Partner Event: In Nature’s Realm Art Exhibit Opening Reception
The Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation presents its first exhibition of the year, In Nature’s Realm, featuring various artists: Gloria Moeller, Natasha Papousek, Rhonda Epstein, Sandeep Dhar, and Susan Weinberg-Harter. The works will be on view from January 2 – February 10, 2023. The public is invited to an opening reception to honor the artists on Sunday, January 15, 2-4PM.
About the Artists:
Gloria Moeller – Photography
Gloria’s nature images provide others the opportunity to bring the serenity of nature into their homes and workspaces. Since she was young, Gloria has been refining her photography art through experience in the field and photography craft and editing courses. Her work has been shown at the Del Mar Art Center Gallery, La Jolla Art Association, Spanish Village Art Center, San Diego County Art Mart Association, Art on 30th/Ashton Gallery, International Exhibit at the San Diego County Fair and Coronado Art Association.
Natasha Papousek – Mixed Media
Natasha Monahan Papousek is a collage artist inspired by the flora and fauna from her backyard. Her process is unusual: after choosing a reference photo and creating an underpainting, she collects paper – old maps, sheet music, tourist literature, junk mail, then paints and prints layers of color and patterns on top. Then she rips them up in a sort of mosaic process to form the “brushstrokes” for her paintings. Natasha’s work is a testimony to the enduring power of nature.
Rhonda Epstein – Photography
In today’s fast pace and chaotic world, connecting with nature to balance us out is more important than ever. Rhonda’s art is her expression of her connection and appreciation of nature’s stunning beauty. She worked in several media over the years including photography, gourd art, jewelry creation, and painting. Photography has been a passion that serves both an excuse to get outside and a means to for her to capture the sights and deep feelings that nature provides.
Sandeep Dhar – Photography
It took a chance trip to Costa Rica in 2017 that got Sandeep enamored with birds. Back home, he hung a hummingbird feeder and soon enough there were visitors, brilliant flashes of color and ebullience that were photographed in myriad ways. What followed was an education about and the exploration of the various biomes and biodiversity hotspots of his hometown, San Diego, California. Waking up before sunrise, Sandeep prepares for his photography sessions with knowledge of bird behavior, migratory patterns, weather conditions and the direction and quality of light. At dawn, the potency of the natural realm is captured by his camera, a sense of whole that is at once solemn and serene but also bursts with optimistic energy.
Susan Weinberg-Harter – Watercolor
Susan grew up in England and came to San Diego in 1972. After studying and practicing calligraphy, often receiving commissions for her work, she began incorporating watercolor illustrations in her designs. After retirement from her day job in 2002, she studied and practiced watercolor painting more seriously, attending classes and workshops. Over the years, Susan has shown her works in galleries around San Diego and has won many awards at the San Diego Watercolor Society and the annual Small Image Show in Spanish Village Art Center, Balboa Park. Her love for nature is depicted in her paintings of landscapes, seascapes, and birds.
