Scotts Valley Artisans Celebrates Grand Opening

Over 100 people swarmed to the opening celebration of the Scotts Valley Artisans Saturday, at its new location in the Kings Village Shopping Center. The large space, three times the size of its former space, accommodates 75 more artists to total around 165 artists. 

The evening buzzed with music, wine, nibbles, and art. In a side room where classes will be held, Anna Lee Steed mixed acryllic paints and let fellow artists and friends paint on a huge canvas. The art at Scotts Valley Artisans varies from paintings and photographs, to woodworking and jewelry, to clothing and textiles and even a giant wooden throne.

"If you sit in it and make an unselfish wish, 95 percent of the people who contact me tell me that it came true," said Gary Jakima Geyer, the woodworker who carved the wooden throne, a project he started back in 1970 and says is still a work in progress.

All of the artists seemed grateful for the opportunity to sell their work at Scotts Valley Artisans. 

"I think Pam and Dawn (the store's owners) have this really great vision and they have the energy to put it together. I'm very happy to be working with them," said Paul Sweet, a woodworker who makes boxes and bowls. 

Other artists commended the owners for keeping Scotts Valley Artisans affordable for the artists as well as for art buyers.

"I really appreciate what they're doing to provide an affordable venue to show your work. It's a great service to the local art community," said Suzanne Elliot, plein air painter.

For more information on Scotts Valley Artisans, visit www.scottsvalleyartisans.com.