(Carol Walberg is one of four curators of the latest exhibit,”What Nourishes Us,” a members-only show, at Pajaro Valley Arts that runs from May 30 to July 15. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Pajaronian)
WATSONVILLE — What does it mean to be “nourished”?
Some say it’s their fellow community members that help nourish them. Others will point to the bountiful crops grown throughout the Pajaro Valley that feed the world. Perhaps nourishment can be attained by viewing art.
Whatever it may be, the topic is explored in Pajaro Valley Arts’ annual members exhibit, this year titled “What Nourishes Us.” The show opens May 30 and runs through July 15, with an opening reception scheduled at the gallery, 37 Sudden St. in Watsonville, on June 3 from 2-4 p.m.
Brad Burkhart and Jane Gregorius team up to mount a ceramic work by Burkhart. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Pajaronian
The idea for the exhibit was born out of the City of Watsonville’s 150th anniversary celebration this year. Carol Walberg, who curated the exhibit with Jane Gregorius, Susan Matulich and Mary Neater, said PV Arts originally thought the exhibit would touch on food grown in the Pajaro Valley, but the scope quickly expanded.
“Nourish” could mean any number of things to different people, the curators found out.
“It’s an open exploration of what that means in a person’s life,” Walberg said.
About 75 artists are showing in the exhibit, from a wide range of media, such as oil, wood carving, ceramics and more.
This oil on canvas painting, titled “Woman in India,” is by Mary-Jo Dunn-Ruiz. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Pajaronian
“It is a thrill to have this many incredible artists participate in our annual show,” Gregorius said.
In the gallery’s store stands a tribute to muralist James Aschbacher, who died on April 25 at age 66. Aschbacher, who was an active member of PV Arts, took the lead on establishing a store within the gallery.
Those who purchased artwork by Aschbacher over the years were invited to display the pieces in the gallery.
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“What Nourishes Us” opens May 30 and runs through July 15 at the Pajaro Valley Gallery, 37 Sudden St. in Watsonville.
PV Arts is always searching for new members. For information, call 722-3062 or visit pajarovalleyartscouncil.org.
