OAKHURST–November 13 and 14 mark the next dates in a series of art and author exhibits taking place at Bodys by Boyd in Oakhurst, site of the home gallery of Oakhurst artist Sheila Boyd.
This time the exhibit focuses on children’s literature, with several well-known local authors displaying and reading their work. Bring the kids, parents and grandparents to meet these talented authors. There will be storytelling, fun facts and activity tables. Authors presenting their work include Kathy Gorman, Jason Marshall, Karen Moore and Victoria Vincent.
For the adults, a range of artists in the genres of photography, oils and airbrush display some of their latest creations, including Bonnie Bisbee (visionary art), Sheila Boyd (airbrush), Barbara Liss (oils), Kerby Smith (photography), and Lura Schwarz Smith (oils).
The exhibit takes place on the following dates and times:
- Sat., Nov. 13 – 10 am to 5 pm
- Sun., Nov. 14 –11 am to 4 pm
An auto body shop might seem an unlikely location for such an event, but the expansive, immaculately-kept venue works perfectly—indoors and out—for artists of all genres to display their work and even get interactive with their audience. Special features of the exhibit include hourly storytelling, singalongs with Jason, Fun Facts for Kids and art tables where kids can get creative.
First-time author Jason Marshall presents his book, Upon A Hawk I Flew
Kathy Gorman, retired from teaching, recently published her fourth book: Why So Many Rules?. At the Children’s Book Faire she reads from her books and engages in art projects with kids. “I was a teacher and reading specialist for over 30 years. Kindergarten was my favorite grade/age level to teach. I loved opening the doors and windows of knowledge to so many young learners. I remember telling my students to “Stretch your brain!” instead of telling them to try harder. Not only did I teach, I shared hugs, love and entertained many kids with stories from wonderful picture books. I met many authors throughout the years. When I retired, I was infected with the writing bug thanks to my now mentor, Janice Stevens. Through her I learned to expand my imagination, ask questions and research to get the facts right. Due to her encouragement I am now an author of four children’s picture books. The stories range from semi autobiographical, to humor, to historical fiction. I still strive to encourage children ‘stretch their brains.’ “
North Fork resident Jason Marshall is a first-time author with his book, Upon a Hawk I Flew. Sheila says of Jason, “We met when he hired me to create illustrations to his prose and engaged his granddaughter to model for all the pictures. This is a delightful story written by a man who teaches his grandchildren about nature in a most delightful way. Jason will be playing his guitar and singing as well as reading his book.”
An asssortment of children’s authors will present their books on November 13 & 14.
Karen Moore has authored five picture books. A former Title 1 Instructional Aide with Sierra Unified School District, she has a historical nonfiction picture book for older readers coming out next year, Gracie and the Radar Girls, a World War II story.
Victoria Vincent’s City of Kind Words received an Angel Award for excellence in media. It’s a story of an orphan boy and his dog searching for kind words. Of Victoria, Sheila says, “she is an immaculate storyteller I’ve had the privilege of working with and designing the illustrations for her book, and even overalls she wears on story-telling days.” Victoria confirms, “I wear my airbrushed ‘over-the-moon’ overalls by artiste extraordinaire Sheila Boyd, painted with the characters from my books. I wear them when I share ‘A Story by Tory’ in classrooms, assemblies and libraries to the delight of children.”
Activity tables and reading areas will be set up outside under a pop-up. Masks will be required inside to ensure the safety of our children and adults.
In the main building five incredible artists set up displays of their latest fine art.
Bodys by Boyd serves as the principal gallery for airbrush artist Sheila Boyd, and she enjoys inviting other artists to join her for fun events like this. Sheila says, “. . . have embarked on several new journeys. Painting on quartzite is one of my latest substrates for airbrush. Tempera batik is an interesting process I’ve learned with incredible results, and for those following my series of Shadow Bear, my latest painting is on exhibit this year.”
Late artist Bonnie Bisbee displayed her work at Williams Gallery West and now Bodys by Boyd features her art for this exibit. She attended school in Paris at the Ecole Des Beaux Arts, and in San Francisco at the San Francisco Art Institute, receiving a Master of Fine Arts SFAI in 1971. Her work has been widely shown in Europe and the United States, particularly in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, Fresno, Merced, and the Yosemite foothills. Besides art and art history, she also studied symbolism as expressed in dreams, myths, and religions.
“Gone Fishin'” by Lura Schwarz Smith
Lura Schwarz Smith has been noted for years for her work with textiles, but she now concentrates on oils: “My oil paintings are full of movement and imagination. Animals and people are my favorite subjects, and whether working in a realistic or abstract style, I hope to engage the viewer in the stories I paint. I will have paintings, calendars, cards and some gift items for sale.
Lura’s husband, Kerby Smith finds his current passion in bird photography. During his working years as a photojournalist he garnered numerous awards for documentary images published in newspapers, magazines and on the wire services.
Barbara Liss has been an artist all her life but lately immensely enjoys working with oil paints. “I particularly like to use landscapes, flora and fauna as my subject matter. Living close to Yosemite, I find it offers untold opportunities for growth, subjects and inspiration. I spend a lot of time in Yosemite National Park, and it often inspires me. I am a member of the Yosemite Sierra Artists’ board of directors and chair YSA’s plein air group, I attend YSA portrait sessions regularly.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to get a start (or finish) on holiday shopping. Bodys by Boyd is tucked away behind Smokehouse 41 at 49643 Hartwell Road, Oakhurst. For further information or directions, contact Sheila at animalart@sti.net or call her at 559/642-2955. All photos courtesy of Sheila Boyd.
