‘Sun, Moon and Stars’ opening artists’ reception
Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Gallery is once again introducing a new art exhibit in its 4,000-square-foot gallery. Appropriately entitled “The Idyllwild Collection: Sun, Moon and Stars,” the exhibit provides the artists an opportunity to let their imaginations soar and their whimsies take flight.
With more than 200 works of art from 33 talented artists, the exhibit invites viewers to become immersed in the artists’ flights of fancy, revelations of wild creativity, or the simple beauty of everyday life expressed through paint, clay, glass, metal, photography and a variety of other mediums.
“In this time of regrowth and rebuilding here in Idyllwild following the fires, rains and ensuing road closures, we feel the theme of this exhibit is particularly fitting as we all look to the sun, the moon and the stars with gratitude and allow ourselves the freedom to let our imaginations run wild,” said Melody Johnston who, along with her husband and winemaker, Chris, opened Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Gallery to create a space where their love of wine and love of art could come together.
“Our town, our forest and all its wildlife are still here and still beautiful. This new exhibit is a celebration of joy and creativity, and an appreciation for people, places and time spent together.”
With exhibits that rotate every three months, new artists and works are featured regularly in the Tasting Gallery. Five artists are brand new to the Tasting Gallery with this exhibit: India ink artist Linda “Vivian” Bradish, photographer Lynne Eodice, digital mixed-media artist Carrie Gordon, fused glass artist Sue Ellen Miller and watercolorist James Nuce.
Middle Ridge’s Afternoon with the Artists is open to the public from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Visitors will have the opportunity to sip, talk and walk through the Tasting Gallery while getting to know the artists.
In addition to award-winning wine and art, vocalist Patrice Morris will take visitors on a musical journey of their favorite tunes from the ’70s and ’80s from 2 to 6 p.m. Morris has performed studio backgrounds for Christina Aguilera and Michael Jackson, and is currently touring with the world-renowned group, The 5th Dimension, so it’s no surprise that she wows everyone when she is in the house. Middle Ridge Winery invites visitors to “spend the afternoon and with us … and the day in Idyllwild.”