Paintings by Pat Elliott, Alexis Spakoski featured
Both of the front windows at the Corner Gallery will be graced by Pat Elliott's elegant, colorful and evocative “Tree Views” for the month of April.
Growing up in the Canadian province of northern Ontario with an oil painter for a mother, Pat was surrounded by untamed nature and artistic inspiration. She spent her childhood going to art exhibits with her mother, so always had an awareness of the importance of art as a means of expressing beauty.
After moving to Ukiah in 2006 and retiring from 50 years in her nursing career, Pat began studying art locally at Mendocino College. “I was really inspired,” she says. “I always wanted to be an artist, but I couldn't find the time. As I worked on improving my art skills between trips back to my home area in Ontario, I started taking pictures and doing art based on those memories from my childhood. What I love in Ontario is the birch and pine trees as they change colors with the seasons, the rivers, and all the lakes. My show is full of images from the Ontario wilderness, with the inclusion of some paintings of our beautiful Mendocino coast.”
Pat has experimented with a variety of media in her various art classes, and currently enjoys acrylics and ink. She uses bold colors and simplified forms and glazes to achieve the colorful and semi- abstracted effect that she desires in her work.
Alexis Spakoski is the featured artist for the Mendocino County Art Association's revolving display on the Corner Gallery's pony wall.
When asked what inspires her, Alexis responded, “I'm attracted to all kinds of images of everyday life that I find whimsical. I'm having fun with whatever visions pop into my head.” Acrylic paint is Alexis' preferred medium. “I like the immediacy,” she says with a laugh. “You can paint right over stuff that you don't like.” This display of spontaneous and unexpected images is certain to delight visitors.
The First Friday opening for both of these shows is on April 5 from 5-8 p.m. at the Corner Gallery. Live music will be provided throughout the evening by “Midas Well,” aka Char Jacob's and Chris Gibson. The gallery is located at 201 S. State St. in Ukiah.