The Art Alliance of Idyllwild is bringing innovation to its well-known events through its
new board of directors.
AAI board member and publicity chairperson Lea Deesing said the diversified board
has the energy, cohesiveness and talent to make the events more successful than ever.
She said a good example is having board member and retired professional chef
Gary Kuscher provide catering for all its events.
"Between Gary's extravagant outlay of food, the entertainment and the inspiring art
work displayed at the events, it is absolutely worth making the trip up the hill," she said.
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Diane A. Rhodes / Special to The Press-Enterprise
Artist Harris Byerley, of Anza, views works painted at the Art Alliance of Idyllwild's 9th annual Plein Air and 3-D Art Festival.
The alliance's recent 9th annual Plein Air and 3-D Art Festival was a perfect blend of the
old and the new. As in the past, about 25 artists started arriving 8 a.m. to scout out a
location in the hill community. Visitors could watch them create or wait to see the finished
products at the next morning's champagne reception and art sale at its new location:
the Quiet Creek Inn Living Room Gallery.
"Even though I studied art history in school and knew of the early French plein-air
impressionists -- Monet, Renoir, Degas -- I rediscovered this ongoing discipline of landscape
painting only after moving to Idyllwild some years ago," said Mike Ahern, co-owner of
Quiet Creek Inn and AAI supporter. "At every succeeding show I've been impressed by
the wonderful art."
Dana Point artist Erich Neubert participated for the third year.
"Of all the places to be this is the top -- you can't beat this place; these trees are
pretty awesome," said Neubert, who has painted plein-air throughout the country.
Juror was Rachel Lechocki, of Riverside. AAI President Darcy Gerdes said Lechocki
develops, writes, implements and teaches art and enrichment curriculum for six schools.
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Artists and art lovers view festival works on display at the Quiet Creek Inn Living Room Gallery.
Escondido artist Niles Nordquist's "Morning Shadows on Strawberry Creek" garnered
second place by Lechocki and the people. Gabriele Baber, of Temecula, was deemed
the people's top choice.
Elena Kern, of Idyllwild and Hemet, got first place and Terry D. Chacon, of Redlands,
received third in the juried show. Honorable mentions went to Gabriele Baber, Yucaipa's
Louise Smith and Sherri Stange, of Hemet.
Fellow artists chose John White, of Long Beach, as their favorite while James Wisnowski,
of Los Angeles, received the second most votes.
Deesing said the board has made some other important, yet sensible, changes by
combining some events for efficiency. One of those is the Incredible Audible and
Studio Tour on July 10 from noon to 5 p.m.
"The public can tour galleries featuring local musicians and refreshments and visit
local art studios to see where the creativity is unleashed," said Deesing.
Other board members include Shirley Jordan and Don and Mimi Lamp.
Information, 877-439-5278, www.artinidyllwild.com and www.facebook.com/artalliance
Reach Diane A. Rhodes at 951-763-3461 or dianealease@hot mail.com
