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The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts is opening a new art installation of four of its artists on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. in the Artist Alley Gallery inside the Monrovia Community Center.
The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts creates these three-month art installations four times per year. Its members are placed on a waiting list and then judged on the quality and originality of their work. This exhibit will feature diverse mediums including paintings by Brad Haugaard, Melissa Ahaus, and Jeni Bate, as well as pen, ink and colored pencil drawings by Eric Watkins.
“We are pleased, too, that our artists represent a diversity of ethnic and cultural backgrounds,” Monrovia Association of Fine Arts President Christine Geltz told Hey SoCal. All the artists will be present Sunday for the opening.
“Subject matter will range from night views of iconic Los Angeles-area landmarks to landscapes of Monrovia’s scenic mountain trails to moody domestic scenes reminiscent of Edward Hopper and Grant Wood to evocative portraits and scenes of the Old West,” shared Geltz. “Completing the collection are inspiring ‘skyscapes for the soul.’”
In addition, the Kay Dalton Room will feature displays if eclectic work from students of Clifton Arts Academy at Clifton Middle School, as well as California School of the Arts—San Gabriel Valley. The students’ art from each school will be judged by a professional artist and prizes awarded at the close of the opening reception at 5 p.m.
The five-member band Lobo Reese will provide live musical entertainment, and Rivanis Baking Company and Wine of the Month Club will provide refreshments for the opening reception.
Art from the four featured artists will be available for purchase (via check only) throughout the three-month exhibit. Purchased items will remain part of the exhibit until the end of the current show.
The show will be on view until Jan. 29, 2022, during the Community Center’s businesses hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This isn’t the only event the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts has planned for the coming months.
During the week of Thanksgiving, Nov. 25-28, the public is invited to participate in Chalksgiving, a virtual at-home chalk festival. Once registered, participants are given a free 30-piece box of chalk to create art reflecting the theme, “What We’re Thankful For,” on driveways and sidewalks. Participants can then email the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts a photo of their art by Nov. 28 for a chance to win a $50 gift car to local non-chain restaurants. Prizes will be given to Best of Show and the top three winners in each category: Monrovia Resident Families and Individuals, Monrovia Resident Children (with signed parental consent), Students (with signed parental consent if under 18), Professionals Artists and City Employees. Registration is available at monroviafinearts.org/event-4217404.
Though this exhibit is yet to open, the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts is already planning the next Artist Alley Gallery artist reception on Jan. 30, 2022. That exhibit will feature pieces from John Parker, Arella Tomlinson, Jenny Gano and Arthur Lorraine.
If you can’t wait until then, the association recruits and manages monthly, rotating installation of its members at Grey & Cash and The Monrovian Restaurant. Grey & Cash currently features the colorful nature creations of Emily Suñez. Over at The Monrovian, visitors can peruse the vivid photography of MAFA board member Carol Curtis and the superhero illustrations of new student member Noah Gutierrez.
Local artists interested in being a part of this bustling art community can register for Monrovia Association of Fine Arts adult or student membership at monroviafinearts.org/join. After going through the jurying process and becoming members, artists can reach out to Eric Watkins, gallery manager, at eric.redrose085209@yahoo.com for inclusion in a gallery installation.
