In January, the Dolphin Gallery unites the unique stylings of photographer Jeanne Gadol and embellished gourd artist JoAnne Abreu. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, January 3 from 5-7 p.m. Admission is free.

Influenced by digital manipulation, nature and art come together under the unique eye of artist Jeanne Gadol. Entitled "Celebrating the Beauty of Nature," her exhibit includes a trilogy colored by personal experience, focusing on northern coast wildlife, a Kenyan safari and digitally enhanced photographs. These pieces reflect a feeling of intimacy between the subject and onlooker÷a "Baboon in the Samburu Forest" peers out into the open, unaware of his audience. "I find the challenge of capturing the beauty and personality of animals in their natural environment captivating as it combines preparation, skill, speed and luck," states Gadol.

Jeanneâs experimentation with various mediums throughout her career, from off-loom weaving to watercolors, ultimately evolved into photography. During a temporary break from the latter, she started a graphic and web design business in 1992. It was then that Gadol began to transform her creativity via computer.

Some years later, this experience would meld with a rekindled interest in photography after she purchased a home at the Sea Ranch in 2000. Images were scanned into a computer and digitally manipulated to capture the artistâs vision, offering an emotionally charged collection.

Artist JoAnne Abreu blends 15 years experience in basket weaving with her "passion" for hard-shell gourds. The result is a collection drenched in embellishments, from coiled, waxed linen and willow to beads and buttons. Our local coastline often lends inspiration in the form of seaweed and abalone shell, as well as other ocean treasures.

Abreu beautifies inherently fine products of nature by using varnish, wax or leather dye to dramatize the colorings of a gourd. This technique coupled with flourishes, landed her a mixed media award at Art in the Redwoods in 2000. That same year, she received an award for technical merit from the California Handweavers.

"I enjoy the challenge of applying basketry techniques harmoniously to a gourd and creating a vessel whose basic foundation has been provided by nature," the artist proclaims. JoAnneâs work is a mirror of her appreciation for enriched color and all things naturally dazzling.

The exhibit can be enjoyed through February 4.