The Scotts Valley Public Library recently launched an all-new art display featuring professional artists who have captured the beauty of California in their paintings.
Part of the library’s “Art in the Library” series, the exhibit is called “Painting the Golden State” and features artists that are part of the Santa Cruz Oil Painters Group.
The exhibit — which debuted Aug. 16 and is set to run through November — features professional paintings that capture the beauty of California in landscapes like Tahoe, Big Sur, redwood forests, and Yosemite.
The paintings feature a variety of different landscapes — in both oil paints and pastels — that capture the magic of the landscapes in the Golden State.
“I try and support different organizations like Save Our Shores, local artists, and community groups,” said local artist Valri Peyser, who serves as coordinator of the “Art in the Library” exhibits.
Sixteen artists currently have between two and nine pieces artwork on display and available to purchase at the library.
“Art in the Library” is part of the library’s overall commitment to provide a cultural education for the public. This program provides the public to experience an expanse of artwork created by artists that incorporate passion and creativity into each piece.
“I try to get a wide spread of mediums, it’s really about the artists,” Peyser said, “the community really appreciates it.”
The Santa Cruz Oil Painters Group has been around since 2001 and currently incorporates artists of all levels that are from the Santa Cruz area who are devoted to painting and growing artistically.
The two- to three-month exhibits in the library encouraging young artists to develop their artistic passion as well as bring people to the library itself, Peyser said.
“It is a natural fit to have artists in the library,” she said. “It helps people appreciate the art venue.”
The next art exhibit will be an abstract theme, Peyser said. It will incorporate both well established artists in our area as well as some who haven’t gotten the chance to display their work in such a venue.
“I try and include established artists and new artists,” Peyser said, “my emphasis is to support them.”
The library is located at 251 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley and is open daily from Monday till Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.fsvpl.org or call 427-7712.