Emerging local artist, Eric M. Davis, will be hosted at an Opening Reception at The Gallery at Hillcrest, 2705 Mountain View Drive, La Verne, on Thursday, March 17 from 4 to 6 PM. Featured in this exhibit is The California Pier Series, a compilation of paintings and prints from 50 pier paintings begun in October of 2014. Each painting is of a popular pier along the California coastline and was painted on site, either during the morning or afternoon hours. The three critical elements to each pier painting are the climate, the wave break & the pier itself.

Also at the Hillcrest Gallery, meet the artist on Tuesday, April 5, 4 – 5 pm.

Davis’ exposure to art began early through the guidance of his mother Dorothy, an artist, author and teacher. Quickly he became intrigued with the intricate beauty and detail found in simple plants, flowers and other elements in nature. Now Davis is an innovative artist, experimenting with many different media and challenges. You will find him traveling up and down the state of California for days at a time tirelessly painting. He is strongly influenced by the landscape and colors of California, bringing an eye for composition to his art that captures its natural scenes and reflects its complexity. Davis’ artistic projects have included a broad range of challenges from paintings, murals and textiles to designing hardscapes and public art.

San Simeon Pier, 12" X 18", watercolor, ©1014, Eric M. Davis

Driving on Bonita Avenue, one can see Davis’ influence on public art in La Verne with his banners affixed to the La Verne Church of the Brethren at the corner of “E” Street and Bonita, and his mural depicting scenes from early La Verne on two sides of the Fourth Street Mill restaurant. In addition to his own artistic endeavors, Eric generously serves as the artistic director of the La Verne Celebration of the Arts now in its ninth year and hosted by the La Verne Church of the Brethren. “It is important for all artists, young and old, beginning and professional, to have a safe and accepting place to show their work,” enthuses Davis. “I believe that this event allows us the opportunity to form and build new relationships and nurture the creative spirit within each of us.”

The Gallery at Hillcrest is delighted to host this prolific and dedicated artist, and native son of La Verne, who has lived here all but two years of his life. He and his wife of 29 years, Juliet, have two children. Daughter Riley is a 2015 graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz, and son Brandt is in his junior year at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. You may see Eric’s work at www.ericmdavis.com or follow him on facebook.com/eric.m.davis.31. The Gallery at Hillcrest is free and open to the public seven days a week from 8 am –to 4 pm. For more information please call 909.593-4917 ext. 0.