Arcata Gallery Showcases Artistry of Anna Oneglia and Betsy Roberts

The Arcata Artisans Gallery is featuring the works of figurative oil painter Anna Oneglia and multi-disciplinary artist Betsy Roberts this month. Their exhibit showcases a vibrant collection, with Oneglia’s oil paintings of domestic scenes and Roberts’ illuminated sculptures displayed side by side, highlighting their unique artistic visions.

Oneglia is known for her bold representations of everyday life, often depicting luscious fruits and dynamic figures. Her current display includes works inspired by her recent residency in Echizen, Japan, and a spring trip to Amsterdam, where she previously resided for several years. Oneglia begins her creative process with sketching, capturing scenes from various locations, and then translating those ideas onto canvas using oil paint.

Her technique involves a blend of spontaneity and planned execution. Oneglia has also delved into printmaking methods, specifically Mokuhanga, a traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique that uses water-based inks. She has created both reduction blocks and multi-block prints, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to exploring different mediums.

“Working between the more spontaneous/changeable medium of oil painting and the more planned medium of color woodcut uses different parts of my brain,” Oneglia noted. “Each method influences and inspires the other.”

Roberts, with over 30 years of experience, brings her organic and botanical vision to life through illuminated sculptures. Her creations range from wall sconces to free-standing lights, all unified by a natural aesthetic. Recently, she has begun experimenting with handmade paper, adding a fresh dimension to her work.

“Lighting is 3D design with safety and engineering challenges,” Roberts explained. “However, the greatest artistic challenge is to ensure the light bulb remains unseen. Handmade paper serves as an exciting light diffuser, offering endless possibilities for color and shape.”

The artist has also taken an innovative approach to paper-making, utilizing materials such as corn husks, eelgrass, and palm fronds. After gathering and processing these natural materials, Roberts creates unique sheets of paper, merging her metal work with her new creations.

“I’m encountering fascinating results through this steep learning curve filled with happy accidents,” Roberts shared. “Studying with experienced paper makers has enriched my understanding of this 2,000-year-old process. The most important thing is that I’m having too much fun learning new skills in my 60s.”

The Arcata Artisans Cooperative Gallery is located at 883 H St. and is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with reduced hours on Sundays from noon to 16:00. The gallery features the work of 22 member artists, showcasing a diverse range of locally created art, including photography, ceramics, jewelry, and more.

For further information, interested visitors can contact the gallery at 707-825-9133 or visit their website at www.arcataartisans.com.