Over 30 local creators contributed miniscule works of art no larger than 7 inches by 9 inches to a recent Nov. 30 fundraiser working to fund art programs in San Benito County.
As the San Benito County Arts Council wrapped up “Small Works: An Exhibition and Raffle of Small Scale Artwork,” attendees spoke with local artists, socialized with friends and put raffle tickets toward artworks they hoped to win.
“I love seeing all the different styles represented,” contributing artist Allison Barnes said.
Barnes, who creates mixed media pieces, said she felt drawn to participate in the event knowing her art would be on display with other artists in the community.
“It was nice to walk through the door and see all the people excited about art.” she said.
People of all ages were in attendance, including folks from outside San Benito County who had travelled to appreciate the work of a friend or family member.
“I love art,” said Andrea Walton of Hollister, who showed up to support friends who contributed to the exhibit. “I also like to meet the artists themselves.”
Artists on hand included Allison Barnes, Kent Child, Kati D’Amore, Sally Diggory, Marisa Duran, Larry Gerbrandt, Michaela Graves, Heidi Jumper, Sylas Jumper, Ana Kahana, Dustin Kinsley, Andrea McCann, Lisa Robinson, Louise Roy, Dylan Sandstrom, Barbara Scott, Mike Self, Sarah Sendejas, Dane Skow and Bryan West.
In addition to being able to speak with the artists, attendees were seen toward the end of the night excitedly checking their raffle tickets to see if they had won a piece of art.
“I was surprised I won,” said attendee Crystal Valenzuela, who received an abstract figurative wood cut by Dustin Kinsley. “I’ve never really won anything. I’m really fond of Dustin’s work. It was the first thing I noticed.”
Just like Valenzuela, other participants took newly acquired artworks off the wall and showed others what they had won.
For artists like Kinsley, the real reward was seeing folks appreciating local art.
“I enjoyed experiencing Hollister’s support for the visual arts in the community,” Kinsley said.
