The American West—Sweeping plains, dusty wooden steps, tumbleweeds tossing across arid soil, hot colored sunsets, and the sound of hooves galloping all conjure up romantic images known as the American West. There’s a saying that cowboys don’t bathe, they just dust off. The cowboy is a folk hero. He tips his Stetson to the golden skies and rides off into the sunset. Who hasn’t been smitten with the ideal of the cowboy way of life? Who isn’t still?

Well, this November we are tipping our hats to Guest Artist, Spence Platt, @spenceplatt. His work is influenced by his love of country western music and he, “appreciates the storytelling that goes into writing a great song. He sees his art much like a lyric.”

Platt approaches representing the western ideal from dashing sketches of realism with a romantic Old West overlay. His art seems to push toward the sun, toward the western romantic of sunsets and happy endings. Working in mixed media, “Platt’s work transcends the traditional boundaries of the western genre, blending his contemporary style with a nostalgic homage to the cowboy lifestyle.” Put your boots on for this show!

This month welcomes an all-new membership show with emphasis on the gift-giving season ahead. With no Member Artist of the Month, The Gift Shop will bring into focal point the exceptional fine art and gift items created by our talented members and consignees.

Come experience the arts of Art Presence at our Opening Party! November 4, 1-4pm, with wine tastings offered by Awen Winecraft.

Member art continues at local wineries. Susan Nahabedian, known for her exquisite renderings of rocks, boulders, cliffs, and water, can be viewed at Awen Winecraft, Sharon Wesner’s dreamy and diaphanous watercolors are at Hummingbird Estate, while the bright and vivacious art of Deanna St. Martin continues at Dos Mariposas Vineyard & Lavender Farm.

Talk of the Town for November is a rare tasting of fine Spanish Sherries in celebration of International Sherry Week. Learn the basics of Sherry history, the different types, and how to taste. Presented by Paula Bandy, Certified Sherry Specialist—The House of Lustau.

The gallery continues into Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, noon-3pm. Watch for pop-up tastings and special gift shopping hours throughout the holiday season!

A big thank you to our Sponsors, TouVelle House, for opening their doors to our guest artist and to our wine sponsor, Awen Winecraft.

Featured image by Spence Platt.