Topanga Canyon has long been home to artistic people. Creative types are drawn to the tranquil serenity that this lush canyon hillside community offers. Some are fortunate to live in this artistic haven, while others come to seek communion with creative souls.
Originally known as the Topanga Artists’ Guild in the 1950s, the organization has long since evolved into what is now known as Topanga Canyon Gallery, located at Pine Tree Circle in Topanga.
Owned and run by the members, this artist collective consistently presents new exhibitions showcasing emerging and established Los Angeles artists, many of whom live in the Topanga area.
This Saturday and Sunday marks the 11th Annual Topanga Canyon Artists’ Studio Tour. Attendees can participate in a personalized art-infused journey throughout Topanga while enjoying a birds-eye view of more than 20 artist studios.
Topanga Canyon Artists’ Studio Tour will include works from more than 50 artists featuring a wide range of mediums, such as painting, sculpture, pastels, photography, ceramics, mixed-media, glass, jewelry, and more.
Robin Becker is a local Topanga resident who has a studio on the tour. Although she has lived in Topanga Canyon for more than 12 years, she has been a member of the Topanga Canyon Gallery for eight years. Becker started her college education with a focus on architecture, but soon turned to print-making.
She talks about her art, explaining her medium as “photo mix media” where a photo is printed on cloth and attached to stretched canvas – then she paints into and beyond each image.
“I use layers of color and imagery from my photographic journeys, sometimes using images of rooms, portals, passageways, landscapes, gardens and vignettes of architectural details,” Becker said.
Los Angeles native John Brunnick first developed an interest in art in the late 1950s at high school in Venice Beach when the Beatnik era was in full swing.
He started painting with oils in the abstract and surrealistic styles, continuing in later years with ink and charcoal drawing, wood carving and ceramics.
Self-guided tours start at Topanga Canyon Gallery (Pine Tree Circle 120 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 109, Topanga 90290) and include a detailed map.
Tickets for both days are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Admission is free for children under 16. The Studio Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Topanga Canyon Gallery will host a reception on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A silent auction featuring works by tour artists will also benefit the Topanga Canyon Gallery and help promote the local art and culture of Topanga Canyon.
Advance tickets are available at Topanga Canyon Gallery, by phone at 310.455.7909 or online.
For more information on the two artists mentioned in this article, visit www.robinbeckerartist.com and johnbrunnick.com.
For a full list of artists and more information about the weekend, visit www.topangacanyongallery.com.
