Borrego Sun - Since 1949

I am encouraging Borrego art lovers to embark on an excursion to the Santa Ysabel Art Gallery it makes for a conversational, interesting art experience. Surrounded by the romantic ambience of a dreamy old fashioned garden, with hidden artistic treasures to discover. The Gallery is housed in the historic Hellyer House built in the 1930's. In addition to the main gallery, are a series of smaller gallery room's perfect for an intimate viewing experience. Very much a serious art lovers venue and a respected part of the greater San Diego County Art scene.

Director Steve Clugston is art knowledgeable and willing to share insights with visitors about the artist's works. There is usually a variety of price points in the collections showing. Accomplished smaller original pieces under $500 in addition to larger pieces makes collecting options available at various levels.

Their emphasis for artist selection is for local and regional artist's with a focus on Plein Aire painting style. Opening receptions are always well presented with live music in the garden making for an inspiring event. Bring a few friends and enjoy a lovely art experience.

Stan Goudey

Featuring the art of Stan Goudey, Eclectic Vision, Watercolors, Acrylic and oil and works by Annie Dover Reception Sept 7, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Save the Date.

Will Gullette

Closing on September 1, 'Idylls And Echoes,' Oil Paintings, by Will Gillette. An artist/ photographer with an distinguished, award winning long career. Professor Emeritus at Palomar College, San Marcos, where he taught for 24 years. An impressive list of photographic and fine art achievements are apart of his extensive bio.

This is a charming show with a couple of stand out works where I thought the artist's sense of light, inherent I assume in part from his photography background, and painterly qualities came together. 'Tundra Turning,' Denali National Park, and, 'Fall On The D & R Canal,' both works took by breathe away. Comparatively the two paintings had a masterly feel. A myriad of light changes from deep dark shadow light to upper bright light. Definitely an artist with a developed sense of color language. Writer Rick Rubin wrote. "Of all the great works we can experience, nature is the most absolute and enduring. Nature transcends our tendencies to label and classify reduce and limit." Will Gullette's close connection to the natural world helps us realize we are not separate.

Kids-Nature Mural

A recognition here for the Nature Mural sponsored by the Santa Ysabel gallery for Spencer Valley School and open to all students in the vicinity. Talented artist's Annie Dover and Anastasia Castle supervised an enthusiastic group of aspiring young artist's in painting a giant mural outside in the gallery garden. The two artist's created a basic layout drawing of a fox surrounded by local fauna and flora. The students got to paint in the colors.

These type of events that unite the artist/gallery community with kids are very important. For decades, arts and music education in California has been dying a slow death in many schools strangled by budget cuts amid an ongoing emphasis on core subjects. Whereas the expanded, Learning Opportunities Program, is giving arts a boost for the first time in awhile. Kids getting to work collaboratively with artist's and feel the thrill of painting outdoors on a large mural fuels the imagination and possibilities of art.

Artist Anastasia Castle additionally designed a large mural to reflect the importance of nature and the environment. This stunning mural is on display in the gallery parking lot.

Sum Guy Gallery

Ted Berryman, the legendary master sculpture/artist showing at Sum Guy Gallery , adjacent to the Santa Ysabel Gallery we are very sad to find is only open by appointment and during show receptions. Which means essentially it is mostly always closed. Ted's a revolutionary in how he approaches the public in experiencing his sculpture. Interaction is encouraged. A sign as you enter this gorgeous gallery reads, Please Touch The Art!

Hope Ted you will reopen soon. Ted is a pioneer in breaking down's people preconceived concept that sculpture cannot be touched. The wonderment on children's faces when Ted encourages them to TOUCH is priceless.