People did not need to search through a barrow, magical glen or enchanted forest to spot a fairy during the longest day of the year. On the eve of the summer solstice, many of these enchanted artists gathered in the numinous hills of La Mesa.
Fusionglass Co., curator of handcrafted glass jewelry and household accessories, hosted its annual “Midsummer Night’s Dream” art show. Hosted by co-owners Debbie Solan and Paul Fernandes, this themed event exhibited works by 20 local artists accompanied by food, drinks, music and costumes.
People did not need to search through a barrow, magical glen or enchanted forest to spot a fairy during the longest day of the year. On the eve of the summer solstice, many of these enchanted artists gathered in the numinous hills of La Mesa.
Fusionglass Co., curator of handcrafted glass jewelry and household accessories, hosted its annual “Midsummer Night’s Dream” art show. Hosted by co-owners Debbie Solan and Paul Fernandes, this themed event exhibited works by 20 local artists accompanied by food, drinks, music and costumes.
Selected by Solan and Fusionglass curator and local artist Hazel Ross, the evening’s whimsy filled the air as many artists and participants donned handcrafted costumes befitting the evening’s theme, bringing a hint of William Shakespeare’s delightful wonderland.
Solan dressed in a fairy costume she created out of a wedding gown. Her Irish heritage sparked the interest to make fairies the theme of the event.
“I love this event. It’s really fun,” she said. “I’m from Ireland so fairies and magic and mystery have been a part of my life always.”
Inspired by the theme, artist Mary Moreau designed various fairy houses out of gourds. With names such as “Woodland Wonder,” “Mystical Meadows” and “Fallen Petals,” Moreau said her love of nature influenced her to make the houses almost entirely out of natural materials. She worked on each one individually and, because of that, no two are the same.
“As I’m making them, the one I’m working on is my favorite because it completely involves and takes my whole mind and concentration,” said Moreau.
If well cared for, the houses will last six years outside and more than 50 years inside.
Watercolor paintings “Essence of Pinecrest” and “Pink Fog” by Dixie Sampier captured the eye with their soft, alluring landscapes.
Another featured artist, Marjorie Pezzoli, had her hand-painted silk scarves on display. From deep purple to fiery orange, the scarves’ colors were what stirred her motivation.
“I like the patterns of life. It’s all about color and the joy color brings,” she said.
During the evening, each artist spoke about their works that ranged from paintings, collages, photography and sculptures with an eclectic mixture of styles, media and techniques. Both artists and purveyors of art filled the studio and along with the art, enjoyed music by Italian opera singer Rosario Moneth whose range of music from classic Sinatra to classical arias filled the gallery.
Fusionglass’s 2014 fairie festival artist exhibit is on display and for sale through July 31, shortly before its next showing, “Beach Ball,” which will be another variety of art celebrating all things beach.
Located at 8872 La Mesa Blvd., look for all information about Fusionglass Co. at www.fusionglassco.com or www.facebook.com/fusionglass.
