Photo: Ceramic tray by Malika Crozier 

Malika Crozier, well known local clay artist and graduate of the Fine Arts Department of California State University, will be the featured artist at the Pinos Altos Art Gallery on Saturday, July 26. Malika incorporates the earth, the heart and the cosmos, in much of her work. She says, "When creating, I like celebratory images and forms to occupy my focus and energy. I intend that those who live with my work be reminded often that life is to celebrate." Her artwork expressed in clay is exceptional.

On Friday, July 25, prize-winning artist Barbara Kejr will be the featured artist. Although she initially explored oil painting, she became intrigued by the unique properties of watercolor which permit the artist to capture light using transparent watercolor and the white of the paper. Barbara would be pleased to show you her latest work as well as that of the many other local artists who show in the Pinos Altos Art Gallery.

John Catsis and Connie Thibeau will be featured artists on Sunday, July 27. John is a photographer and Connie a painter. Both have won blue ribbons in shows and have taught photography and fine art at the college level. John and Connie are a strong combination of local talent.

The Pinos Altos Art Gallery is the seasonal home for the 40 members of the Grant County Art Guild, a nonprofit organization of local artists and crafters. From spring through fall, they display local handcrafted items and fine art including pottery, jewelry, fabric art, paintings, photography, metal sculptures and much more. The gallery is located at 14 Golden Avenue in the historic Hearst Church and is open from10 a.m. till 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and major holidays through October 5. For more information, check out the Guild's website www.gcag.org.