The show is dramatic, thought-provoking, poignant and fun, great art covering almost all mediums and even mixing same.“Santa Chihuahua” and “Dog God” by Tony de Carlo are wonderful whimsical looks at religion and the meaning of same, affectionately done; Lupe, Maria and Anna, three portraits by Art Hernandez, wonderful faces of Latina beauties; Las Gallinas by Parmlee Gomez - aka Parmlee Duke or just Parmlee - is far from chicken with a bold dark work that conveys a sense of hen house fun; Michael Kelly's massive Porkchop Seeks St. Luke the Evangelist is a room-filling example of his fine complex works; Jose Ramirez shows his unusual painting mixing a skull with bandit - or are they women field workers - bookends; a blond - dare we say bland? - Jesus is thought provoking in Robert Herrera's work; paintings by Betty Val-Cruz carry deep messages in soulful eyes; Diva is a gender-bending fun shocker done by Tony Guitierrez, especially next to his sentimental Anthony's Wagon; Elena Rios deserves kudos for her woodblock paintings of an enriched Our Lady of Guadalupe; Xavier Montes is at his best with Guadalupe Church, accessible to all as it stands alone against a mountain backdrop; fabulous fun are the trio of rustically framed figures by Carmen Abelleira; Jesse Melgoza's pop art meets Indian lovers with Amor Indio.Too many artists to mention, each work close to or an actual wonder. . .the De Colores art exhibit will continue through June 3. The museum - located at 1001 E. Main St. - is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. For more information, call 933-0076.
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De Colores: 7th annual art exhibit features works close to or actual wonders
April 20, 2001
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times“De Colores” lives up to is name with a burst of colorful art now being exhibited at the California Oil Museum: the event that is helping Santa Paula to gain a firm foothold on its reputation for unique cultural events is now celebrating its 7th year, and the April 1 opening reception - sponsored by Latino Town Hall, Francis & Associates, and Santa Clara Valley Bank - drew over 300 people, said COM Executive Director Mike Nelson.“Of course, the museum, docents and just everybody concerned was delighted, it was wonderful, far exceeded our expectations. In spite of the weather it was a wonderful turnout,” including out-of-town visitors who were drawn to the art celebration, which included music, poetry and dancing at the opening reception.The celebration started with a blessing dance by Nahui Ollin, the celebrated Aztec dance group; musician and youth activist Xavier Montes of Santa Paula, the creator and artistic director of the De Colores Art Show, introduced the exhibit and special guests, including with trios performing traditional Mexican ballads and poet Alis Morris Soto. The "First Family of Latin Jazz," The Estrada Brothers, took to the stage to provide an exciting conclusion to the afternoon.The "7th Annual De Colores Art Show" showcases the best of contemporary Latino art with new works by a dozen established and emerging artists. Since its debut, the art show has established a reputation for exhibiting provocative contemporary art from artists throughout California. The rich variety of media and expression is a tribute to the dedication of Montes, who created the show in 1994 to honor the co-founders of the United Farm Workers Union, Cesar Chavez - whose birth is celebrated - and Dolores Huerta, and celebrate Latino art and culture.An award-winning artist, the newest works of Montes and other artists are fabulous, many mixing familiar Latino themes of religion and familia - the family - with whimsical depictions of uncommon subjects.
