Loomis Art Loop showcases local creativity

Sandy Beecher of Applegate is the first to tell you of her lack of artistic talent. So, when she stumbled upon the infinitely imaginative metal sculptures of local artist Steve Harrington, the appeal was instant. For Beecher and the dozens of others who undertook the 16th annual Loomis Art Loop this past weekend, observing art was just one facet. The tour, which sprawled across three homes in Loomis and another home in Penryn, put attendees face-to-face with the artist themselves. "I am having so much fun," said Beecher, who bought three sculptures from Harrington on Saturday. "It's such a great way to connect with the artist and really get a feel for the person. So, when you look at something that's really whimsical, you get an idea, 'Whoa, now I get it.' It just makes it so much more personal." Whether it was Louise Noel's exquisite painting on silk, Sean Bonito's graphite drawings or Jenn Norpchen's array of quirky wild gourds, there was a cavalcade of creativity. The weekend tour was also a time for artists to connect, whether with fellow artists or with the general public. While Ryan Dominguez made his debut on the tour this past weekend, the Sacramento-based artist has long known of the Loomis Art Loop. His mother, Brenda Dominguez, and father, John Dominguez, were among the group's original founders. "I really like this because it let me set up the way I want to and meet other artists," Dominguez said. "It's a great way to get different perspectives on what people see. It's interesting to see and hear what people say when they go around." For another first-time Loomis Art Loop artist, Lori Humphrey, this past weekend's event gave her an opportunity to showcase her art and to work on her mosaic creations. Outside Loomis-based artist Sandy Delahanty's country home, Humphrey quietly pieced together a mosaic pattern of several different colors. "It's a delightful way to show your work," Humphrey said. "It's so great to be able to show your work outdoors and be out in nature, especially on Mother's Day Weekend. It's just fabulous to be out here and we couldn't of asked for better weather. It's been spectacular." To learn more about the artists on this year's loop, visit loomisartloop.wordpress.com. The group is also on Facebook.