Butterflies in Flight, shadow boxes and African themed art, creations by artist Louise Shields, are currently on display in the Gilroy City Hall Gallery. The unique pieces are not only attractively displayed but I’ve been told by some of the ladies who work at City Hall that Louise’s art makes them happy.
Born and raised in the San Joaquin Valley, Louise attended San Jose State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development and went on to a master’s program in social work. After leaving SJSU, she gained employment as a social worker in the San Jose Department of Family and Children Services Adoption Department where, as an adoptee herself, she spoke with pre-adoption parents. Louise moved to Gilroy 13 years ago and is currently employed by Community Solutions. She and her husband Robert have one child, Claire, a sixth-grader at Brownell School and a budding artist.
Louise began to create when her mother-in-law gave her a set of African themed stamps. She used the stamps to make note cards that she displayed in the crafts area at her job in San Jose. Having seen the cards, the late Mary Taulbee, of Gilroy Garlic City Coffee and Tea, suggested that she sell them in the coffee shop.
First, however, the busy young mother had to create an inventory. Finally, two years later, she made enough cards to supply the shop. Her cards have also been marketed in the local Starbucks drive-thru and the Gilroy Farmer’s Market.
Currently her cards and other art works are for sale in the Gilroy Arts Alliance Artisan’s Corner. Recently Louise started painting with acrylics and has already sold her first abstract piece.
Louise strives to contribute to the Gilroy community. She has served as co-president of the Elliot School Parent Club for six years. When she learned that the school didn’t have funds for art instruction, Louise became a volunteer art teacher. She has also recruited children for summer art classes at the Gilroy Center for the Arts and the recent Young Artists Exhibition.
“I think that many people do not realize how important art is in the development of children,” Louise said. “It touches every aspect of their lives. My own child has been doing art since she was 18 months old. She is well-rounded and appreciates the beauty in the world.”
An active member of the Gilroy Arts Alliance Board of Directors, Louise has just been appointed to the City of Gilroy Public Art Committee. In her interview for PAC, she spoke of her passion and love of the arts.
“I love the opportunity to be able to contribute my strengths to a vital and intricate part of the community,” she said.
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“Color My World,” the ultimate outdoor salute to the ’60s is coming to the Christmas Hill Park Amphitheater on Saturday, June 22. Presented by the Gilroy Recreation Department and Theater Director John Bisceglie, the production promises to be a treat for all age groups. Singing, dancing and sporting Bisceglie trademark costumes and wigs, local youth will recreate the unique style of the ’60s. Chart-busting hits from The Beatles, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Monkeys, Three Dog Night, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Steppenwolf, the Partridge Family and more are sure to jog your memory and have you tapping your toes. Tickets are only $10; quite a bargain for a live show jam-packed with love and peace.
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At the Center for the Arts, Limelight Actors Theater will open “Love, Sex & The I.R.S.” this month. The show, set in the ’70s, centers around Jon and Leslie, two guys in a band who happen to be roommates. Jon, who is about to be married to Kate, finds a creative way to save money on his taxes and the fun begins. An IRS audit, an unexpected visit from Mother, a drunk landlord and an angry girlfriend will have you roaring with laughter. Complete with beanbag chair and eye-popping scenic painting by Glynis Crab, the set will rope you in with its nostalgia even before the curtain opens. If you’re planning a “bring-your-own- dinner,” go retro with flower pot bread, cheese fondue, a molded salad, green goddess dressing, porcupine meatballs, zucchini bread and a mock apple pie. (Don’t forget the leisure suit!)
Carol Harris represents the City of Gilroy Art and Culture Commission.
