Bitter goes from benches to Bolero

The more things change in art, the more they don't remain the same, especially not now during our time of COVID-19. What's trending now may not be what was in November 2019. But thank goodness artists keep one step ahead based on their own goals of artistic excellence.

No one had any idea of the days that were to follow Save Our Forest's Take A Seat auction fundraiser for environmental classroom education Nov. 2.

Since that time, some artists have applied skills to making masks while others have made political action using art, theatre and music. As with all forms of expression, no matter what surface or where one applies it, it is about the need to share one's own voice.

Those who bought the seven benches as works of art also continue to give to the Fallbrook community in different ways. Whether through funky scarecrows to have spooky fun at area businesses, virtual dinners, Zoom gatherings, craft fairs, farmers markets or outdoor dining, most have tried to stay connected to one another.

In July, August and September 2019, Temecula artist Gabriele Bitter transformed her Robert Old hand-crafted wooden Take a Seat bench with a unique design.

When asked, proud bench buyers Kim and Chris Murphy, of Murphy & Murphy Southern California Realty, had thought the area where they planned to place a bench called for a "nature settee" but gratefully changed their minds during the auction excitement.

Bitter's consistent European flair gave way to the Mod era of Carnaby Street. A pink flower with a bold yellow green center spoke to an entirely different time – what fun this was to see and then experience it firsthand in its own location.

In late winter, when the bench was photographed at its new location, the Murphy's marvelous garden seemed to shout out loud "thank you – just what we needed!" The inspiring Santa Margarita River view is perfect for their Airbnb visitors and the bench Flower Power adds a bold confident touch to underwrite the magical, unfolding panorama for guests.

Since then, Bitter was grateful to be challenged by an oversized magnificent grand commission work at the new Temecula Winery called Europa Village. The winery consists of three pavilions representing Italy, France and Spain. At Bolero Cellars, the ambiance allows patrons to "travel to Spain while dining."

Bitter's remarkable Picasso-esque image from Spain helps set the mood. The good news is that Europa Village recently announced it would be opening the socially distanced restaurant areas, though the tasting room will remain closed for the time being.

When catching up with Bitter on the phone recently to discuss her most current works, she giggled and proclaimed, "well since you visited my studio, I have had another change in artistic direction. The area around my studio is being enhanced too. Lots going on."

The studio spaces and area surrounding them are improving with gallery spaces for lease right next to Estrellas on South Mission Road. These days, even though life has changed, artists carry on in their unique inimitable way too, making the most of a difficult situation and pushing forward.