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Writer's pictureElena Riley

The Life of a PRAA Member

Updated: Jun 29, 2018

"Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has ever known."

~Oscar Wilde


Blue Show, June 2nd 2018
PRAA Gallery

I'm always grateful to be around such a great organization as the Paso Robles Art Association for almost four months, taking in fine art by other talented members there. The association was an exciting opportunity to take after a few weeks being upfront at Studios on the Park, to meet other artists and participate in their monthly shows and special events. Being involved with the PRAA has it's benefits, including working and socializing with amazing volunteers, who are also artists, there, receiving special advice and good critiques from them.

Once a month, the Association holds differently-themed shows. Just recently we held our new show, Blue. I made three watercolor paintings, all Greek subjects, to put into the show based on this theme. Every member came in with their own style, medium, and subject of their work that are awe-inspiring to hang in the show. Every piece I saw was extraordinary, all artist's own perceptions of the color blue. That's what I like about the different themes for each show, we are offered a chance to display our various talents in paintings, sculpture, glass media, and photography.

Being a member at the PRAA also has the benefit of having free access to the painting guild they hold in the gallery. There are mostly ladies there every Tuesday morning, but they're an enjoyable group nonetheless. Their techniques and skills are absolutely fascinating. I was also amazed with their professional critiquing, their eyes looking at each other's work either the same way or very different. It is truly helpful to be in this guild, even if I've been there for almost four weeks, being influenced by the passion of other artists.

I am glad to be able to find an opportunity like this, a place where I can spend time working and acknowledging every piece of art in the gallery. What makes it a special place is the uniqueness of every artist's style and what they like to work with (from watercolors to glass media) and what expresses them more. The individuality of each artist's work is, what I believe, accepted greatly and that's what I love about the Association.

I would like to thank those who have led me to become involved with volunteer work there, teaching me the basics of managing the exhibit, and the many advice from the head people of the gallery. Also, thank you to those in the painting guild, ladies who are very exciting and fun to be around and paint together. It is a great volunteer life there, and I hope to continue as long as I can.




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