Mauck shines in PAA exhibit
Local artist showcases ‘creative stage’
Porterville Art Association always has wonderful art exhibits, and the reception at their gallery at 151 N. Main Street Friday evening featuring artist Jonelle Mauck was no exception.
More than 50 people enjoyed the exhibit and reception, with others dropping in to see the artist and congratulate her.
The Porterville Art Association always has a spread of delicious food and hors-d’oeuvres for receptions, and artists and friends spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.
Jonelle and her husband Ronnie live in Porterville and she said the show has been a wonderful experience.
“It’s like my comingout party in Porterville – art wise,” she said. “I am in an experimental creative stage and pushing color boundaries, techniques and blurring realism with my painting.”
Jonelle took classes with George Tanimoto at Porterville College. He was at the show and congratulated her as well as spending time with local friends.
As you walk into the gallery there are three large paintings of lions that are Jonelle’s main presentation, with other paintings of cats and birds that are acrylic on canvas using bright and muted color for a modern unique style. In a smaller room to the right there are more paintings and drawings that are exceptional.
She has drawings, paintings of birds and animals, and abstract paintings that are striking in their use of color, dynamism and energy.
“My wife’s paintings have gone from mediocre to a recognizable talent. She’s always been
very good with color pencil, too,” says Ronnie. He is a woodworker and has framed all of her work.
One of the many highlights of the evening for Jonelle was seeing her dear childhood friend Lawana Tate, who she hadn't see in over 50 years. They had a touching reunion at the gallery and are happy to be in touch again. Their families have been friends for generations.
Tate said she had never been to a PAA art show and was thrilled to see her talented friend's beautiful art and to reconnect.
“This is the first time in 50 years or longer. I'm so glad Jonelle is here in Porterville. She always loved to draw and was very talented,” she said.
Local artist Manuel Abad, who has some beautiful realistic paintings at the gallery including a recent gorgeous painting of the Kaweah Oaks Preserve, said he enjoyed being at the show and seeing people he hasn't seen in a while.
“It's a nice place for artists to gather,” said Abad.
His friend Bill Warner said that many of the artworks at the PAA are as good, if not better than many of the works you see in museums. He reminds us that Porterville and Springville have a long association as an arts and crafts colony, and there are many well-known and nationally-known artists in the area. Not just paintings, but pottery, hand-made instruments, weaving, art-glass, and much more.
He says Porterville is lucky to have a local art association that supports artists, encourages art and teaches art appreciation and classes.
Judy Holloway was elected president of the PAA in June, and says the reception has brought in a large crowd. She says they are very anxious to make the gallery a success so it can continue in the community.
The gallery is a benefit to the artists and youth in the community, and allows them not only to showcase their art but also to learn from each other through classes and share techniques.
“We hope everyone enjoyed the show today and will continue to support our local artists. The current show will be open for two more months,” said Holloway.
Kellie Coulter helped organize the show, and said she hoped that everyone would come and see it because the artwork was beautiful.
Peggy Woods, who helped with the refreshments, said she thought the artwork was incredibly unique and on the cutting edge of contemporary art.
This fall PAA will be hosting “A Night to Remember” fundraiser Oct. 13 at Nuckols Ranch to celebrate and embrace culture through the arts. The show and catered dinner will feature dancing, a reverse drawing and much more. Tickets are $50 per person and include dinner and entertainment at Nuckols Ranch.
For more information call 559-784-4323 or https://www.facebook.com/portervilleartassociation.