For the love of art

The Petaluma Art Association presents its 11th annual Library Art Show

February 15, 2006

By HOLLY SCHNEIDER
FOR THE ARGUS-COURIER

Art work in all mediums by members of the Petaluma Art Association is on display at the Petaluma Library this week as the art association holds its 11th annual Library Art Show.

The Petaluma Art Association, started nearly 50 years ago, has a history of community involvement, including the long-standing September tradition of Art in the Park and the more recent Art on the River event held June through September.

The Library Art Show is being held in the Helen Putnam Room, which chairperson Phyllis Eiger describes as a "marvelous venue."

More than 30 of the association's members will be exhibiting their work, ranging from photography to sculpture, etchings to watercolor, as well as oil paintings, drawings, collages and pottery.

Richard Standard, past president and current member of PAA, will show some of his photography and paintings. Standard has been a member for about five years and sees the arts as being a vital component of any society. "I think it's very important in the community for developing the culture," he said.

Standard became interested in the group after seeing them in action at events such as Art in the Park and the Library Art Show. Seeing the fellowship of local artisans and their communal effort to reach out to the community inspired him to get involved.

To Standard, Art in the Park is a vital element to the association's outreach. The warm, family friendly atmosphere gets people out of the house and daily grind to enjoy a day of good food and good company. "It brings people from all over and shows them what Petaluma is all about," he said.

With more than 130 members, the association is dedicated to supporting and encouraging the arts in the community -- primarily in the schools. PAA sponsors field trips, exhibits and workshops and provides scholarships to local high school seniors and Santa Rosa Junior College students. "We're very active in the schools," said Standard. "It's a large part of what we do."

The PAA also supports local charities with events such as the annual Spirit of the Arts exhibit and reception, which will, in part, be benefitting the Petaluma People Services Center. "All of this," said Standard, "is very enriching for the community."

The Library Art Show continues today through Friday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday. A reception for the artists will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 15. For more information about upcoming events of the PAA, membership or community involvement, visit www.petalum aarts.org.

(Contact Holly Schneider at argus@arguscourier.com)

LIBRARY ART SHOW

What: An exhibit of art owrk in various mediums by members of the Petaluma Art Association.

Where: Petaluma Library, 100 Fairgrounds Drive.

When: Today through Friday. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Artists' reception: 7 to 8 p.m. tonight.

Information: www.petalumaarts.org