“Magic in Nature” at Blue 7 Gallery

By Staff Writer

The Blue 7 Gallery opened over 16 years ago. In addition to being a framing company, it has evolved into a thriving art collective featuring over twenty artists. Owner Randy Ball and Gallery Director Lucius Peterson are both artists and understand how challenging the art business can be first hand. The collective presents monthly exhibitions. Ideas for the theme of each show are brought up by Ball and Peterson, then voted on by the group.

This month’s exhibition is entitled “Magic in Nature,” and will feature artworks from about 20 artists. Alice Lunsford will be exhibiting five paintings in the show. Lunsford was an art major at UCLA and works in several mediums… She has traveled extensively and much of her work reflects that. Currently she is working on oil paintings of the ocean and ships at sunset, and prior to that her artwork featured oil and water colors of sunsets around the world, including Egypt, England, Portugal, and China.

Lunsford said she is very happy with her decision join the Blue 7 Gallery Collective. “I have been involved with other galleries, and felt the Blue 7 had so much more to offer in the way of exhibitions, attendees and fellowship with other artists. I’m very pleased to say the gallery has been commercially successful for me.” Lunsford explained some of the things she loves about the gallery. “Randy and Lucius are not only successful in creating a pleasant environment for their artists, but strive – and succeed – in establishing a viable presence in the Westside community. It is a pleasure to be a part of this gallery.”

Meri Bender, a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer in LA for the past sixty years said, “I love to create movement in my painting.” At last month’s event, she danced in front of her paintings, and she will be doing it again at the opening, and closing receptions. “I joined Blue 7 Gallery as I was impressed by the quality of the work and the warmth of the artists. I think Randy and Lucius are amazing. They encourage, support and offer an opportunity to get your work shown to the community. They are open to different ways to present art and were supportive of my performance art piece.”

Lucius Peterson is a photographer, who has always been fascinated by clouds. “They seem magical to me just floating in the sky making different shapes allowing your imagination to roam.” He will be featuring photography from his cloud series.

In keeping with the theme of the show, Randy Ball said “My photographs are the Malibu Lagoon mornings when the magician is about to bring a rabbit out of the mist.”

“Magic in Nature” opens at Blue 7 Gallery on Sunday June 9, 2019. The opening reception will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The group exhibition will remain on view through July 20, 2019. The closing reception, on Saturday, July 20, 2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Blue 7 Gallery, 3129 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 90405