The Folk Tree's 21st Annual Hearts & Flowers Exhibition, held in honor of Valentine's Day from January 19 - February 16, 2008. The public is invited to a Valentine's Party on Saturday, January 26, from 2 - 6 P.M.
Love and its symbols are the focus of this show, which includes artwork in a variety of media. An array of related Mexican folk art is also on view, including ceramic figures by the Aguilar family, repousse hearts cut from tin, and paper and corn husk flowers.
Over thirty artists display their interpretations of love and romance. Small decorative Valentine-like objects are offered by Jennifer Coniff (mixed media), Cynthia Cook (mixed media) and Tamara Hensick (cast metal). Paintings on tin by Joel Nakamura, collages by Kathi Oshima, fiber by Mavis Leahy and Shari Beaubien, assemblages by Chela and Joseph Banuelos, and many more artworks address both whimsical and emotionally-charged matters of the heart. Some of the other artists represented include: Ulla Anobile (papier mache); Cathy Ashworth (paintings); Beverly Crist (ceramics); Claudia Galvan (ceramics, mixed media); Janet Olenik (drawing); and Maria Rendon (3D illustration).
Among the jewelry on view is work by: Ellen Dinerman (cast sterling silver & gemstones); Wendy Hacker (fine steel mesh flowers); Sean Hill (sterling silver & resin); Lucia Preciado (intricate beadwork with gemstones); Juan Sigala (faceted gemstones with sterling silver, and gold); Andrea Munoz (cast sterling silver with gemstones); Amanda Loos (wood & resin); and Kathleen Maley (pressed glass & metal). The work ranges from very current styles and materials to more classic and subtle designs.
HEARTS & FLOWERS is truly an exhibit for the romantically inclined, offering an eclectic blend of traditional folk art, contemporary crafts and fine art.
The Folk Tree is located at 217 South Fair Oaks Avenue (just fifteen minutes from downtown Los Angeles, off the end of the 110 freeway and minutes walking distance from the Del Mar Gold Line Station). Hours are: M-W, 11-6; Th-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. For more information, contact Gail Mishkin at 626/793-4828 or call The Folk Tree at 626/795-8733.
