PR-Palette Award

(Following content is a copy of the news release from San Diego Arts Institute)

Contact:
Debora Wells
San Diego Art Institute
619-236-0011
FAX 619-236-1974
relations@sandiego-art.org
http://sandiego-art.org

Nina Karavasiles to Receive 2008 Annual Palette Award at Southern California Regional Exhibition

San Diego, California, March 29, 2008, 5- 7 pm
The San Diego Art Institute’s Museum of the Living Artist will be presenting the fourth Annual Palette Award, as part of the opening reception for the Southern California Regional Awards Exhibition. The Palette Award is presented to a regional artist who embodies a generosity of spirit, is dedicated to supporting the visual arts and maintains exceptional artistic standards.
This year’s honoree is Nina Karavasiles (kara-vass-sa-lis), a sculptor whose prolific breadth of work is featured throughout San Diego County. A devoted advocate for visual art in public spaces and a dedicated environmentalist, Nina has championed these causes for many years.

She works and lives near Warner Springs, on an art complex comprised of small dwellings, a large pre-fab metal barn and a cabin. Twisting and turning through the rocks and vegetation, one finds a zen-like presence throughout the property.
“I think the most I can say about my aesthetic is that I tend to like things clean and plain – sometimes.”

Nina’s sculpture has been commissioned by the San Diego Port Authority for its “Urban Trees” series. The City of La Mesa commissioned the artist for the Trolley Station at 70th Street. Her work commissioned by the City of San Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture is in front of Fire Station #11 at 25th and Broadway. Her design work has even translated to award-winning kitchens, bathrooms, jewelry and gardens. Two of her current projects include the Colfax Bridge, a collaboration with architects and designers in Los Angeles, and “Parkside,” a 5-story tree abstract in Coronado at 450 Orange Avenue.

An impetus for her art has often been when she asks herself, “Perhaps it is a subject worthy of artwork?” Solar power, water usage, and indigenous plants have all been inspirations for her work. She likes the idea of educating the public about what public art is all about. “Please open our eyes and look at the world around you.“ Her affiliation with “Public Address,” a visual arts advocacy group, has furthered these efforts.

The Southern California Regional Exhibition Awards Presentation and Grand Opening Reception will be Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 5- to 7 pm. $20 non-SDAI member, $10 SDAI members. (Two free tickets to exhibiting show artists). The Exhibition runs March 29 through May 11, 2008.

San Diego Art Institute (SDAI), Museum of the Living Artist, Balboa Park, House of Charm, 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101.

San Diego Art Institute (SDAI) is San Diego’s primary resource for emerging and established regional, national and international artists. SDAI offers changing exhibitions every 4-6 weeks and is dedicated to the advancement of the visual arts. It support the achievements of emerging and established living artists through gallery exhibition and educational, outreach programs.