Paper & book artist Jackie Gardener joins silver jewelry specialist Walt Rush in the February Dolphin Gallery exhibit. You are invited to share in this creative energy by meeting the artists and mingling with members of the community on Saturday, February 7 from 5ö7 p.m. Admission is free and complimentary wine and appetizers will be served. The exhibit continues through March 3.

A former interior designer, Jackie Gardener blends over twenty years of design experience with a passion for paper art and collage. Schooled at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Jackie received a Bachelor of Arts in Art and later obtained a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design at San Jose State. She spent many years designing for medical facilities and later channeled her energies into paper & book art after her retirement in 1997.

Jackieâs exhibit entitled "New Directions" is a reflection of the work that she has created within the last year- specifically collages. Comprised of varying types of paper (handmade, postcards, paste papers, etc.), her pieces are adorned with a spectrum of ornamentation÷from feathers and buttons to ticket stubs and shells.

Artist Walt Rush combines years of experience as a gold and silversmith with a uniquely creative mind in his show "Love Actually is·Jewelry." Originally born in Northern California, Waltâs earliest influences were his parents, both of whom were involved in the arts. After an eastern exodus, he found himself back on the West Coast in 2000 and has claimed Irish Beach his home.

Walt has worked with several metals including platinum, silver, white and yellow gold. His hands serve as the main tools for manipulating these metals in conjunction with carving waxes and forging. By adding precious gemstones to his pieces, Walt creates alluring jewelry and sculptures with an "organic look."

With thirty years experience as the owner of an eastern coast jewelry store, Rush has completed jobs ranging from antique restoration to custom jewelry design. He has a definite idea as to the purpose of his creations: "Jewelry should be an attribute to the human body as a painting is to a room or a sculpture is to that special place in a home, building or yard. My works-of-art in jewelry or treasured precious metal sculptures are for the discerning in taste."