CARLSBAD — Art galleries in Carlsbad Village Center are staying open after hours, welcoming patrons, giving art demonstrations and serving wine and cheese for the Cruise the Art Scene.“We will have demonstrations of artists actually working,” watercolorist Bev Stuber said. “There will be one artist working in each gallery.”
Stuber demonstrated watercolor painting at the Oceanside Art Gallery where her work is featured. There were also demonstrations of oil painting, acrylic painting and sculpting inside galleries and outside in the center plaza.
“It shows off the cultural aspect of the small center,” Stuber said. “It’s something available for everyone whether they are visiting or living in the community. I call it a cheap date.”
The fourth Thursday of the month event continues the tradition of summer Thursdays on the Coast art walks that include art galleries and businesses throughout the six-block Carlsbad Village area.
“Thursdays on the Coast stops for winter hours, but we don’t stop making art,” Mary Villela, ceramic artist and co-owner of Oceanside Art Gallery, said.
The winter Cruise the Art Scene event condenses the art walk to galleries and businesses within the Carlsbad Village Center to ensure the evening experience is well-lit and walkable for visitors.
Within the center there are two co-op galleries, one private gallery and a sculpture studio.
The COAL Gallery and Phantom Gallery are co-op galleries that are run by artist members.
The COAL Gallery is a nonprofit art league that boasts more than 250 member artists. The gallery holds frequent contests, demonstrations and classes. It features the artwork of recent contest winners and other artist members.
The Phantom Gallery includes 20 artists who specialize in different media. True to its name, the Phantom Gallery occasionally changes locations within the center as other businesses move in and out of spaces.
The Oceanside Art Gallery features oil paintings by co-owner Joe Villela, ceramic work by co-owner Mary Villela and watercolors by Stuber. The works of guest artists are also displayed.
Lynn Forbes Sculpture displays sculptures by owner Lynn Forbes and is often busy with student sculpting classes.
Renaissance Institute of Music, Virtu Boutique and Compass Restaurant also participated in the evening by displaying artists’ work and hosting live demonstrates.
Cruise the Art Scene is sponsored by Carlsbad Village Center. For more information on the monthly event, contact Oceanside Art Gallery and Studio at (760) 845-9017.
