Topanga Canyon Gallery Exhibit and Sale Showcases Santa Monica Mountains

By LILY TINOCO  | Reporter

The Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore invites community members to view a new show and sale at Topanga Canyon Gallery “On Location in the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore”—featuring the work of Palisadians and on display through February 28.

The exhibit features watercolor, pastel and oil landscape paintings by local artists Bonnie Freund, Carole Garland, Russell Hunziker, Virginia Kamhi, Timothy Kitz and Linda Melber.

The Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore is a 20-year-old organization of fine artists who paint art representative of Santa Monica Mountains and beaches to help “preserve the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area,” according to a press release.

In line with its mission, the show plans to pay it forward, with a portion of the proceeds made from sales to be donated to conservation and environmental organizations. The group collaborates with national and local agencies, including Will Rogers State Historic Park, National Wildlife Federation, Western National Parks Association, Mountains Restoration Trust and more.

“Running from Franklin and Runyon Parks in the east to Point Mugu State Park in the west, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area includes areas in the northwest Los Angeles County and southeastern Ventura County and covers over 156,000 acres of public parklands,” the press release continues. “There are over 500 miles of trails, 450 animal species, 40 miles of coastline and contains Sandstone Peak, the highest location in the Santa Monica Mountains.

“It is a lush oasis of mountains, canyons, forests, meadows and creeks, ponds and beaches, even waterfalls, amidst the urban sprawl of Los Angeles.”

The gallery is located at 120 Topanga Canyon Blvd., with an option for in-person viewing on weekends between 12 and 5 p.m. and by appointment. It is also available to view online.

The Allied Artists of the Santa Mountains and Seashore sponsors free monthly painting events on the second Saturday of the month, offering “a unique opportunity for any painter to enjoy a sense of camaraderie with like-minded people and a great way to see the beauty of the natural environment.”

Community members are invited to attend a paint-out, which provide a painting demonstration and friendly critique. The free paint-outs take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., open to any artist at any skill level.

For more information, visit topangacanyongallery.com.