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ON THE ROAD AGAIN

By Marilyn Hurst

The romance of the Baja was the inspiring influence for artist Chris MacClure back in the early 90’s.  By 1997 he had spent enough time here “going Cabo” as we say and it was then he decided to move his studio down to Cabo San Lucas.  The southern Baja has a special mystique and the light here is unlike anywhere else.  There wasn’t much in the way of art or culture available back then and because artists share what they have with each other, it wasn’t too long before Chris’ artist buddies jetted in for a peek at the enigma that was Los Cabos.  Before long, they too were hooked on Cabo, spending months each year painting and soaking up sun and inspiration to carry them through the rest of the year.

In those early years Chris set up exhibitions in the resorts to entertain the guests, sell art and garner publicity for his studio; now morphed into a full-fledged gallery with his oldest artist friends Jonn Einerssen, Brent Heighton and several other artists including Mexicans Fernando Tamés and Enrique Ortega.

After 12 years this idea has been refined and we now have the SOUTHERNLIGHTS Artist Group dedicated to bringing first class exhibition venues to our hotels and private vacation resorts here in Los Cabos.

Several years back the group did a very successful show at the infamous Hotel California and so it seemed apt that they launch their revised traveling road show there.

Wednesday February 4^th and Thursday February 5^th  at the Hotel California in Todos Santos will be the opening salvo for the SOUTHERNLIGHTS venues for 2009.  These days are smack in the middle of the annual Todos Santos Art Festival so when you plan on taking in the festivities, you won’t want to miss this show.

The second exhibition will be held  Friday, February 13th at 5 P.M at Las Gardenias Condominums at Cabo Real, mid-way up the corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José.   Wine and refreshments will be served around the entertainment area of this upscale complex and everyone is welcome.

Their third showing will be during the annual Los Barriles Artist Studio Tour on Sunday, February 22^nd at the home/compound of Jim and Charlotte Harrison in the Santa Maria housing complex just north of town.  The location with map of the various artist studios involved is printed in the Eastcaper Magazine and these can be found throughout businesses in the area, or call 14 2 8015 for directions.  The Studio Tour would make an exciting day trip, with the drive itself a little taste of the “dark desert Highway” experience of that iconic tune which made the Hotel California famous.

Collecting art is not merely for the rich and famous.  Long after your sombrero has gone to the garage sale, the painting you purchased will bring years of pleasure and memories back, more especially after meeting the artist in person. 

If you can’t make the exhibitions, these roadie artists show their work at the Golden Cactus Gallery in Cabo San Lucas and The Old Town Gallery in the art district in San José.

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SOUTHERN LIGHTS DO TREASURES

By Marilyn Hurst

Over 30 years ago Chris MacClure, Brent Heighton, and Jonn Einerssen were just starting their careers as painters.  They befriended each other about the same time and in the ensuing years each has trodden the long hard road less traveled to become respected and successful artists.  Art is one calling that demands perseverance and thick skin and over the years the “three amigos”, as they call themselves, have done what it takes to develop and hone their craft.  They formed “The Western Lights” group many years ago as a venue to promote and exhibit their art all over the Pacific Northwest.

After opening his studio eleven years ago in Cabo San Lucas,  MacClure invited his old amigos to join in the fun.  Heighton and Einerssen spend so much time in Cabo that now the three have formed  the  SOUTHERN LIGHTS artist  group to be the umbrella for their resort show/exhibitions here in Los Cabos.

When one of the premier home furnishers, Treasures Design studio held an open house on May 30^th  for developers, designers and real estate companies to celebrate their new location at Plaza el Faro in Palmilla,  it seemed a natural fit to have fine art and fine furniture  together.  The Southern Lights were represented by Chris MacClure and Brent Heighton pictured with owner Ross Roseman . The two  respective galleries that represent these artists in Los Cabos,  the Golden Cactus Gallery of Cabo San Lucas and the Old Town Gallery of San José  were there to assist the artists.

  Fine furniture is enhanced by the time taken to choose art that reflects your unique personality  and brings another dimension to your living space. It is well worth your personal effort .