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian
Pajaro Valley Arts 40 Years of Inspired Expression Bill Kennann
Bill Kennann entered this oil painting in the show titled “The California Strawberry Harvest.”
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Tarmo Hannula has been the lead photographer with The Pajaronian newspaper in Watsonville since 1997. More recently Good Times & Press Banner. He also reports on a wide range of topics, including police, fire, environment, schools, the arts and events. A fifth generation Californian, Tarmo was born in the Mother Lode of the Sierra (Columbia) and has lived in Santa Cruz County since the late 1970s. He earned a BA from UC Santa Cruz and has traveled to 33 countries.

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