By Jondi Gumz
For artists, the new coronavirus has made this a tough year. Galleries are closed to prevent gathering in small spaces and transmission of the contagious COVID-19. The long-running Open Studios, when locals can visit artists weekends in October and buy their works is not happening for the same reason.
Aptos artist Terry Dowell shows a piece of her encaustic art in her studio.
Aptos artist Terry Dowell is hosting what is likely her last art show at her home studio, with a circle of friends who have been taking her classes.
The show is Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24-25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Masks are required and a maximum of eight people will be allowed to enter at one time.
Dowell specializes in encaustic art, an ancient form that involves painting with melted beeswax mixed with vibrant pigments.
Her garage is a veritable beehive of activity with artists spaced around a large table working on their own projects and her three canines, Lucy, Missy and Johnson afoot.
“The main thing is to find your own style,” Dowell said.
“It’s all an experiment,” said Ann Bitonti. “You try this, you try that.”
A photo taken in Japan by Judith Calson becomes an artwork.
Judith Calson, a photographer, started learning encaustic art a year ago. Her project involves photos she took in Japan, some of bamboo and maple trees, some portraits.
“I love it,” she said. “It’s a great outlet for my photographs.”
Dowell, 72, discovered encaustic art eight years ago by attending a demonstration.
“It was so exciting,” she said. “I knew I could do it.”
She got a grant to build a studio in her garage with enough electrical outlets and tools — a setup that is rare.
At her first Open Studios, she sold all her pieces.
She began offering workshops in the garage.
“Until COVID hit, I had people lined up and waiting,” she said, estimating 350 people have come in to learn. “I just like to teach.”
Dowell had to switch to smaller classes to provide more physical distance between students because of COVID-19.
Because of COVID-19, she had to cut her class size to provide the physical distancing health officials recommend to prevent spread of the virus.
This means much less income, and as a result, she expects to stop teaching.
“Everyone is a friend,” she said. “I will miss them.”
Bitonti is grateful she had the opportunity.
“A place that’s safe to create is such a blessing,” she said.
•••
“A Fusion of Artists” will take place Oct. 24-25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment, featuring the work of Stacie Rodrigues, Koko Kooyman, Judith Calson, Ann Bitonti, Carol Smyth and Terry Dowell. For information, call 831-588-1914.
Open Studios Santa Cruz: santacruzopenstudios.com