Open Studios: Aptos Art Studios

OPEN STUDIOS

Open Studios: Aptos Art Studios

Aptos Art Studios will participate in Open Studios, Oct. 9-10 and Oct. 15-16, giving people a chance to view eight artists at one location, the Aptos Warehouse Complex at 800, 802 and 804 Estates Drive, Aptos, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The artists are neighbors to a surfboard company, a woodworker, and a tile store. Each artist has his or own artistic style and enjoys synergy with the others. Here is how they see their art in these interesting times.

Suzanne McCourt: I take a breath as I step into my studio. I face a daily banter between my ‘thinking’ artist & my ‘childlike’ artist. I know it will be a roller-coaster of trial and error.

I turn on my music, and a switch flips. I move, feel, and sometimes sing as my eye catches gooey colors of paint as I engage with creativity. I adore palette knives & large brushes for slather of paint on surfaces to create texture.

My studio floor becomes my grab bag of handmade papers, stencils, pens, and found objects for inspiration. I relax and enjoy knowing that my love of art is felt within the process of just creating. suzannemccourt.com

Bonnie Minardi: As a painter, I am intrigued by texture and color. I use a variety of materials including collage papers, acrylic paint, and sometimes oil with cold wax.

I get absorbed in my passion for experimenting and exploring new materials and techniques. I am interested in creating a sense of mystery whether I am painting abstracts, landscapes, or the figure. faso.com/ artists/bonnieminardi.html

Gretchen Werner: After many years in the art world, I took up painting in 2012. I started with oils, and I have experimented in many different styles including still life, landscape, portraits, mixed media and abstract.

I’ve transitioned to using mostly acrylic. With a passion for abstract, I still allow myself the freedom to experiment. Being inspired by nature with daily walks on the beach with my dog Barney there is a plethora of inspiration all around …

Please stop by for a visit, I’d love to meet you. faso.com/artists/gretchenwerner. html

Jean Sheckler Beebe: I use color, layers, line and wit to make her artistic point whether with paint or college. My pieces range from very large (14 x 9 feet) to quite small (8x8 inches) with paintings on canvas, wood panel and paper. I am a narrative painter and work in a series of painting working through a theme.

João de Brito

“Aptos Art Studios” page 15

Fresh Air • Joao De Brito “Open Studios” from page 4

Find photos and more at bit.ly/ openstudios-2022pr

The dividing line between North and South County is the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor. So you can drive as much or as little as you want.

If you’re interested in rural studios, visit the preview exhibit Oct. 1-16 at the R. Blitzer Gallery in Santa Cruz, featuring work by artists in Bonny Doon, Corralitos, and Felton.

If you attend, you will see a vibrant sector of the local economy up close – and make connections in the creative community.

As Ostermann put it, in Santa Cruz the arts “are one of the most powerful vehicles for bringing people together, creating community dialogues, and strengthening relationships.” n

•••

Cover Photo: “Blue Z” is by Suzanne McCourt of Aptos who will participate in Open Studios Art Tour 2022. She is one of eight participating artists at Aptos Art Studios at the Aptos Warehouse Complex, 804 Estates Drive, Aptos.