the palos verdes art center

On my husband's and my monthly anniversary #323, we visited the Palos Verdes Art Center. We always enjoy viewing the art on display, browsing the gift shop, and relaxing in the patio on the enclosed deck. On this visit, we spent time at the exhibits, and were especially fascinated by the one focusing on Acquired Objects: textiles, tools & notions from the Judith Solomon Collection, We were surprised that a cafe is now on the premises. As a treat, we went to the Strip Cafe, where we enjoyed a slice of lavendar-infused olive-oil cake with lemon curd, topped with two fresh raspberries. Yum. Oh my but it was delicious. I had an expresso and my husband had a macchiato, each presented in a demitasse cup with an itty-bitty silver teaspoon.

It may be common for larger cities in suburbia to have some form of art instruction available .. but all too often they are in some kind of Adult School or weekend classes in some marginal venue or other. It is quite a surprise to find The Palos Verdes Art Center in such a nice location with a newly extended building and with such a variety of quite professional classes. Their latest innovation is Glass Blowing! The real thing! .. not making kiddy toys out of glass tubing, but real 'hot stuff'. And this is only one of the many classes they have been offering for years up here on The Hill. PVAC may be slightly short of Otis or Art Center , but the teachers have always been legitimate artists and/or professional teachers. Over the last 30 plus years, I have attended classes in Watercolor, Life Drawing and oil painting. Family members have also taken ceramics (there is a kiln on the property), sculpture and that Glass Blowing class. Also be aware that there is a small museum and gift shop to complete their offerings.