First Friday Festivities at Gallery 'n' Gifts

Gallery 'n' Gifts goal is always to have First Friday in Tehachapi be something special. Photo contests, Youth Art contests, Guest Artists and Christmas Boutiques are always exciting and well received.

With the 35th Anniversary of Gallery 'n' Gifts on the horizon, it was decided to approach this special month with special artists. It seemed apropos to honor the in-house Fine Arts members during this anniversary month of celebration, beginning Friday, Sept. 5.

The Fine Arts room, at the Gallery, usually set aside for the First Friday reception and show will feature ten in-house artists, with their never seen before, works of art. Here is Tehachapi's opportunity to admire and grace their homes and offices with some of the finest works of art coming out of Tehachapi.

Sculptor, Marge Colby has won several awards over the years, including the prestigious "Artistic Eminence Award" in sculpture, from the Arts Council of Kern, Inc. and the Sculpture Award of Merit, from the Artists of the Southwest, Inc. Colby's miniature bronze work is something to behold. While the exquisite detail in her miniatures is awe inspiring; her current work depicts a stylized abstraction of the dynamics of life.

Marti Howell paints in oils, pastels and watercolors. Originally from the Bay Area, she taught art in the public schools. Her vivid use of color gives her work a 'signature' of its own. She says she has three goals, when she paints: learn something new, increase her painting skills and have fun.

Gourd and pine needle artist, Shirley Given was inspired by her grandmother's pine needle sewing basket. She finds it intriguing to take an item as humble as a gourd or pine needle and create works of art.

Stephen Lee's first camera was a Kodak Instamatic, he received as a birthday present, in junior high. Lee continued to develop his photographic skills while employed in aerospace and appreciates the beauty the Tehachapi area provides for his work.

Watercolorists, Tina Dille uses a technique in her work that has a defining signature and makes her work recognizable. Tille began her career in Orange County as founder of Dille Ceramics. Today she enjoys a watercolor style that gives her the freedom to create one-on-a kind pieces.

Photographer, Dennis Cowden appreciates the challenge and opportunity back roads give him to be inspired. He is not a dazzled by the 'great shot' of a magazine cover. In high school, Cowden discovered architectural design and never looked back. Cowden said he is always looking for the 'wow' shot every photographer dreams of.

Artist, Valerie Provines is a newcomer to Gallery 'n' Gifts. Her paintings are appealing and she was surprised to have one of her pieces sell at her first at show in Tehachapi.

Robert Hardy enjoys bringing Tehachapi to life with his camera. Using metal as a means by which he creates his work, Hardy enjoys the challenge photography brings to him.

Another newcomer to Gallery 'n' Gifts, Michelle Miller, began oil painting fifteen years ago. Miller's cousin is a painter and encouraged and mentored her, as she developed a style of her own.

Anita Jesse has the uncanny ability to bring a horses soul to the viewer, through its eyes. Using her electronic paint brush she paints over an image using shadow, light, color and texture. Using this technique, in her photography, she not only conveys what she sees but how she feels and removes the limitations of representational photography.

Gallery 'n' Gifts invites everyone come to First Friday, Sept. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. to talk with their favorite artist and see the new pieces they have added to their collection.

Good music, a gastronomical delight and great art prove to make this a memorable 35th Anniversary celebration.

Gallery 'n' Gifts is located at 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. For further information visit http://galleryngifts.org or call 822-6062.