SANTA PAULA, CA – The Artist’s Eye: The Working Life of Jessie Arms Botke and Cornelis Botke, an extraordinary exhibit of works by Santa Paula’s preeminent artists is set to open at the Santa Paula Art Museum on January 22, 2011 with a gala celebration.

Co-curated by Museum Director, Jennifer Heighton, Museum Educator, Meg Phelps and granddaughter of the artists, Kitty Botke Seemel, the exhibit will provide a rare look into the artistic preparation, working methods, and creativity of the artists, in both collaborative and individual artworks. The exhibit will feature sketches, preliminary drawings, and studies alongside finished works.

“These items are really considered completed works in their own right”, said Museum Director Heighton, “The studies of landscapes, birds and botanicals are truly breath-taking. They represent the lifetime of work and study behind the reputations of these great artists."

Much of the exhibition materials have never been publically displayed and include paintings from other private collections as well as fine examples of Botke works from the The City of Santa Paula, The Santa Paula Elementary School District, the Santa Paula Union High School District, and the Blanchard Community Library, all part of the Santa Paula Collection. “We so appreciate the generosity of these entities and are excited to offer an exhibit that will allow a deeper look into the work behind these Santa Paula Treasurers”, said Heighton.

The exhibit will not only focus on the work-product of artistic preparation, but also will explore the technique, methods and artistic considerations that go into a final work of art. "This is a fascinating side of the artists that we rarely get to see," said co-curator Phelps. "You can really sense how their pieces evolved, what artistic ideas they were working towards, and how much work went into every piece."

Throughout the run of the exhibit, lectures, gallery talks, tours and special presentations will focus on the Botkes and their artistry. Details for these events can be found on the Museum website as they are scheduled.

The exhibit will run until June 5th, and may be viewed during regular Museum hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4PM, and Sundays 12 PM – 4PM. The Museum is located at 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060. More information is available by calling the Museum at 805-525-5554, or email info@santapaulaartmuseum.org.