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• Art, naturally

  Art, naturally

  Strange things have sprouted up in the SLO Botanical Gardens.

  It’s all part of the Art Eco show, celebrating the reclaimed and the recycled.

  This eighth annual event, which grew from its previous venue at the Frameworks gallery, features nearly 30 artists showing 75 works of art, ranging from humorous to serious.

• A.G. woman finds new way to help old cause

  A.G. woman finds new way to help old cause

  As a new empty nester, Janine Stillman of Arroyo Grande was sitting in her studio with friends and found herself making a puzzle piece out of her medium — fused glass. A friend reminded her it was the autism puzzle symbol. And a whole new career began.

  Before becoming a glass artist, Janine worked in Pismo Beach as the director of the Center for Educational Therapy, a business she and Dianne Olvera, an educational therapist, had founded. They helped students with minor disabilities all the way up to the severely autistic with all aspects of education.

  Attracted to this field because of her oldest son’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Janine worked closely with autistic students and their parents.

• Wine with art? It’s a perfect pairing at ‘First Saturdays’ in Paso

  Wine with art? It’s a perfect pairing at ‘First Saturdays’ in Paso

  A prominent county arts organization is reaching out to North County art lovers. On Jan. 7, Arts Obispo launches “First Saturdays: Wine and the Arts,” a monthly art walk featuring stops at a handful of Paso Robles galleries and wineries. The program builds on previous wine-and-arts events organized by Studios on the Park and other businesses.

  “We’re so thrilled to be extending our reach north of The Grade,” said Jenna Hartzell, program director for Arts Obispo, or, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council.

  According to Sasha Irving, programs director at Studios on the Park, Paso Robles tasting rooms have been hosting arts events for a few years. Her organization became involved in November 2010.

• Diverse and disturbing at The Vale Fine Art's Winter Exhibit

  Diverse and disturbing at The Vale Fine Art's Winter Exhibit

  The Vale Fine Art’s Winter Exhibit, lasting halfway through spring, is seasoned with a plethora of artists and styles.

  Ranging from local artists such as Hope Kroll, who does elaborate intricate collages, to illustrator Neal Breton’s rare paintings to Eric Segurd II’s unique bronze sculptures, diversity is paramount. Most of the art borders on the bizarre.

  Born and raised in Atascadero, Templeton resident Segurd majored in art and has been involved with bronze along with other pursuits since the early 1960s.

• Jewelry designer Alexis Bittar in expansion mode

  Jewelry designer Alexis Bittar in expansion mode

  Fashion jewelry design is in the midst of a renaissance the likes of which we haven't seen since the 1980s. And Alexis Bittar blazed the trail. In the last two decades, the New York-based jewelry designer has gone from selling his signature colorful, hand-carved Lucite pieces on the streets of SoHo to bejeweling leading ladies in Hollywood and beyond, including Lady Gaga, First Lady Michelle Obama, Madonna, Cameron Diaz, Meryl Streep and Rihanna. At the same time, he's managed to keep the core of his collection in an accessible $225-to-$645 price range.