Circle Center Gardens: A new hilltop art space overlooking Lake Hodges

 By Lonnie Burstein Hewitt. Photos by Maurice Hewitt

Guardian by James Hubbell.

This delightful outdoor art space in Escondido had its first exhibition last July, but I only found about it in early February when I received an announcement of their Collaborators Sculptor Event on February 22^nd.

The collaboration was with Ilan Lael, the non-profit organization originally founded by the late, great artist/sculptor James Hubbell. A number of his pieces were on view, along with the artworks of two of his longtime collaborators, foundry artist Wendell Perry and sculptor Peter Mitten.

 

Victory by Wendell Perry. 

 

Cloud on the Mountain by Peter Mitten.

 

The one-day-only event was by invitation only, and Maurice and I were lucky enough to be invited. Even luckier, we got to tour the Gardens with the owner of the property, Barry Mastro, a relative newcomer to artmaking who has created thousands of colorful paintings in the past few years, dozens of which are displayed on the Gardens’ hillside.

 

Full Moon by Barry Mastro.

Happily, all paintings on view here are limited editions reproduced on aluminum and coated with a weather-resistant coating that protects them from rain.

 

Barry and his wife Micke Mastro, with another of his paintings.

The Circle Center Art Gardens were originally envisioned by Wendell Perry, and the Mastros became the Gardens' sponsors.

Taking a Break, a painting by Carol Perry of her husband, Wendell.

 

The Fish by Wendell Perry.

Untitled Mixed Media by James Hubbell.

 

Opus by James Hubbell.

Though a good number of the pieces displayed at the Collaborators Event were sold, there are many more still on view from the Gardens’ permanent collection. Admission is free, and school groups and organizations are especially welcome, but anyone interested in experiencing the inspirational combination of art and nature here can arrange a visit at info@circlecentergallery.com. You can also be added to their mailing list to be notified of upcoming art events.

Meanwhile, we’re giving you a look at some of our favorites from the one-day event. Hope you enjoy!

 

Lonnie Burstein Hewitt is an award-winning author/lyricist/playwright who has been writing about arts and lifestyles in San Diego County for over a dozen years. You can reach her at hew2@sbcglobal.net