Fallbrook Library welcomes 2 new art exhibitions

FALLBROOK – Two new art shows, “Engaging Trees” by multiple artists and “Metamorphosis in Stone” by Eileen Sprague, are being hosted by the Friends of the Fallbrook Library from Monday, March 13, to Friday, April 28.

“Engaging Trees” shows how trees in art are not “accessories” or background props in landscapes, but they are the main focus of the works. Conjured from imagination or plein-air realism, the artists show a reverence for trees as fascinating objects by themselves, alive, emotional, renewing, engaging, communicating with people and depending on them.

As photographer Addie Kaplan said, “Trees embody human characteristics” and are worthy of creative exploration.

Robin Erickson, Addie Kaplan, Neill Ketchum, Nancy Kreile, Collette Passini, Noreen Ring, Jeanne Shanahan, Leslie Sweetland, Linda Thorne and BJ Wilson are represented in this artful and lovely communication with nature. Explorations of form, color, line, pattern, composition and process has provided the freedom to experiment and see trees in a fresh way.

All of the artists in this show work in several different mediums and each have won awards in local and national shows. Jeanne Shanahan and BJ Wilson are represented posthumously.

The sculpture display, “Metamorphosis in Stone” on the Reading Patio features sculpture by Eileen Sprague. She is a professional sculptor living in Oceanside. Her dramatic works reveal her love for working with stone.

“I like the feel and primitive history of stone and that it tells me what it wants to be,” Sprague said.

A special reception will be held Saturday, March 18, from 2-4 p.m. Meet the artists, chat with them and enjoy live music and snacks. Free and open to all, the library is located at 124 S. Mission Road in Fallbrook.

Submitted by Fallbrook Library.