At The Folk Tree, many local artists show their interpretations of love and its symbols in works of all media that include heart imagery. Small objects, such as decorative hearts and flowers, as well as significant works of art are part of an installation that is designed for the enjoyment of the romantically inclined. In addition to showcasing the talents of area artists, an array of related Mexican folk art is also on view, including ceramic figures by the Aguilar family and repousse hearts cut from tin.
The Folk Tree Collection features work by approximately twenty individuals with imagery relevant to the holiday. Included are cast bronze, ceramics, collage, glass, jewelry, mixed media, works on paper, wood and more. A few of the artists represented in The Folk Tree Collection's exhibition include: Yael Avraham (silver heart jewelry with rough cut gemstones); Beverly Crist (hand-built ceramics with free-style glaze painting); Martha Early (silver jewelry with flower/heart imagery); Nancy Nelson (narrartive wall assemblages); and Kathi Oshima (collages). Other artists come from all over southern California. Artworks range from delicate Valentine-like creations to bright, whimsical and emotionally-charged pieces reflecting both positive and negative aspects of love. Both stores also have many unique gift items, as well as handmade and other unusual Valentine cards.
The Folk Tree is located at 217 South Fair Oaks Avenue and The Folk Tree Collection is
a few doors north at 199 South Fair Oaks Avenue (just fifteen minutes from downtown
Los Angeles off the end of the 110 freeway). . Hours are: M-W, 11-6; Th-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. For more information, contact Kathi Oshima at The Folk Tree at
626/795-8733, or Gail Mishkin at The Folk Tree Collection at 626/793-4828.
