Brandon Gallery to host artists creating valentines

Fallbrook residents looking for a more elaborate and unique Valentine’s Day gift for their special someone can find a truly one-of-a-kind gift at the Brandon Art Gallery in the historic downtown district.

Brandon Art Gallery, an artists’ co-op near the corner of Alvarado and Main, will offer the public opportunities to watch artists create original Valentine’s Day cards from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on two upcoming Fridays, January 30 and February 13.

At least 10 different artists will be on-scene creating cards featuring different styles and techniques, such as hand-painting, collage and more traditional artwork with lace and hearts.

Brandon Art Gallery regularly features displays of members’ art along with a featured artist each month and special hangings of guest artists.

Typically, the gallery has 27 active members representing different artistic disciplines such as oils and acrylics, fabrics and textiles, printmaking and more, with the artwork prices ranging from the modest up to $2,000.

Artist Kay Kalar feels the special Valentine’s Day event is a perfect way to get a discounted piece of art for a loved one created by a talented local artist.

This special event will allow guests to purchase Valentine cards from these same artists for prices ranging from $3.50 to $20, depending on the size of the card and artistic technique employed.

“For the price of a generic Valentine card you could get anywhere, you can buy a unique piece of artwork from a Fallbrook artist,” said Kalar, who works in watercolors, oils and pastels. “Thousands of people will be receiving the same generic card for Valentine’s Day. This is the perfect way to get something no one else will have.”

“Our artists are quite accomplished,” Kalar said. “Their Valentine cards can even make great gifts to frame and put up to be enjoyed year-round.”

The artists will also produce several items to stock a rack of greeting and note cards and will be able to personalize the cards if people wish.

In addition to the handmade valentines, Brandon Gallery will also offer other gift items in a wide range of prices. Visitors will be able to browse through painted silk scarves, knitted scarves, a large selection of handmade and artistic jewelry, ceramics, sculptures and more.

On February 13, Brandon Art Gallery’s valentine creations event will run in tandem with the Historic Downtown Merchants Association event that runs from 4 to 7 p.m., during which guests can fill out a wish list of items they desire from downtown merchants for Valentine’s Day.

For more information on Brandon Art Gallery, go to http://www.brandonartfallbrook.com.

To comment on this story online, go to http://www.thevillagenews.com.