Gallery to feature work of Camarillo artist
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

Art is Our Passion Studios will stage a community event Saturday showcasing paintings, sculptures and photographs by artists from the Conejo Valley, Camarillo and Los Angeles.

Christopher Cooksey, a teacher at the Agoura Hills art studio formerly known as Young at Art, said the Nov. 11 show will feature works by established and emerging artists who will be selling artwork and discussing their creations.

Cooksey, who uses the artistic moniker Christopher Moonlight, will put his fantasy artworks on display. "This will be the first time selling art through the studio," Cooksey said. Most of his work is created in mixed media and often focuses on mermaids.

David Durand, a Westlake Village resident who worked for Walt Disney Imagineering. Durand is the artist behind Disney World's "Tower of Terror" in Florida and a new version of the Indiana Jones ride at Tokyo Disney Seas called "Lost River Delta," which encompasses a Mayan theme.

Durand's research led him to create a series of themed still life paintings. He will show a variety of "photo impressionist" paintings from the series, including depictions of archaeological artifacts from a variety of cultures.

A Japanese still life depicts artifacts such as dolls, swords, a sake bottle and cup, and a tea leaf. Themed paintings from Egypt, China, the United States and other countries will also be on display and available for purchase.

Timothy Williams is an established artist, musician and writer who owns the Black Cat Gallery in Culver City. He has staged many shows, including a full retrospective at many galleries throughout the country.

The work of Phyllis Doyon, owner of Doyon Studios in Camarillo, focuses on landscapes, portraits and still lifes. Her floral paintings are so realistically rendered they could almost be mistaken for photographs. "She's very talented," Cooksey said.

Robbie D. Sayers is a contemporary impressionist artist whose work is described as "energetic and lively." Sayers works in oil, her bold brushstrokes creating textured paintings.

Sculptor John Storojev works in metal and stone, and creates artistic water fountains combining crystals and electric lights. His sculptures in stone reflect a fascination with the human form, according to event organizers.

Beth Ferrara is a freelance photographer whose images range from commissioned portraiture to fine art photography that incorporates "surreal abstractions of space and time," according to Cooksey. Ferrara often works with musicians, creating dazzling promotional photos.

Cooksey said he hopes the gathering will be one of many such events and will establish the studio as a "town center for the arts."

"We take pride in exposing people to the arts, whether it be through our fine arts programs or animation," Cooksey said.

The event is at 7 p.m. Saturday at Art is Our Passion Studios, 5859 Kanan Road, in the Agoura Hills City Mall. There is no charge and refreshments will be served.

For further information, call the Art is Our Passion Studio at (818) 991-5514, or visit the studio's site on the Internet, www.artisourpassion.com.