Volcano Art Center Gallery is honored to present a unique collection of original paintings by Linda J. Varez in an exhibition titled “The Joy Of The Brush.”
The exhibit will open to the public today and will continue through Aug. 4 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
A special reception with the artist will be held from 2-4 p.m. today.
Linda J. Varez was born in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and graduated from California Polytechnic State University with a degree in agriculture.
Soon after graduation, Linda moved to Ventura, Calif., where she was surrounded by professional artists showing their works in Los Angeles.
She began attending evening art classes at Ventura College and credits Art Student League teacher Barney Dietz with “excellent art instruction and guidance.”
Linda came to Hawaii in 1960 to surf in the annual competition held at Makaha on the west side of Oahu, known then as the unofficial world surf championship.
In 1965 she met her soon to be husband, Dietrich Varez, now one of Hawaii’s most recognized artists, best known for his extensive collection of linoleum-block and screen printed images.
In 1969 they purchased the largest, most secluded lot they could afford on Hawaii Island, sight-unseen. The only known detail at the time was that the three acre plot was forested by flowering ohia trees. The remote rain forest setting became the inspiration for both artists’ works. As Dietrich’s block prints and paintings gained in popularity Linda become his biggest supporter and consultant. Dietrich Varez passed away last year, Linda continues to paint.
The collection includes oil paintings created between 1980-1996 and more recent watercolor images.
The Volcano Art Center is a non-profit educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawaii’s people and environment through art and education.
Please visit www.volcanoartcenter.org
