Art by the Bay
The homegrown, handcrafted magic of Art Center Morro Bay
Story by Clarissa Fishman Photos submitted by Art Center Morro Bay
Many years ago, I lived in a small town in Italy that was renowned for its artistic heritage and international artist community. Painters and sculptors came from all over the world to sculpt the marble from the nearby quarries and paint the iconic Tuscan countryside. My Italian mother, a talented painter herself, was the first to introduce me to color and to the creation of worlds that artists are so good at. This early exposure to art helped me access my own imagination and creativity more easily — as it does for so many of us.
Art Center Morro Bays brightly colored exterior
Much like the Tuscan village of my youth, the Central
Coast is full of towns that support vibrant art scenes. When art thrives, so too does the entire culture and community. Morro Bay is an excellent example of this, and at its beating heart is Art Center Morro Bay.
Located in historic old town just a few blocks from the beach, Art Center Morro Bay is such a treat for art lovers. The wide array of beautiful art exhibits and workshops it offers are an enriching contribution to the town. Its mission is “championing art as essential to life and giving our community a creative voice” — and indeed, it does just that.
Jewel Demoss, A Quiet Moment, acrylic
The nonprofit, volunteer-based Morro Bay Art Association has been at the center of the art scene in Morro Bay for 60 years, “Happily connecting art lovers with artists.” The Art Center’s two large galleries display rotating art exhibits throughout the year, featuring local and regional artists. Other spaces at the Art Center play host to educational workshops and classes for both adults and children throughout the year.
In addition to leading the charge at the Art Center, the Morro Bay Art Association sponsors the popular Art in the Park Morro Bay festival on Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day weekends every year. Yes, that’s right, that’s three times a year! Featuring dozens of artists in more than 100 vendor booths, these fundraising events take over the quaint Morro Bay Park with every type of art you can think of. Textiles, ceramics, oil paintings, photography, sculpture, woodwork, jewelry, glassware, and more — it’s all there, along with plenty of food and drink to keep up your energy as you explore row after row of San Luis Obispo County’s finest selection of handmade arts and crafts.
The proceeds from the sale of art in the galleries, along with revenue from Art in the Park, allows Art Center Morro Bay to offer scholarships to local high school and college students, and fund other Art Center programs as well. Engaging the community through art is at the center of everything they do.
For the spring season, Art Center Morro Bay has a wonderful line up of exhibits. If you are in the neighborhood, whether as a local or visitor, it is definitely worth a visit!
On April 5 from 3 – 5 pm, Art Center Morro Bay is holding a free watercolor painting demonstration with artist Jan French. Can’t make that one? Monthly demonstrations are held the first Saturday of each month from 3 – 5 pm. T hese change each month, so be sure to check the Art Center website for the latest offerings. Also in the spring lineup is a Life Drawing Class, held Wednesday evenings from 6 – 9 pm. Other classes and free events frequently pop up throughout the year, as well!
Connie Avila, Perfect Day, oil painting
In April and May, the Art Center will be hosting the Pastel Society West Coast exhibit “Out of Bounds: The Pastel Exhibit That Goes Beyond Tradition,” opening April 3. Pastel artists will display work that combines pastels with one or more other mediums creating two-dimensional works of art. Renowned artist Tony Allain will be the judge, and at the reception on April 19, he will be giving a demonstration of his craft.
From May 15 to June 23, the Art Center’s Main Gallery will exhibit “Illuminations + Central Coast Artists Collective.” It will be an exploration in light, reflection, and shadow through literal, abstract, or personal introspection. In the Russell Gallery a juried exhibit will feature Central Coast craft-makers and the Photographic Society. A reception will kick off these events on May 18 from 2 – 4 pm.
What is it about art that brings us so much joy? And why is it so important? Studies from the journal Psychological Science have discovered that art plays an important role in enhancing empathy and compassion. They show that children and adults alike, when standing in front of an evocative painting, feel humbled and less entitled; art helps shift their attention toward the needs and concerns of others, rather than just the self.
It seems the stimulation that art provides not only awakens our imaginations but also turns our gaze inward and expands us from the inside out. Being around art is good for the soul and can truly help color our world beautiful.
All this talk about art has the words of Pablo Picasso running through my head, so I will leave you with this, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
Art Center Morro Bay is located at 835 Main St., Morro Bay, and is open daily from noon to 4 pm, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. To find out more about exhibits, events, workshops, and all other information, visit artcentermorrobay.org.