THOUSAND OAKS : Gallery to Exhibit Polish Artists’ Work

Welcoming the new year with international flair, the Thousand Oaks Community Gallery will host an exhibit of oil paintings, collages and watercolors by three Polish artists.

All three artists--Christina Sophie Eichler, Barbara Gawronski and Leonard Konopelski--were born in Poland, have traveled to several countries, and now live in Southern California. Their works often blend elements from various artistic traditions, reflecting careers full of travel and change.

“Each of us has a very different message,” said Gawronski, who uses mirrors in her collages to play with the meaning of reflection.

Although Gawronski said few of her works deal directly with Poland, many allude to masterpieces of art history, giving the collages an international flavor.

Konopelski focuses on abstract watercolors. And Eichler’s oil paintings tend toward surrealism.

“They are extremely accomplished artists, and we feel very fortunate to have their work in our gallery,” said Carol Williams, the city’s arts liaison.

The exhibit, called Triform, will open Jan. 7 with a public reception from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will continue through Jan. 29.

The Thousand Oaks Community Gallery is at 2331-A Borchard Road, next to the Newbury Park branch library. It is open Thursdays through Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge.

For more information, call Williams at 449-2128 or the gallery at 498-4390.