January 4, 2002
Contact: Y. Armando Nieto, EDC (805) 963-1622

ART THAT WORKS PROJECT TO BENEFIT THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE CENTER
Online Art Show and Open Studio Tours Showcase Functional Art by Local Artists

SANTA BARBARA - ART that WORKS is a unique opportunity to celebrate the exquisite works of sixteen distinguished local artists, through the purchase of objects of unusual aesthetic value and utility, while also supporting the work of the Environmental Defense Center (EDC). Fifty percent of the proceeds will from sale of art pieces will directly support EDC's work as a nonprofit public interest environmental law firm to protect our Central Coast environment.

Artists will open their studios on Saturday, January 26th and Sunday, February 24th from 1-5 pm. Open studios will include Thomas Long Studio (15 Anacapa St.), Donald Davis Studio (42 Helena Ave.) and Victor Di Novi Studio (925 C Calle Puerto Vallarta). Please see the attached announcement for these open studios. The pieces of art, information about the artists, and directions to studios may be viewed online at www.fineartthatworks.com.

"Artists who work with their hands are close to nature, as they must be to connect to the creative soul. So of course, they also care deeply for the health of our natural world," said Seyburn Zorthian, one of the participating artists. "The merging of functional art and the protection of our environment makes sense. And it is to all of our benefit to support both the artists and the work of EDC."

This unique event focuses on the beauty of the utilitarian object, or the concept that "form follows function." Through the art, the observer experiences a "connectedness" to nature and the beauty of the work of the human hand. Each piece of handcrafted art possesses exquisite beauty, originality, and longevity. Pieces include hand-sculpted furniture, woven silk fabrics, elegant jewelry, distinctive pottery, and many other priceless objects.

Featured artists are Christine and Michael Adcock, Georganne Alex, Michael Arntz, Sarah Chamberlin, Donald Davis, Victor Di Novi, Jean-Pierre Hébert, Tom Long, Margaret Matson, Chris Neely, Paul Schürch, Peter Shire, Dennis Spangler, Bud Tullis, and Seyburn Zorthian.

Since 1977, EDC has been serving California's Central Coast as the only nonprofit, public interest environmental law firm between Los Angeles and San Francisco. EDC provides legal, educational and advocacy support to environmental and citizen groups including the Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation, and the Audubon Society, in an effort to advance environmental quality. By purchasing fine art through ART that WORKS, patrons will be directly supporting EDC's work to guard public and environmental health, protect imperiled species, restore water quality, and protect key open spaces.

Visit www.fineartthatworks.com or call EDC at 805-963-1622 for more information.