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Press Releases

Brooks Theater Gallery Presents Largest Exhibit to Date with 68 Pieces from 34 Artists

Animal World Exhibit Runs Through Sept. 13,  Artist Open House Friday, August 4 

(Oceanside) July 25, 2023 Oceanside Theatre Company’s Brooks Theater Gallery presents  Animal World now through September 13. The gallery’s largest exhibit to date, Animal World features 68 pieces by 34 local artists exploring the wild to the domestic. Curated by OTC Board Member Carol Naegele, the works capture the cuteness of critters on canvas from man’s best friend to the winged beauties of the forest to the serenity of the sea dwellers. “The art was so incredible that I just couldn’t say no,” said Naegele. “It will be an amazing exhibition.”

All are welcome to the free artist open house on Friday, August 4 from 5:30-8:00 pm. In addition to the art exhibit, the Artist Open House offers live jazz music by saxophonist Alex Kish, a demonstration by guest artist Janet Perkins who will be working on a painting, light refreshments, and theater tours.

Other artists on exhibit include: Gabrielle Benot,  Rhya Cawley, Stephen Cook, Sue Ann Daffara, Cate Dudley, Cheryl Ehlers, Laura Green, Robert MacPherson, Joe McCormack, Linda Morton, Amanda Oswald, Donald Pallia, Laurie Reiss, Laurel Roberts, and Hailey Sullivan.

“Shelter for my Heart” by Sue Ann Daffara

Sue Ann Daffara explained the inspiration for her piece Shelter for My Heart. “In reflecting on life and the homeless in our society, I used materials that spoke of the roughness of the world, the fleeting ramshackle shelter that the elements could easily destroy, the enduring bond between man and dog, and that in all situations there is shelter for my heart – man’s? Or dog’s? Or both? In their trust of each other, they are sheltered.”

“From the time I was a child, I have been passionate about horses and drawing them,” said Sullivan of her piece Energy in Motion. “They are my safe space. My dream is to capture their power and feeling of euphoric emotions you get from their presence as realistically as possible.”

About Janet Perkins, Artist

Perkins is an Abstract Expressionist or Fauvist, whose style is influenced by Bonnard, Matisse, Derain and Klimt. An important feature of her work is a deliberate flouting of color and form. Using acrylic paint and collage, she weaves a story to connect with the viewer. Her work has been featured in the National Collage Society’s annual calendar for three years in a row. Her paintings are included in “The Merging of Art and Poetry” series published over the last 14 yearsand  exhibited in galleries, corporate offices, and homes throughout the United States and Europe. She won First Place for her work Three Boats at OTC’s juried exhibit “Summer Fun” in June 2023.

About Alex Kish, Musician

 Alex Kish is a professional multi-instrumental performer, sax being his main instrument, session recording artist (40+ songs on Spotify), and private lessons teacher who has his roots and college degree in jazz. He specializes in teaching improvisation which gives students the freedom to learn/play music in almost any style. Kish is down to earth, full of joy, and he loves what he does. Music is his passion and he wants to pass on this beautiful gift to others.

About Oceanside Theatre Company

Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), the resident professional theater company operating the Historic Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, is a focal point of the Oceanside California Cultural District (OCCD). OTC’s mission is to produce professional theatrical, visual art, and musical productions for the entertainment and enrichment of the community, present educational opportunities in the arts for children and adults, and provide a safe, state-of-the-art public venue for expansion of artistic endeavors in North San Diego County and greater Southern California. OTC produces a four-show mainstage theater season in the 198-seat venue, as well as a Music Series, play readings and various other events in the adjacent black box theater, Studio 219. An important part of OTC’s mission is inspiring and sharing the arts with local youth through the Youth Theater Arts Program, which includes Summer Theater Camps and Youth Theater Arts Outreach in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside during the school year. To learn more visit www.oceansidetheatre.org.