Sera’s Moon – a gallery full of surprises

Sera’s Moon – a gallery full of surprises
Studio artists invite all to see the phases of creativity

Sera’s Moon Studio Gallery, tucked away on Easy Street in Carefree, is an intriguing blend of studio and gallery offering the work of undiscovered yet highly talented artists. Watch proprietor Kathleen Koneski, or any of the sixteen artists Sera’s Moon represents, as they work in the gallery during their grand opening November 3‑5, during the always popular Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival.

Koneski is a self‑taught artist, elected as an artist‑in‑residence at San Diego State University’s School of Art early in her career. Drawing in colored pencil is Koneski’s medium of choice, but she works in oil and acrylic as well. Animals, both domestic and wild, dominate her work. “A painting begins in the eyes. If the eyes don’t talk, forget it,” comments Koneski while showing her beautifully detailed pencil drawings of tigers and elephants. “Animals fascinate me. They are colorful, so expressive, and the wildness is so exciting.”

All of the artists in Sera’s Moon Studio are from local communities. “It’s often difficult for an artist who isn’t well‑known to get into a gallery. The focus here is good quality local artists.” says Koneski. The original work of the local artists the gallery features is for sale at extremely reasonable prices. What’s more, a purchase of a piece of art at the gallery can serve as a springboard for success.

“Clients will often support an artist they like, purchasing multiple works and investing in their future success,” comments Koneski. “It’s hard to place a value on a piece of art. The hundreds of hours and years of experience an artist puts into a work is hard to quantify.” In light of the nurturing environment Sera’s Moon Studio Gallery has conceived, most artists will also work on client commissions.

Sue Hunter, Barbi Williams, Loretta Queen, Nancy Clauss, Susan Lobert and award‑winning artist LeeAnne Park have all found homes at the studio. Like Koneski, Park uses animals as her subject. A number of her buffalo and wolf paintings are shown at Sera’s Moon. The watercolors of Carol Sabo recollect the warmth and character of Currier & Ives Christmas scenes.

And the studio brings other dimensions to its environs. Chinese calligrapher, CJ Lukacsik “Wang” showcases his large collection of intricate calligraphy, with each work titled with the meaning of the Chinese symbols. Mike Brady displays digital art, using his computer to paint on canvas modern surrealistic images.

The exhilarating and exclusive designs of local jewelry artists are on show at Sera’s. Many of the artists utilize natural stone and desert materials–incorporating materials as diverse as delicate crochet and bold, blown beads in fascinating combinations. Victoria Pearman, Joyce White, Kathryn Darner, Carrie Hartley/Lu Rees, and Candice Witherspoon number among the artists represented. In the textile field, fabric artist Lorraine Richards has pillows and garments on display.

“Sera’s Moon was named for a white Arabian mare I once owned,” Koneski explains. “She was afraid of the moon and whenever it came out we had to calm her with hugs. She’s gone now, but when we look up at the moon we still say, there’s Sera’s Moon.” New artists and new works are added frequently, so visit often.

Sera’s Moon Studio Gallery is located on the northwest corner of HoHum & Easy Street in the Los Portales Building, 99 Easy Street, in Carefree. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wed. through Sun. The grand opening takes place Nov. 3‑5. Visa & MC accepted. For more information, call (623) 570‑9536 or e‑mail joekathy@prodigy.net.