Jason Jenn giving artist talk at El Camino College.

At El Camino College, What is it About Trees? was a joyous tribute to nature. An artist’s talk drew a combination of students, artists, and art lovers into robust discussion about the meditative quality of trees. Dazzling mixed media works by Marthe Aponte filled one room, with the main gallery including works by painter Jeannie Dunn and photographic artist L. Aviva Diamond. A front room featured richly evocative sculptural works from Jason Jenn and Vojislav Radovanovic. Jenn’s talk about the creation of his dream-like work had students taking copious notes.

Susan Ossman with her work at Golden West College Gallery.

At the opening of Type, in Huntington Beach, the Golden West College Gallery welcomed viewers to a stellar exhibition that included suspended sculptural works from artists Jackie Bell Johnson and Diane Williams, as well as a riveting story told in a series of photographs of abandoned mattresses from Dani Dodge, and a highly textured multi-media painting by Susan Ossman, among the many clever and insightful word-centric works.

Sarah Svetlana with gallerist Mike Collins at Shockbox.

At Shockbox in Hermosa Beach, gallerist Mike Collins introduced buzzing attendees to the large scale mixed media paintings of Sarah Svetlana in a compelling solo show with a vibrant palette. The works expressed her experiences as a child refugee arriving in the U.S.

Gallerist Jonna Lee with work by Gary Brewer at Roswell.Space.

Finally, on Sunday, Roswell.Space, an airy north LA gallery that just opened last fall, presented a perfect group spring show with Bouquet. Fresh flowers adorned a space blooming with fine art, including a photo series of exquisite up-close images of blossoms from Betty Brown, a textural bouquet from Kate Carvellas, mysterious creature-flowers by the ever-inventive Stevie Love, gorgeous delicate lace-like pieces by Leigh Salgado, and glowing gold silhouettes from Jill Sykes. Gallerist Jonna Lee served up a Mediterranean feast on the front patio, shaded by a pink cloth that made everything and everyone seem to “come up roses.” Artists and art aficionados alike chatted and snacked in the pleasant mellow sunshine – a harbinger of the spring season ahead.