Spring has sprung at Art on Main, with wide-open doors to welcome art-loving locals and tourists venturing out for a stroll in Murphys. This month’s featured window artist with a colorful, whimsical and highly-detailed bucolic display, is Bambi Papais.

The gallery is pleased to announce the acceptance of a featured watercolor by Susan King, titled “Texture of Wonders,” into the annual Yosemite Renaissance Competition. With over 600 entries, it is truly an honor to be among the 60 artists chosen for the contest. Yosemite Renaissance 33 opened on February 24 at the Yosemite Museum Gallery. The exhibit will be on display through May 6, 2018. Exhibit hours are 10 am to Noon and 1 to 4 pm daily. The show will travel on to Kings Art Center in Hanford, opening on June 4th; Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock, opening on Aug 8th, 2018; and Gallery 5 in Oakhurst, opening on October 13th, 2018. Susan is a 36-year resident of Murphys and Arnold and is a retired school teacher. Her focus is now on her own art and on teaching art in local schools to 6 different grade-levels.

Sheila Wertman is the April Artist of the Month in Art on Main. Although she has a background in watercolor painting, and has also taken up photography, she currently specializes in beautiful and intricate paper cuttings. Influenced by her career in floral design and inspired by Matisse, Sheila creates eye-catching and unique designs. These are often enhanced by watercolor embellishments. Both of Sheila’s parents were artists and she grew up in a log cabin in the natural beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains.Wertman studied watercolor in high school, continued her art classes in college, and had many mentors along the way.

Art on Main is a local treasure. The multi-level architecture and interesting layout provides the perfect backdrop for the works of over 28 diverse artists. You’ll find paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and fabric art, as well as art cards and prints. Experiencing this eclectic treasure is a must-do.

Pictured above right is “Texture of Wonders” by Susan King.