By MELISSA LEHMAN
The current Cambria Center for the Arts Gallery exhibit, “An Eye Opener,” made an enthusiastic debut on March 1. Featuring the bold and vibrant creations of painter Ken Christensen, as well as the work of several participating local artists, community members enjoyed both the artistic offerings and the opening reception, including food and live music.
As an added bonus, Christensen himself awarded ribbons for his favorite paintings. Honorable mentions went to Janet Morrell, Denise Schreiber, Cam Arnold, and Patrick Dennis. Ribbons for outstanding work were awarded to Holly McCain for “Coastal Cliffs,” Art Sherwyn for “Highway 46,” and Olga Mihalichenko for “Golden Dusk.” Each of these works reflect the iconic style of Ken Christensen’s art, rich with color and strong, confident brush strokes. These paintings and more can all be viewed in the Gallery through April 27.
For those unfamiliar with his work, Ken Christensen is a landscape artist who paints in oil, watercolor and other mediums. His rich, distinctive style recalls the bold tradition of the Post-Impressionists and the intense colors of the French Fauve painters. A native of Michigan, Christensen has also worked and exhibited in Paris, London, San Sebastian, Spain, and New Mexico. He settled in California in 2000. Since then, he has won numerous awards, including Best of Show for the 2012 San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival, and Best of Show for the Quick Draw at the 2013 Paso Robles Art Festival. Christensen’s goal for this exhibit is to open viewers’ eyes to the beauty that surrounds them, often in overlooked places. He uses color with confidence–in an assertive, exaggerated way–to capture our attention and delight the senses, elevating the mundane and creating visions of wonder. For further information about Ken and images of his work, please visit: kenchristensen.net.
The current show, “An Eye Opener,” can be viewed in the CCA main gallery until April 27. The Gallery is open from 12 to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays, and is located at 1350 Main Street.
To become a member of the Cambria Center for the Arts community, please visit: cambriaarts.org/membership. For specific questions, you may contact the Gallery Director, Margo Ternstrom, at: margo.ternstrom@cambriaarts.org.
