On Saturday, October 16, from 5 to 7 p.m., Gualala Arts presents the work of artists Gert Rasmussen and Teresa DiMeola in their opening reception. Enjoy conversation and mingle with the artists as you enjoy complimentary wine and appetizers in the Elaine Jacob Foyer. There is no charge for admission; the exhibit continues through November 21.

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Gert Rasmussenâs first experience with art was on a large blackboard that his parents had placed in their living room. At age 15, he served as an apprentice to a local blacksmith and illustrated for two Danish underground papers.

After completing two years at the Hasselbach School of Decoration, Gert moved to Sweden and worked as a blacksmith for KostaöBoda Glass Company making decorative ironwork for artists such as Bertil Wallin and Carl Kihlberg.

In 1997, he moved to California, and after a few years in the vine growing business, returned to drawing, painting, and blacksmithing. Gert, a Mendocino resident, also works with Tom Brown at the Mendocino Art Center, creating bronze and cast iron. In 2002, he was awarded both 1st and 2nd place for his decorative ironwork at the Boonville Fair. At this yearâs Art in the Redwoods Festival, he received a Judges Award for his ironwork entry.

Teresa DiMeola started drawing and painting at the age of seven when her grandparents, Carmel residents and active supporters of the early art scene there, sent her to study with one the local artists. At the age of nine, she enrolled in the California College of Arts and Crafts, and years later began to pursue a college career and a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following her graduation, Teresa continued to study art wherever her technical career took her.