Each month, the San Carlos Friends of the Library sponsors artists to show their works in the Library’s Community Room.  The art takes many forms and is not limited to water color, oils or photography.

Many of the artists will have an artist’s reception on the 3rd Saturday of the month when you can meet them and discuss their work.  Light refreshments are served.Please stop by anytime the library is open and see these beautiful artistic displays. The Community Room is located through double doors on the left wall of the library through the Children’s section, and via double doors located in the back of the library.  The light switch is on the wall to the right as you enter.  Take a few moments to relax and enjoy!  Also, please take the time to vote monthly for your favorte work of art.  The voting box is hanging on the wall among the art work.  The public’s favorite will win the “People’s Choic Award”, and be on display in the main library for an additional 2 months.

Most of the displayed art is available for purchase, and the artists donate a portion of the proceeds of their sales resulting from their San Carlos Library showing to SCFOL.  Read more about each artist in their individual article below the schedule on this page.

January 10-February 2, 2012:  Cuyamaca College’s first year photography students: Erin Wishek, Lillian Barnes, Larry Gasner, Ruth Ingram, Margie Padelford, Blonadine Taylor, Angela Castillo, Andre Poleszak, Anahi Miranda, and Jen Bottoms.  Their artist reception will be January 21, 12:00 – 2:00 pm.

February 7-March 1, 2012: Jean Waters.  Her reception is February 18, 12:00 – 2:00 pm.

March 6-April 5:  Bob Kelsch.  His reception is March 17, 12:00-2:00 pm.

April10-May 3:  San Carlos Garden Club, Garden and Art Show. A Show in Living Color, HAS BEEN CANCELED

May8-May 31:  Women’s Caucus for Art. Their artist reception is May 19, 12:00-2:00 pm.

June6-July5: Jen Bottoms.  Her artist reception is June 16, 12:00-2:00 pm.

July10-August2:   Jane Swan. Her artist reception is  July 21, 12:00-2:00 pm. 

August 7-August 30: Sumie Yaomoto.  Her artist reception is August 18, 12:00-2:00 pm. 

September 4- October 4:Erin Wilkes.  The artist’s reception is September 15, 12:00-2:00 pm.

October 9-November 1:  Carol Harris & Caralie Norman. Their artist reception is October 20, 12:00-2:00 pm.

November 6-November 29: Dixie Sampier.  Her artist reception is November 17, 12:00-2:00 pm.

December 4-January 3:  TBA.  The artist’s reception is December 15, 12:00-2:00 pm.

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    May 8 thru May 31, in the Community Room of the San Carlos Branch Library, SCFOL is proud to present to you selections from a group of female artists who are members of the San Diego Chapter of Women’s Caucus for Art.

    Founded in 1972, this national professional organization is devoted to championing the contributions of women in the arts. In 1991, the San Diego chapter was started by a small group of women artists and art historians in order to inform the public about the role of women in the arts throughout history.  The mission of the Women’s Caucus for Art is to create community through art, education, and social activism. They host monthly meetings, demonstrate new techniques, and have exhibitions and retreats to promote the work of their members to the public.

    Come and meet these talented and delightful women at their Artist Reception, May 19, fro 12:00 to 2:00 pm in the Community Room of the San Carlos Library.  Don’t forget to vote for your “People’s Choice.”

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     Our featured artist for June is Jen Bottoms.  She will be showing her paintings from June 6th  thru July 5th, and is planning an Artist Reception on Saturday, June 16th from 12 to 2:00 pm in the Community Room of the San Carlos Library.  Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in Durango, Colorado, she was privy daily to our beautiful western landscapes.  Here is an example of some of her work.

 Another Bute               Monument Valley

   Lilly Pond                 Reflections      

After operating heavy equipment and driving trucks for twenty-eight years, Jen began drawing in 2004, and turned to painting following a shoulder injury in 2005.

    Jen has studied under Else May Cleaton, Marie Wardell, Susan Osborn, Drew Bandish, Andre Rushing, Cinthia Gott, Jean Waters, Robert Kelsh, and David Beck Brown.  She states “I have tried watercolor, acrylics, pastels and oils, and my favorite technique is working with the pallet knife.  A lover of bright colors, and inspired by Cezanne, my style is similar to his.  However, I don’t paint the landscapes in the same way, but attempt to simply capture the feeling that his art conveys.  With each new piece, I can see a change occurring in my paintings  and the development of my own original style.” Jen has recently added photography to her artist repertoire.

     Jen is the art coordinator for our San Carlos Branch Library.  If you are an artist and would like to show your work at the library, Jen may be contacted through the library, our website, or at her studio.

   Jen is a member of local and national art groups:  Woman’s Caucus for Art-National Member;  Woman’s Caucus for Art-San Diego Chapter/ Board Member; Foothills Art Association- Board member/Director; Inland Artists; Crest Artists; Lake Jennings Park Estates- Art Painters Founder & member; San Diego Plein Air Society. 

    Jen moved to San Diego in 2002 to be closer to her mom, but hopes someday to return to Colorado, set up a studio in Silverton, and paint the mountains and landscape in which she was raised.  Her studio is currently located in Spring Valley at Art in the Alley, 9048 Rosedale #2, Spring Valley, CA 91977.  Please join her at her artist’s reception on Saturday, June 16.  Refreshments will be served.

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Jane Swan has lived in San Diego since 1977.  She grew up in a large family in the small town of Tiffin, Ohio, where she was free to explore life.  Jane spent summer days on the cool waters of the Sandusky River and winters skating on its frozen surface.

Jane has been painting now for 12 years, selling her work from her studio and in San Diego galleries. A very versatile artist, she works mainly in acrylics. Her success lies in her understanding of colors and how they work well with each other.

One can see the wind moving through her trees and the sun warming fields. With some you can feel time standing still. Her abstracts come alive with unintended images. Jane’s sense of emotions is beautifully conveyed in her use of color, shapes and dimension. When questioned on a tree she painted and its realism, Jane said that she became the tree to understand where the branches grew.  Hers is art that never grows old.  Come meet this lovely woman at her artist’s reception on July 21, from 12:00-2:00 pm in the community Room of the San Carlos Library.

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     Come join in the fun!  You will find a box hanging on the wall with the art work in the Community Room of the San Carlos Library in which to place your vote for your favorite piece of art being displayed by that month’s featured SCFOL artist(s).  The painting or photograph chosen by the the greatest number of votes will be declared that month’s “PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD“.  It will then be displayed in the main library during the following month.  The artists will love your feedback, and we will all get to enjoy the art a little longer. 

Remember, a portion of the sales of the artwork displayed in the library is donated to the SCFOL and supports the purchase of books, equipment and programs for the library. 

Out of space in your home?  We would like to encourage art patrons to consider purchasing a piece of our artists’ artwork and donating or loaning it for a period of time to be on display in the library, school, your place of work, a medical facility, nursing or retirement home , church, or any other place of your choosing.  This is a win-win for everyone.  The artist makes a sale, more of the public views their work, the library receives a donation, and you may get a tax deduction.  Just another way to volunteer! 

All of the artists and the San Carlos Friends of the Library thank you for your patronage.  Please come into the Community Room of the San Carlos Library and enjoy the beautiful artwork on display there!

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         We welcome Jen Bottoms and her experience as an artist.  She is a member of local and national art groups:  Woman’s Caucus for Art-National; Woman’s Caucus for Art-San Diego Chapter/Board Member/retreat & exhibitions committee; Foothills Art Association-Board member/Director; Inland Artists; Crest Artists; Lake Jenning Park Estates-Art Painters Founder & member; San Diego Pleinaire Society.  Her studio is currently located in Spring Valley at Art in the Alley, 9048 Rosedade, #2, Spring Valley, CA 91977.  She may be contacted at [email protected] or by leaving a note for her at the library.  Welcome aboard, Jen!

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