Many talented, creative artists make Conejo Valley their home and several of them will be sharing their unique creations on March 1 at the 38th Annual Spring Arts & Crafts Festival at Borchard Community Center in Newbury Park. This free event includes more than 30 artists and craftspersons selling a variety of original art and handmade items, as well as hands-on children's activities, refreshments and more. Here, we highlight a handful of local artists who participate in the annual festival.
Joanne Grimm, JoannesGardenWhimsy.com
The owner of Joanne's Garden Whimsy Mandala Painting Classes, I'm a self-taught mandala artist and have been painting mandalas for over 6 years. I have had the pleasure of teaching mandala painting classes for the past 3 years, which has allowed me the opportunity to share my love for this beautiful art form with others. Join me in my home studio in Thousand Oaks to unleash your creativity and learn how to create colorful and vibrant mandalas. In my workshops, I guide you step-by-step through the dotting process. There's no experience needed! Facebook/Instagram: @JoannesGardenWhimsy
Lisa Mehner, Lisa’s Whimsies Decoupage Art
I’m a self-taught decoupage artist, a California native, animal lover, mom, wife and l love all things crafty and whimsical. My motto is, “Art that makes you smile.” I have been a creative for 50 plus years, dabbling in stained glass, hand-painted clothing, watercolor, and more recently the art of decoupage, which is a French technique that encompasses thin sheets of paper and glue applied to various objects. As an avid equestrian, my art reflects my love of horses and all animals. Facebook/Instagram @LisasWhimsies
Karen Payton, KarenPayton.com
Karen turns old clothing, linens and fabric pieces into groovy art. With a degree in textiles and a cozy home studio in Newbury Park, she creates one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the colors, music and soul of the hippie movement. Each piece is crafted from textiles that have been hand dyed and stitched together with love. Follow her online at @karenpaytonartist.
Kathy Somers, Kathy’s Moss Art
My passion for moss art turned into a business after my desire to transform my home into a unique and tranquil place. I love sharing that same desire with others. My designs combining beautiful frames (old and new), multiple colors of moss and my own creative touches have led to my success. As a way of giving back to my community, I donate 30% of sales to these charities: Raising Hope, ApolloARC and Able Art Works. Instagram @kathysmossart
Judy Stoltz, JudyStoltzStudios.com
My art reflects my messy and beautiful life. All of my life, I have turned to art for relaxation, meditation and therapy. During the first year of Covid, I retired and was able to dive more fully into different mediums and styles of art. My main focus is on abstract art using acrylics and mixed mediums or alcohol ink, but I also dabble in cold wax, cyanotype and encaustics. I have no formal training. Mainly I love to PLAY WITH COLOR and explore myself along the way. Many people know me for my hearts and that I repurpose paintings into smaller pieces like notecards and bookmarks. Because I am so prolific, 99% of my work is not prints, even the bookmarks.
For more information about the 38th Annual Spring Arts & Crafts Festival, call 805.381.2791 or email boc@CRPD.org.
I have had the pleasure of teaching mandala painting classes for the past 3 years, which has allowed me the opportunity to share my love for this beautiful art form with others.