PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
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ART AS MOVEMENT CORE Dance Company has classes for toddlers and teens to middleagers and seniors. Whether it’s ballet, hip-hop, or a little bit of Latin flavor, CORE’s the best game in town.
BEST FESTIVAL
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BEST ART GALLERY
100 Madonna Road, SLO It seems like you can’t walk two steps in SLO County without stumbling into an awesome taproom or craft brewery. The SLO Craft Beer Festival is a great showcase for all those special suds, and this year’s fest took place at the Alex Madonna Expo Center from Feb. 24 through 25. The fest not only rolled out a plethora of tasty craft beers for attendees to try, but also provided food pairings and educational seminars. It was hosted by Pouring for Good, an organization with the goal to “preserve the history and culture of craft beverages through public awareness and education.” Cheers! —Chris Runner-up: AG Strawberry Festival
Atascadero Local photographer and activist Brittany App is all about using her art to tell a story and spread awareness. “I want people to feel like we’re all able to make a positive difference in the world,” App said. While her images run the gamut from landscape photography to weddings, App’s current pet project is a documentary about the recent California drought, Where There Once Was Water. According to App, it “explores our current relationship with water through the complex web of water relationships in California, and explores ideas for moving collectively toward an equitable water future for all.” The film is slated for release in 2018. —Ryah Runner-up: Cameron Ingalls
Shell Beach For the past 20 years or so, artist Lena Rushing has made her mark in SLO with contemporary, women-centric, and narrative paintings. Her art even adorns the covers of a few local authors’ books. “I think it’s different,” Rushing said. “I’m unworthy, but I’m super grateful.” Up next for Rushing is a collaborative group show with artists from around the country celebrating women’s rights. Look for it at Studios on the Park in Paso in October. —Ryah Runner-up: Sara Lane
1130 Pine St., Paso Robles Years ago, Paso Robles didn’t even have a movie theater, but today it boasts that plus one of the bigger art galleries around. Studios on the Park is a stalwart of the growing city’s downtown area. “I think we care about everyone who walks through our doors and we do our best to be their art studio,” said Sasha Irving, director for the gallery. In addition to art from near and far, the studio hosts artist’s talks, free art education for kids, and even cookie decorating classes. —Ryah Runner-up: San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
SLO Craft Beer Festival
Brittany App
40 • New Times • May 11 - May 18, 2017 • www.newtimesslo.com
Lena Rushing
Studios on the Park
ARTS SCENE continued page 43