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Historic downtown Culpeper displays it diverse
canvas this weekend at the first-ever Sunday Art Walk, a relaxed
opportunity for cultural appreciation.
Nine galleries, shops, studios and/or sites are
participating in the creative endeavor in which patrons stroll around
exploring what local artists have to offer, potentially catching the
creative process in action. A standout participant is one of downtown’s
newest imaginative additions: Pachamama Art Studio at 120 W. Culpeper
St., just off Main Street next to the Bike Stop.
Incan for “mother earth,” Pachamama
is home to the work of proprietor Jamie Olea, a Madison County resident
originally from Peru. Olea has been creating and painting all his life,
influenced by his mother, Clelia Gutierrez, a Peruvian artisan and
weaver whose striking jewelry he also displays in the tiny shop.
His creations fill the small
Culpeper Street space with bold colors, in-your-face faces, bended wire
creations and a series of black-white-and-red paintings inspired by an
adopted dog that raided the chicken coop.
Olea, 33, said he finds creative inspiration in his own emotions.
“A lot of times it’s the way I
feel,” he said. “Something that impacts my life in a particular way,”
like the black-and-white stray dog that killed his livestock.
The earth, and its rigorous beauty also offer creative fodder.
“The Incans believe a lot in Mother
Earth and what she provides,” said Olea of his ancient ancestors. “You
thank Pachamama for everything you do.”
An avid rock climber and cyclist in
addition to visual artist, Olea works also with found objects and is
working on a series of sculptures made of recycled metal materials like
spray paint cans.
He plans to be at work painting or
sculpting at Sunday’s Art Walk, and will offer 20 percent off everything
in the store that day, and discounts through Christmas.
Olea is excited to see Culpeper
evolve into a destination for the arts especially with the planned May 4
opening of the live arts and film center at the historic State Theatre a
few blocks away.
“I think this town is really picturesque,” he said.
Art celebration - Star Exponent: Local News: news,
