Heather Coen, a former engineer who has been a professional artist since 1995, creates layered oil paintings that take months or even years to complete.
Christina Rosepapa, a web designer and professional artist for seven years, works on “expressive art” that sometimes originates from photographs she takes in the Arizona wilderness.
Donna Finter labels herself just as an art enthusiast, but her oils, watercolor and mixed media have often sold at art shows.
The three East Valley artists are appreciative members of Gilbert Visual Art League, which is holding its 21st annual juried fine art show and sale from Saturday, Feb. 17, to March 23 at Gallery 4, HD South in Gilbert.
At least 99 pieces in various media – including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture – are represented. League member Peter Eobbi oversaw the show hanging in the gallery while Mary Opat worked behind-the-scenes to launch it online.
Begun in 2003 with a few artists, the league has grown to a nonprofit that admits to its fold art enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professional artists alike. Current membership stands at 75.
“GVAL’s success is due to an inexpensive membership fee with great offerings,” Finter said.
Membership includes free presentations from top professional artists, in-person and online art show opportunities, art critiques, selection of artists of the month/year, promotion on social media and on the league’s website, and the chance to participate in special events and volunteer opportunities.
Another valuable perk is connecting with fellow artists.
To give back to the community, members teach classes to the community at HD South and to children at House of Refuge in Mesa.
The two large juried art shows held in the spring and fall have become the league’s signature events, drawing dozens of visitors, especially on opening and closing nights.
This year, the 99 pieces were selected from over 100 submissions by an independent artist juror and judge. The show offers a prime opportunity for artists to sell their work.
However, the growth of membership and increased outreach bring new challenges.
“It’s great to have many members and activities, but we desperately need three more people to fill board positions,” Finter said. “We appreciate active support from our general members.”
Finter serves as the group’s public relations coordinator, administers its social media and organizes the children’s art program at House of Refuge.
She said the league is outgrowing the free gallery space it receives at HD South. But more resources are not forthcoming from the town.
“We need to plan for our future needs, which requires funds. However, Gilbert provides no direct financial support to its only visual art league,” she noted.
“Our town has the potential to be a cultural leader because we have extremely talented artists in the area. More exposure to visual art could potentially increase recognition and business in the town of Gilbert.”
Members think highly of the league.
“I joined Gilbert Visual Art League four years ago. I am very appreciative of the work and time the board and volunteers put into promoting art,” Coen said.
Her three pieces on show are “Verdant,” an oil painting inspired by poppies peaking last spring in Arizona; “Light Between the Mountains,” a pastel on sanded paper that refers to a clear crystal stream; and “Treasures,” a still life of her favorite objects.
Coen has the full gamut of art experience. When she launched, she apprenticed to two successful artists in California over a five-year period. Currently, she teaches, judges, hosts events, and serves various art organizations. She has also been recognized by some national organizations.
“Although they need more space at HD South, their shows and events are so well coordinated and put together, they could compete with galleries nationally,” she said.
Rosepapa, who joined the group several years ago, finds it “one of the best in the Valley.”
“GVAL is a friendly group of artists from all age groups and backgrounds,” she said.
Her pieces in the show are “Along the Trail,” inspired by a hike in Sedona that showed how alive the ground felt to her with texture, contrast, color and shape; “Game of Thorns,” inspired by a barrel cactus, inviting in appearance and color and yet not without danger; and “Call Your Mother,” a drawing that was inspired from a photo she took of her daughter with a vintage phone.
Gallery 4 at HD South is located at 10 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. The show runs from Feb. 17 to March 23 and is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Admission is $6 adult; $5 senior (ages 60 plus); $3 youth, (ages 5-12). The online show runs to June 30 at gval.org. Details: 480-926-1577 or hdsouth.org.