SANTA PAULA, CA – A retrospective exhibit of works by beloved Santa Paula artist Norman Kirk will open at the Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 N. 10th Street, Santa Paula, on Saturday, June 11, 2011 with an opening reception from 4 – 6 p.m. To request an invitation please call the Museum at 805-525-5554 or email info@santapaulaartmuseum.org.

Norman Kirk has explored a broad spectrum of two and three dimensional mediums in a diverse variety of approaches throughout his career, but is best known for his watercolor paintings.

“It is an honor for the Santa Paula Art Museum to be able to feature Norman Kirk’s work. He is a true Santa Paula treasure,” said Jennifer Heighton, Executive Director of the Museum. “The exhibit will include a number of his earliest paintings, some have never been seen. It is rare to have such a comprehensive collection of an artist’s work in a single exhibit.”

Kirk was schooled in the classics at the Cleveland Museum of Art and continued his studies at the Los Angeles Center School of Design, UCLA, Chouinards and De Paul University.

Mr. Kirk taught watercolor painting at Ventura College for 18 years and often conducts private workshops. In 1984, he was selected to execute a series of watercolors illustrating the Lake Casitas Olympic events for presentation to both local and international officials. His painting of the original winery at the Old Creek Ranch Winery and his current watercolor of the Noble Oak Vineyard and Winery grace the fine wine from the Ojai Valley.

Kirk is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society and Watercolor West. He is a published artist and is currently represented in several galleries in California. Mr. Kirk was the cover artist and program book illustrator for the Ventura County Design House and has painted extensively throughout the USA, Europe and Caribbean.

The exhibit will run until October 9th, and may be viewed during regular Museum hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM, and Sundays, 12 PM – 4 PM. The Museum is located at 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060.