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Published on 12/08/1999 All articles from this issue

Arts Committee brings awareness

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By Jean Packard

Could Los Altos be an art center? "But of course," reply the two charter members of the Los Altos Arts Committee.

Both Jan Meyer and Paula Tuerk are professionally recognized in the arts. Jan Meyer is affectionately known as the artist who paints "real" people on the sides and fronts of downtown village buildings, adding both humor and character to our town.

Both Jan and Paula describe the arts committee as being a model program for surrounding communities. The purpose of this committee is "to bring awareness of diverse art forms to the public," Meyer said. "We continue to reach for sophisticated quality goals, by searching out professional artists and art groups within the community of Los Altos."

The Los Altos Arts Committee was initiated in 1985 by then-mayor Jane Reed, who recognized the need for arts standards. She wanted sculptures, paintings, plays, lectures and educational arts programs made available for the city of Los Altos.

The committee is responsible for three main programs. The first of these is the library art exhibits. The committee prepares upcoming art shows, covering topics including realism to abstract, calligraphy, prints, computer arts, photography and textile exhibits, with the goal of expanding community awareness and reflecting the diversity of interests in our town.

The second responsibility for the committee is a nationwide search of sculpture works, 20-25 of which are placed strategically around our downtown area. "Musical Gambol," located in Lincoln Park between University Avenue and San Antonio Road, is one of those pieces. Sculptures coming from as far away as Texas, Georgia and Alabama are loaned to the city for a period of two years; however, from time to time a citizen may purchase one and donate it to the city anonymously.

The third, and by far the most personal arts committee program, is the warmly-received and popular lecture series organized by Tuerk. Lectures are held in the main library.

A big source of speakers for this successful series is Kay Payne of Los Altos, the docent program director for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

The year 2000 promises an upcoming lecture on Jan. 12 by Joe Marchi of Stanford University, an expert on the history of American musicals. His lectures send his audience "a-clapping and a-tapping" into the aisles. In February, a speaker is scheduled on the wildly popular painter Georgia O'Keefe, a mysterious recluse, a painter of the American landscape, and a figure of controversy.

Plans include a speaker from the Stanford Museum, to discuss the Cantor Center, the newly rebuilt Stanford art museum.

If you are an art lover, and could volunteer for at least a two-year commitment and attend meetings twice a month, call Tuerk at 948-8710.

Marge Anderson leads as chairwoman and Joan Byrne as city liaison.

JeanPackard is an artist, teacher and owner of the Packard Art Studio in Los Altos for contemporary art study.