Local Artists Shine at Arcata Artisans Gallery This Month

The Arcata Artisans Gallery is showcasing the work of two exceptional artists this month: figurative oil painter Anna Oneglia and multi-discipline artist Betsy Roberts. Their exhibit features a captivating combination of Oneglia’s vibrant oil paintings and Roberts’ innovative illuminated sculptures, alongside a diverse collection of other creations.

Oneglia’s artwork, including the striking piece “Fruit Picking,” reflects her experiences from a recent residency in Echizen, Japan, and a spring visit to Amsterdam, where she lived for several years. Her artistic process begins with sketches made in various locations, from the streets of Arcata to international landscapes. Each painting evolves as she transfers her initial ideas from sketchbooks to canvases using oil paint.

She explains, “Working between the more spontaneous/changeable medium of oil painting and the more planned medium of color woodcut uses different parts of my brain. Each method influences and inspires the other.” Oneglia’s woodcuts, created during her time in Japan, utilize the traditional Mokuhanga printmaking technique, showcasing her mastery of layering colors through reduction blocks and separate blocks for each hue.

Roberts, with over 30 years of experience, focuses on creating illuminated sculptures that embody her organic and botanical vision. Her recent foray into handmade paper has introduced new textures and designs into her work. “Lighting is 3D design with safety and engineering challenges,” Roberts states. “The greatest artistic challenge is to ensure that the light bulb remains unseen. Handmade paper is the most free-form light diffuser I have encountered, offering infinite possibilities for color and shape.”

In her exploration, Roberts has been experimenting with various natural materials, including corn husks and eelgrass, to craft her paper. She describes the process of making paper as both challenging and rewarding. “I’m getting some fascinating results. It’s a steep learning curve with a bounty of happy accidents. Studying with experienced papermakers has enriched my understanding of the 2,000-year-old process. Most importantly, I’m having too much fun learning entirely new skills in my 60s,” she adds.

The Arcata Artisans Cooperative Gallery, located at 883 H St., is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 and from 12:00 to 16:00 on Sundays. The gallery features work from 22 member artists, showcasing a wide array of locally crafted items, 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.

This month’s exhibit highlights the creativity and diversity present in the local art scene, inviting the community to engage with the unique perspectives of these talented artists.