The Pasadena Society of Artists (PSA) is wrapping up 2023 with a creative flourish, presenting two exceptional events that celebrate the synergy between art, nature, and community.
On Saturday, Nov. 11, the PSA opens its “Art in Nature” Festival at Eaton Canyon, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This special event promises a day of artistic expression, uniting artists, nature enthusiasts, and the broader community at the picturesque Eaton Canyon. The festival aims to showcase the intrinsic connection between art and nature.
“Most visitors come to Eaton Canyon just to go to the waterfall, and they miss out on everything else that is here – including all the animals!” said Liz Crimzon, PSA member-at-large and coordinator of the event. “There are many artists, who are inspired by the beauty of Eaton Canyon, that come here to create artwork. We thought, if we introduce visitors to what nature looks like through the eyes of artists, perhaps they will be inspired to ‘look beyond the waterfall’ to see what else Eaton Canyon has to offer.”
The event will feature a diverse array of artistic activities, including youth painting activities, photography, plein air art demonstrations, and live music. Student artist Lily Yllescas and PSA’s former president Victor Picou will share their insights and experiences with the audience.
The participating artists for this event represent a variety of mediums, including photography, watercolor, oil painting, pen and ink, and fabric collage. Visitors will witness plein air artists as they attempt to capture the scenic beauty of Eaton Canyon.
The day will also host vendors, including Calisto Tea House, and a musical performance by Braden Pontoli, known for his captivating sound baths, at 3:30 pm.
To know more about the “Art in Nature” Festival, visit www.ecnca.org/arts-festival-november-11th/.
Following “Art in Nature,” the Pasadena Society of Artists’ Foto & Clay Exhibition will debut on Dec. 5 at the Baldwin Ave. Gallery in Sierra Madre. The exhibition features a captivating display of visual and tactile artistry by 22 photographers and ceramicists, the group’s announcement said.
Among the participating artists are Cyndi Bemel, Mariko Bird, Martin Ehrlich, Mims Ellis, Maryellen Eltgroth, Patricia Fortlage, Kevin Hass, Karen Hochman Brown, Jeffry Jensen, Tommy Lei, Warner LeMénager, Gina M., Tom Oldfield, Debbi Swanson Patrick, Rebecca H. Pollack, Rhonda Raulston, Lawrence D. Rodgers, Jeannine Savedra, Robert Michael Sullivan, Tsvetelina Valkov, Patricia Jessup-Woodlin, and Sean Yang.
“This is a great opportunity to see the work of excellent photographers and ceramicists from the PSA,” Exhibition Chair Tom Oldfield said. “This is a juried exhibition so all the artists had to submit their art to be judged and accepted into the show. You will be impressed by the quality of their work.”
An Artist’s Reception will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 to 4 p.m., with light refreshments served. The exhibition will continue until Jan. 13, 2024, Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays, 12 noon to 5 p.m.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of serving as a juror was witnessing the multitude of perspectives and narratives conveyed through each work of art,” said juror Bruce Burr. “It was a joy to see the diversity of styles and techniques showcasing the breadth and depth of their medium.”
A former member of PSA and a graduate of the Art Center College of Design Photography program, Burr was also a co-owner of the Towns-Burr Gallery in Burbank.
Established in 1925, the Pasadena Society of Artists continues to uphold its mission of presenting the works of its talented artists to the Pasadena community and beyond.
Combining community participation with partnerships in the arts, philanthropy, and education, the organization seeks to enhance public awareness of the enriching qualities of art in our lives.
In 2025, PSA will mark its 100th anniversary of advocating for the arts for and serving the community.
For more information, visit www.pasadenasocietyofartists.org.
