Ken Caryl Art Guild exhibit at LAC

For the month of April, the Ken Caryl Art Guild’s open-themed exhibit will occupy the loft gallery at the Lakewood Arts Council’s Community Center and Gallery.  Attending the recent opening reception were many of the artists and members of the Guild.

                                                 Ken Caryl Art Guild artists and members

The Ken Caryl Art Guild (KCAG) formed in 2004 for the education and development of artists of all levels and support of the arts in the Ken Caryl and surrounding communities.  It offers its members the opportunity to exhibit their artwork year-round in various venues such as local businesses, and once-a-year shows in galleries in the Santa Fe Dr. and Tennyson art districts.

One of the biggest draws is the presentations at the monthly business meetings.  They range from gallery owner talks to oil painting demos.  Workshops are also offered to the public which are fun, educational and a valuable community service.

For Paul Gesso, co-director of exhibits for the Guild, socializing with and learning from other artists are the main benefits he gains from being a member and, of course, exhibiting and selling his work.

                                                    Paul Gesso with his paintings.

Barbara Williams, active member of the Guild and Lakewood Arts Council (LAC), was very happy to join the Guild in its early years, and is “impressed with the scope of growth offering enrichment of information for the many ranges of artistic talents”.

                                                      “First Snow” by Barbara Williams

Caroline Bakken, director of programs for the KCAG, states that being a member “helps keep me focused on my goal of discovering my possibilities and limitations as an artist.  The meetings, discussions, presentations and emails inspire me to push myself to make art a larger part of my life.  Dealing with the demands of life can really distract me from my creative process, and belonging to the guild draws me back in.”

For me, Gail Firmin, KCAG and LAC member, being part of both of these art communities has been so gratifying.  The LAC promotes the arts in so many ways, recognizing not only the visual arts, but literature, poetry, music, and theater and is involved with a diverse array of activities in the area.  Having the KCAG exhibit in the LAC’s gallery has combined the best of both worlds.  Come on out to enjoy the exhibits and find out what’s new at the LAC.