Passage by Duane Dammeyer, banded rhyolite and brass on granite PR
SANTA PAULA — Ventura stone sculptor Duane Dammeyer and Ventura abstract painter Rima Muna hope their upcoming exhibition, “Inspiration and Influence,” at the Santa Paula Art Museum will serve visitors as a space for reflection and renewal in what can be a very busy world. While Dammeyer and Muna are two very different artists, they have one thing in common: both are eager and open to find inspiration anywhere, including in each other. Both artists will be on hand for the premiere of their exhibit on Saturday, March 14, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The cost of admission to the premiere party is $10.00 for museum members and $15.00 for non-members.
“Inspiration is everywhere, even in the unlikeliest of places,” says Muna. “That’s really what drives me in my art and my life. Noticing beauty in our everyday lives is so important, and to appreciate life and each other.” A few years ago, Duane and Rima noticed each other quite by accident when their artworks were placed next to each other in a local exhibit. They quickly discovered that they share similar interests, which influence their work: shapes and colors they see while hiking in nature, and places they have both traveled to like Ronda, Spain. The two artists were inspired to team up for a dual exhibition.
Dammeyer and Muna’s exhibit at the Santa Paula Art Museum will feature 24 of Duane’s stone sculptures alongside 27 of Rima’s acrylic paintings. Each piece will explore the nature of inspiration and influence. In some cases, clues will be provided as to the source of the artists’ inspiration. In others, viewers will be left to their own observation and imagination. In addition to outside sources, the artists have made a conscious effort to be influenced by each other. Viewers will see some of Rima’s paintings reimagined in stone, and a number of Duane’s sculptures captured on canvas.
Both artists are most excited to see how their audiences will be moved. “That’s always my main goal,” says Muna, “for viewers to feel something when they see my work.” Duane explains similarly, “It’s so interesting to see what other people see in my work.” “Inspiration and Influence” will be on view March 14, 2020, through July 12, 2020. Nearly all of the artworks will be for sale.
The Santa Paula Art Museum occupies two historic buildings located at 117 N 10th Street and 123 N 10th Street in downtown Santa Paula. The Museum features rotating exhibitions of vintage and contemporary art, art classes for children and adults, monthly Free Family Days, creative community events, a well-curated gift shop and more. Regular museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and Sunday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Regular admission is $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, and free for students and museum members. Contact the Museum by calling (805) 525-5554, or by e-mailing info@santapaulaartmuseum.org.