Borrego Sun - Since 1949

Art Guild Members Show

Borrego Art Institute

An engaging, enthusiastic, crowd supported the annual Art Guild Members Show. An eclectic presentation covering many styles of art and mixed medium pieces.

I was struck by two small, exquisite, Plein Aire paintings by Jeanne Plekon. Masterfully painted with beautiful composition, sense of light, space and natural color. Someone agreed with me as there was a red sold sticker. Jeanne writes. 'I chose this vocation after a long career in the corporate world and am dusting off my skills from my art-major college days, Happily immersed in the task of developing my art and finding my voice.'

Certainly these two works are exemplary for Plein Aire painting. There were several other landscapes in the show sadly really lacking in light quality. Few landscapes painted flat without light can visually appeal.

Award winning accomplished artist Vicki Cole's, 'Came One Day But Not to Stay,' is an elegant delicately painted wildlife piece. Vicki uses her considerable technical skills to transport light quality in her brushwork. See this piece as you enter the show.

Chuck Bennett's Kachina, a sold piece, is well made and seemed to be a favorite. Another sold piece, 'Laundry Day,' a watercolor by Harry Preston was utterly charming, find this on the back wall often where some of the best paintings at BAI can be found. Almost hidden next to the gift store is a noteworthy Garrett Wood landscape. Garrett's photography of Borrego is exceptional and has a been widely collected locally and nationally. He has a deep appreciation and passion for the Anza Borrego desert region. His limited edition 'Invitacion,' number 2/50 is beautifully presented framed with non glare glass. It may not have been apart of the show but is definitely worth finding to view and possible collect.

Expressions in Earth and Fire

The Ceramic Art Of John Steenhoven- Alcove Gallery

'Inner Sanctum,' glazed stoneware and acrylic, by Steenhoven is an eye catching conversational sculpture that set's a tone for exploration. Half coral looking and even brain-like but definitely though provoking.

Steenhoven ceramics are dynamic a product of his merging in his own words a, 'nascent adventure into the preforming arts quickly led to a deep love and engagement with the Visual Arts. The interplay of these parallel, yet distinct passions continue to bring untold joy and richness to my life.' Steenhoven sculpture's are, 'spontaneous expressions of discovery with no preconceived idea as to final shape or scale.' Steenhoven explains, 'I use clay which is microscopically imbedded with paper fiber so as to enhance its structure also integrity during creation. The alchemy of kiln fire yields wonder.'

There is a primal grounded quality to the sculpture. They invite you emotional to explore your relationship with the form. Take your time viewing these works you'll discover things not seen/felt at first glance.

"My wish for this work is that , in a myriad of untold ways it brings lasting beauty to your life if so, it's purpose from the very beginning has been fulfilled." A beautiful heartfelt artist statement by Steenhoven

Annual Holiday Pottery Sale, North Gallery

An extensive showing of Pottery with collectible pieces created by several talented potters.

Lovely to browse through and certainly with very reasonable pricing a great resource for holiday gifting as well as collecting.

THE REVENGE OF VINYL 2 – HOUSE OF BORREGO SPRINGS

Elizabeth Rodriguez first vinyl show was a spectacular success she now brings Borrego her second Revenge of Vinyl show.

If you consider yourself a true music lover and have a record player or are curious about starting a collection of vinyl records you'll enjoy a visit to 'The Revenge Of Vinyl 2. The show offers a wide range of vinyl including rare and unique records with pricing starting at under $20 upwards. Revisit your musical memories. Also showing are several very cool vintage record players dating back to the 50's.

In the age of Spotify, iTunes and online streaming music platforms it is interesting to know that vinyl LP sales have been steadily rising. There is a new generation of millennial audiophile collectors on board collecting vinyl as well as seasoned music lovers. At auction vinyl has soared with the hammer slowing on $290,000 for the Beatles, 'Sgt Peppers's Lonely Hearts Club Band,' signed by all four Beatles. Beatles 'Yesterday and Today,' with John Lennon's signature on the cover $240,400. Elvis Presley's first ever recording, 'Happiness,' closed at $300. A couple of examples amongst escalating results for vintage vinyl record sales. Check out your old LP's you may have some treasure's especially if they are signed.

Some collectors of vinyl records keep them around for more than listening they invest in rare vinyl to own a piece of musical history. A record sleeve bearing the musician's autograph takes on more value as a piece of music memorabilia. Additionally very few signed copies of records are for sale. These two factors make signed vinyl records rare and expensive.

Cover Art – From an artistic point of view unusual album cover art is also apart of the experience of collecting vinyl. Rolling Stone's, 'Sticky Fingers,' cover art which featured a zipper you could open was created by legendary Pop Art artist, Andy Warhol. Acclaimed New York Artist, Robert Rauschenberg designed a clear plastic cover for the iconographical, Talking Heads, 'Speaking In Tongues,' album.

Vintage vinyl market is well established as an entertaining, musically historic, desirable collectible.