Visuals 11.09.23

GERMAIN HATCHER

Four local artists from different backgrounds, generations and cultures have collaborated to fill the main gallery at Pacific Grove Art Center in an exhibit titled My Name Is…Visual Storytelling through Art and Culture, on display until Dec. 14. Germain Hatcher, Marcia Perry, Natalia Corazza and Jess Soriano present their paintings, drawings, illustrations and sculptures. Most of it is nature-based, and much of it has spiritual overtones; the exhibit ranges from biographical to magical. Hatcher’s art is about illuminating stories from everyman’s history that connects us all. Germain is owner of Imagine Art Supplies in Pacific Grove, and a venerated adviser to local artists. “I use art to tell a story,” Hatcher wrote in an artist statement. “I hope to inspire those that see my work to wonder.” 

JERRY VAN MEGERT

Known as a master painter of the Monterey Peninsula, Jerry Van Megert is a legend in his time. Van Megert claims the title of “The Painter of Pebble Beach,” where he has lived and created landscapes and seascapes of iconic Central Coast scenes for over 50 years. His solo retrospective exhibition, Van Megert: A Master Painter of the Monterey Peninsula at Carmel Art Association, demonstrates his unique style and idiosyncratic vertical signature. Through the decades he has graced a wide range of natural scenes from Monterey to the Big Sur coastline rendered in soft color palettes. His paintings often feature “Van Megert blue” skies and, if you look closely, a family of deer camouflaged somewhere in the composition. The artist will be present to sign books at the opening reception for his show, 2-7pm Saturday, Nov. 11. On display until Dec. 4.