'Expressionistic' Paintings by Santee Artist on Display in La Mesa

Submitted by the Grossmont Healthcare District

The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library in La Mesa, is featuring an exhibit of 15 landscape paintings by Santee artist Barbara McVey through the month of June.

McVey worked at schools with special education students until she retired in 1999. Then, she taught art history and the history of famous artists at elementary schools for five years. Today, she focuses on her artwork. Her exhibition at the Herrick Library features abstract watercolor and oil pastel paintings.

“Because 90 percent or more of my work is done with my hands rather than brushes, I feel a connection with color and canvas,” McVey said.

“The painting is an extension of my thoughts and feelings. I am inspired to create paintings imbued with a loving spirit of joy and beauty. My desire is to bring to the hearts of those who see them a vision of color that sings to them. The song in my heart becomes a symphony in paint on the canvas.” 

Her artwork also has been on display at St. Claire Gallery in El Cajon and the La Jolla Artists Association Gallery, as well as El Cajon City Hall, Family Superior Court House, the Museum of the Living Artist in Balboa Park and several retirement homes throughout San Diego County. She is a member of the La Jolla Artists Association, San Diego Museum of Art Artist Guild, Museum of the Living Artist and Associate Fine Artist of San Diego.

Admission to the library is free. The painting exhibit is open to the public during regular library hours, which are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For more information, phone (619) 825-5010 or visitwww.herricklibrary.org.