To give you an idea of what you’ll be seeing and learning, each Art Trek artisan at the Garden Gallery has described his or her work. Mixed-media artist Matt Cable focuses on contemporary reflections of nature. He said he feels, “Art should be accessible affordable, and appreciated. My artistic process remains organic. Without the experience
of creating one work, the next work may not come into existence.”

“Though I’ve been working in encaustic for three years,” says Becky Collins, “still, I find the medium intoxicating. Literally, I fall into the process of creating depth and texture. I love sharing the encaustic experience with others.”

Joe Cooper admits, “I fell under the spell of the torch 45 years ago. My formal and informal studies brought me to focus on innovative copper lighting fixtures, fountains, and other forms of functional art. I collaborate with architects and interior designers to produce custom works. For Art Trek at the Garden Gallery, I’ll be exhibiting one of my bas-relief sculpture panels.”

“Born in Argentina, my Latino heritage inspires my passion for color and contrast,” comments painter and collage maker Grace Lertora. “I get excited by forms, spaces, and their relationships – both figurative and abstract. It will be my pleasure to share my excitement about collage with art trekkers.”

Artist Patricia Roshaven shares “While digital photography requires carrying out the technical demands of camera, computer and editing software to create a beautiful image, I enjoy painting the most without any thought of technique or final image. I love both processes.”

Photographer Ford Smith remarks, “We print affordable fine art. Each giclée print is hand-pulled and printed with archival inks on archival papers.”

Mara and Ford Smith will exhibit some of their bestselling, signed and numbered prints. In addition, there will be notecards. As writers, the couple will sign copies of their various books.

Come enjoy the wealth of experiences of these Garden Gallery artists and craftsmen, working in collage, copper, encaustic, mixed media, photography, painting, even writing. And, as you trek among all the art and craft, you might find a plant or two, too.

– article submitted by Mara Smith