Arts & Galleries

Artist Cathi Calhoun's motivation comes from the joy of discovery and exploring new expressions.

She works in a variety of media, including watercolor, acrylics, photography and monotypes. The freedom to pursue whatever develops has led her to create work that is fresh, imaginative, and expressive. This approach has also brought her recognition and awards.

"I look at things more in a painterly fashion, not even thinking about whether anyone else would like it or, for that matter, buy it. But rather for how it affects me at the time," Calhoun said.

Story continues below

Whether creating an intricate watercolor of sailboats compressed within Victoria Harbor, incorporating lacy textures on monotype plates or snapping photos on neighborhood walks with the family dog, Calhoun approaches each project with a zest.

She has found a new sense of purpose by getting involved in the regional arts community through the Corona Art Association in the past several years.

Calhoun studied art at Woodbury College and Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles as well as Palomar College. She also worked in advertising departments and established her own mural-painting business. She has continued her quest for ideas and inspiration by taking workshops from artists such as Albert Enis, Carl Provder, Betty Miller, Alex Chidichimo, Riverside artist Gregory Adamson and most recently from master printmaker Ron Pokrasso.

Calhoun, a Corona resident, serves as show chairwoman for the Art House Gallery of the Corona Art Association in Heritage Park.

She has been instrumental in breathing new life into the exhibits. Themed challenges take place four times per year.

The exhibits had been reserved as member-only shows, but those events were losing attendance and fewer artists were submitting works.

Now the exhibits have a fresh face and an element of surprise that keeps artists interested and challenged to create new works. Crowds of people now pack the Art House Gallery's opening receptions and spill outside to the grounds at Heritage Park.

Calhoun also served as the Corona group's second vice president and made inroads by contacting artists on Internet sites and groups such as Inland Art. She has handed out fliers at local events and businesses, and encouraged area artists to exhibit and participate.

"Cathi responded with great energy and enthusiasm as show chair and publicity chair, and her efforts contributed to increased participation and attendance at our shows and events. Attendees and artists appreciate the extra touches Cathi adds to make the experience rewarding. She is also an active exhibitor showing quality artwork," said Jill Jones, a fellow Corona Art Association board member.

Calhoun is also a member of the Riverside Art Museum, the Plein Air Artists of Riverside and the Fallbrook Art Association.

"In a perfect world I would enroll in college, take every workshop available, sign up for a trip to Italy to study art and try to paint every day," Calhoun said. "I used to think you were supposed to paint in one medium, in a particular style, so people could recognize your work. But I've come to realize that learning as much as you can and practicing new techniques which make you happy, is what really matters."

To see more of Calhoun's work, visit the Corona group's Art House Gallery at 510 W. Foothill Parkway in Heritage Park or check out www.CoronaArtAssociation.org on the Web.

For more information about the Artist Spotlight, contact Daniel Foster, president/CEO of The Community Foundation at 951-684-4194 or DFoster@thecommunityfoundation.net.