SANTA CRUZ — The artwork of women over 60 years old has been collected into a new exhibit at the R. Blitzer Gallery on the west side of Santa Cruz.
The show, “20/60: Women Artists in their Prime,” is a wide mix of media, from oil paintings and watercolors to charcoal drawings and freestanding sculpture.
“It’s beautiful,” said Aptos artist Susanna Waddell. “I love the idea of celebrating women artists. It’s such a positive way of honoring women in their prime. All the artists brought different ideas and inspiration to the show.”
The gallery is situated in a renovated warehouse that for years made Wrigley gum. It is now a busy hub of art avenues, from studios to showrooms, gobs of exhibition wall space and oddball collections that sprinkle the cavernous hallways.
Blitzer features several large rooms with 19-foot ceilings, natural and artificial light, and plenty of space to accommodate large crowds.
“I think it looks great,” said Santa Cruz artist Hedwig Heerschop. “It’s the perfect space for this kind of show, which is bold, big and colorful. I feel it is a beautifully executed show.”
Bird Series #72″ is a photo polymer etching and construction by Jane Gregorius.
Last Friday, the reception for the show coincided with the First Friday Art Tour in Santa Cruz. The free, informal art-centric event, staged the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m., serves as an arena to showcase local art in a wealth of galleries, shops, cafes and museums through exhibit receptions, ongoing shows and more. For schedules and locations visit firstfridaysantacruz.com.
Artists in the show include: Wendy Aikin, Barbara Bailey-Porter, Jean Beebe, Jane Gregorius, Stephanie Heit, Joan Hellenthal, Chris Miroyan, Adrienne Momi, Mary Offermann, Leslie Morgan, Cher Roberts, Nancy Russell, Rose Sellery, Beth Shields, Barbara Shore, Suzanne Siegel, Peggy Snider, Judy Stabile, Kathryn Stowell, Susanna Waddell and Lynda Watson.
“20/60: Women Artists in their Prime” runs through Sept. 28 at the R. Blitzer Gallery, at 2801 Mission St.
Gallery Hours are Tuesday–Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.
“Devil Child” is a mixed media and found objects sculpture by Rose Sellery. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)
