Local talent is in full bloom this...
Local talent is in full bloom this weekend at “Art in the Garden,” a fine arts show sponsored by the Torrance Artists Guild at the South Coast Botanic Garden.
The two-day show featuring 500 framed and unframed works by about 40 artists continues today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the lush garden grounds at 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., atop the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
In the complex’s Frances Young Auditorium--and while wandering the garden’s nearby arbors and paths--art lovers can view or purchase original oil, watercolor and pastel paintings, as well as contemporary photography.
The non-competitive show is one of four exhibits and the largest selling show sponsored by the artists guild this year. Organizers hope the show will become a South Bay tradition.
“It should give some of our artists an opportunity to see and be seen,” said Betty Kohler, show organizer and guild member. “It’s a great opportunity for art collectors to see their work. We have a lot of very, very good artists that really should be discovered.”
All displayed works will be offered for sale with prices ranging from $5 to $1,500, Kohler said. Handmade cards and limited edition prints will also be on sale.
As an additional attraction, artists Bonnita Budysz of Lomita, Mario Mirkovich of San Pedro and Ruth Hatfield of Torrance will be on hand to paint pastel portraits.
After viewing the show, visitors can explore the 87-acre botanic garden, which features plants and trees from all over the world, or take a half-hour tram tour of the extensive grounds, said Norma Cantafio, executive director of the botanic garden foundation.
The garden, which was built on a former landfill in 1961, includes redwood trees, rose, vegetable and herb gardens, and a lake.
Admission is $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and students, and 75 cents for youngsters ages 5 to 12. Tram tours will be offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. for an additional $1.50. Botanic garden foundation members are admitted free. For more information call (310)544-1847 or (310) 540-4001.
