Suzanne Guldimann is the editor of the Topanga New Times, and also TNT’s resident naturalist. She was recently asked to give a talk on being…
Things are about to change for art lovers in and around Topanga. Topanga Canyon Gallery, which has resided at Pine Tree Circle for many years, is moving is moving to 137 S Topanga Canyon; across from the south entrance to Pine Tree Circle. The building, formerly the home of Abuelita’s restaurant, was strikingly remodeled by Leslie and Steve Carlson when the restaurant moved out. The Gallery will occupy one half of the first floor of the building, including an outside deck that offers a beautiful space for receptions and other art events throughout the year.
The Gallery has a new leadership team, including Creative Director Lisa Baldwin, whose vision is driving the changes forward.
“The Gallery environment will be more immersive, both physically, and in terms of the art experience,” she explains. “We will be increasing the focus on each artist; now with two gallery spaces we will be able to showcase two individual artists, at the same time in different spaces.
“It’s more than time for this next step in our development,” states Patrick Ramsey, outgoing Gallery president. “Those who have followed us for years know we went through a significant evolution four years ago, when we remodeled the Pine Tree space and began to use the entire space differently, with more focus on fine art.
“Now we are ready to go to the next step, and ‘up our game’ in what we create and who we ask to join us,” Ramsey says. “Giving the artists a regular opportunity to do a solo show with one body of work will help us attract great artists and also give our continuing artists a chance to shine. We couldn’t make this change without new leadership, like Lisa—a professional artist of many years with her own vision and standards.”
The creative space at the new location will allow the gallery to support more emerging and mid-career artists, each with a clear and unique voice. The intent is to double the number of artists represented over the next 8- 12 months with this criteria in mind. That process is already underway, with one or two new artists exhibiting at the opening show in October.
Leslie and Steve Carlson, the Gallery’s new landlords, have long been patrons of the arts and supportive of the gallery. “We are very happy that the Gallery will remain in the Canyon,” Leslie shares. “We look forward to seeing it flourish and grow.”
“When Pigs Fly” will open in the new location on October 23. On November 12 two solo shows open: Kate Browning in the North gallery and Lisa Baldwin in the South gallery space. Solo exhibitions will continue every three weeks beginning in January, with a holiday show in December.
