Tri-County Juried Exhibition Local Artists Lauded for Beauty Amid Chaos
About 200 art enthusiasts flowed through the ϰٿ Ridley-Tree Museum of Art and the surrounding umbrella-covered patio for the opening of the Tri-County juried exhibition, “Altered Realities,” on May 22.
The star of the event was Romanian-born contemporary artist, who won Best of Show, for her colorful acrylic on canvas, “Day in the Life of a Dream #1.” Ruckenstein, who now lives in Santa Barbara, says her paintings explore the hidden spiritual energy of things and its movement through space. “I like bold colors melting into each other in many layers creating depth and taking the viewer on a journey to their own hidden spirituality,” she says.
This year’s juror, , who has more than three decades of experience as an arts and culture leader in the Western U.S., was unable to attend the opening. However, she offers insight into the exhibition in writing at the entrance to the museum, where she says she selected pieces that explore a diverse array of artistic expressions, ranging from traditional analog photographic processes to painting, sculpture and assemblage. The submitted works powerfully reflect the current state of our world, showcasing the myriad ways in which artists respond creatively to the complexities of contemporary life. “In a time marked by challenges, environmental crises, societal transformations and technological shifts, these works invite us to pause, reflect and engage with the beauty that persists amid chaos,” she says.
Other artists also walked away with cash prizes, including Santa Barbara’s Joyce Wilson, who won 1st Honorable Mention for “All Knowing,” a polymer photogravure etching of an owl and a woman. Templeton resident Bruce Everett won 2nd Honorable Mention for “Tassajara Creek,” an oil on canvas. San Luis Obispo resident Bora Sitar won 3rd Honorable Mention for “Altered Reverberations Within Equilibrium,” a tall sculpture of hand-blown glass, driftwood and a nautilus shell.
The exhibition is runs through June 20. The museum is open weekdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and college holidays. For more information, please call (805) 565-6162.