Saturday morning in Wildwood Park, under a canopy of ancient oaks, forty-two artists came together to exhibit and sell their work. There was a variety of medium including a lamp made out of cooper and brass with hawk feet for legs. Alongside this was another lamp with octopus tentacles.
These distinctive lamps were the work of artist Evan Chambers. Chambers is from Pasadena and his work can be found at the Gold Bug in Old Town Pasadena. He is just one of many local artists at the Art on Palm Show.
“Art on Palm is an art show that began in a friend’s backyard,” said Catherine Cowles, one of the organizers for the event. “We gathered buddies together, put on a show and people came!” she added enthusiastically.
The show featured works of ceramics, collage, glass, jewelry, woodworking, textiles and the Bull Fish blues band. All in a “casual, calm setting,” according to artist Ovie Cowles, whose exhibition was the Leaf Motif. Ovie Cowles and Catherine Cowles are a husband and wife team that created Leaf Motif. They offer a range of home decor products, including original multi-leaf collages, leaf sculptures, a line of illuminations, and many more intriguing items.
According to Cowles, Art on Palm showcases “very distinctive, hand-crafted art.” Such is the case for the work of artist, Belinda del Pesco. Pesco’s work featured a selection of watercolor and printmaking, including the watercolor piece, “Kitchen Sunset.” Aside from painting, Pesco also has a YouTube channel with tips and lessons on painting and printmaking: https://www.youtube.com/user/bdelpesco
“Today it’s very hard for artists to make substantial income doing retail shows,” said Cowles. “They have to be very careful that they go to an audience that is qualified and appreciative. We find that the people who come to Art on Palm are.”
The people who come to Art on Palm come not only for the distinctive artwork, but also for the “beautiful, magnificent sight,” said Cowles. It’s more than an art show, it’s a chance to appreciate beauty.
An ancient oak road and homes that were renovated by architect Henry Green surround the Art on Palm show. “It is just a spectacular, soothing, restorative location,” said Cowles. “It’s a terrific show and we look forward to inviting everyone to come into the event.”
The show occurs twice a year and for more information you can visit www.artonpalm.com.
