Contemporary Landscapes by Merlyn Moreno
Aptos Branch Library, July 1- September 30, 2025
A resident of Santa Cruz County (Aptos & Soquel) since 1970, Merlyn Aronovici Moreno paints colorful celebrations of the natural world. Travels throughout the country and abroad have inspired the artist’s wide range of landscape subjects. Through the years, Merlyn has explored a variety of media & styles, always with a vibrant color palette and bold presentation.
Merlyn earned a degree in Fine Arts from Scripps College in Claremont, California, where she received the senior Design Award. She was a designer of silk screened greeting cards for Running Studio of Paso Robles for over 25 years and for her wearable art company, Merlyn Moreno Designs. The artist’s paintings have been exhibited in galleries statewide, and locally she has participated in Open Studios & Santa Cruz Art League events, including the juried All-California Landscape show. Many of her solo exhibits in local venues are sponsored by The Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County.
Merlyn’s first Aptos exhibit was the 10th Annual Rancho Del Mar Art Festival in 1973, where her painting “Tiburon” won first place! Coming full-circle, this exhibit at the beautiful new Aptos Library is a RETROSPECTIVE of paintings created from the 1970s to the present.
Artist’s Statement
My paintings are colorful celebrations of scenic landscapes, inspired by travels abroad and in the U.S., as well as the inspiration I feel living in this wonderful coastal community. Vibrant and bright, my acrylic on canvas paintings begin with visceral experiences in the natural world. My art is primarily created in the studio, with the aid of sketches, photos, and my memory of places visited. I paint my subjects by experimenting with color, light, line, composition and space as the work progresses. I enjoy working with acrylic paint, which is quick drying and versatile. Each work flows freely as an expression of my appreciation for the natural world.
- Merlyn Moreno
Paintings and Prints by Melissa West
Scotts Valley Branch Library, March 29- July 26, 2025
Melissa West’s paintings and prints often focus on myths and legends, with an eye towards how these fundamental stories relate to current issues of social and environmental justice. West has a printmaking studio in her home in Watsonville, as well as a painting studio in Aptos. She is a regular participant in Santa Cruz County Open Studios and has displayed her work throughout the country and abroad. She is a member of the California Society of Printmakers and WEAD, Women Eco Artist Dialog
