Fresh from its one-year anniversary, ArtHop continues to celebrate great art and artists.
The August ArtHop will kick off with a “Plein Aire Paint Out” Saturday, Aug. 8, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Studio Experience.
Get a taste of the great outdoors as several local artists paint various subjects from nature on site.
Plein aire basically means painting outdoors, but it’s certainly not easy. According to Mickey Theobald, artist and owner of the Studio Experience, plein aire is a way to keep painting fresh and original.
“It’s fascinating,” Theobald said. “The light changes rapidly and you have to keep up with it. It’s ever-changing. It really gives you a fresh approach to painting.”
ArtHoppers can come and wander the beautiful grounds behind the studio while watching artists such as Theobald, Beverly Dearman, Sondi Krick, Nanci Sackett, Susan Riggs, Susan Greaves and Cheryl Petty work their magic.
The Studio Experience has been around since 1998, and has been involved with ArtHop as a way to reach out so that people can come and view art that is made locally.
In addition to being involved in ArtHop, the Studio Experience gallery represents a variety of art, including realism, abstract and portraits. Each month, a new artist is featured, and thus, a new show goes up in the gallery; so it’s ever-changing, too.
The studio also hosts juried art shows, with awards given to the winning artists.
In November, the Studio Experience is hosting “What’s Cooking,” which will feature artists capturing the essence of the edible. But for now, Theobald says, the emphasis is on plein aire and ArtHop.
Also happening at Saturday’s kick-off is music by the Shasta Blues Revue, an eclectic mix of funky blues and soul music. Founder and musician Rick Larsen says he writes new music so that people aren’t just hearing the same covers all the time.
“I like for people to hear something new so that it keeps it interesting for them, and for us as well.”
Larsen has been active in the music community for nearly 20 years, playing in various bands. Two years ago, he was inspired to put something new together, thus creating the Shasta Blues Revue.
Enjoy their more mellow sounds at ArtHop and then an extended show at Lulu’s on Aug. 15, featuring Marvin Allen.
“We try to bring something new each time we play,” Larsen said.
“We’ve got to keep it fresh.”
Stop by the Studio Experience for the “Plein Aire Paint Out” and music by the Shasta Blues Revue. Saturday, Aug. 8, 5-6 p.m. 3404 Bechelli Lane, Suite B. Click HERE to visit the “Day & Night” ArtHop Page for more information.
Melissa Gulden earned her B.A. in journalism and her M.A. in English from CSU, Chico. She spent time in Las Vegas working as a college English instructor and a magazine writer and editor. Melissa currently teaches at University Preparatory School in Redding, performs in local theatre and writes for Enjoy Magazine.
