La Jolla artist Sally Huss opened a new gallery at 7932 Ivanhoe Ave. The site doubles as a studio where the multi-talented artist paints daily.
Huss said her goal is to offer affordable art and collectibles to the public. She uses a variety of mediums that express the varying styles she produces, from sophisticated Asian or Tuscan-influenced oils to colorful acrylic children’s pieces.
For the price of an evening gown, a person can own a small original Sally Huss painting. The store carries prints, beach bags, pens, stationery and even children’s bibs, which were recently featured on Oprah Winfrey’s television show, according to Huss’ manager Erika Sarinana.
A La Jolla local, Huss turned her family-friendly artwork into a syndicated news column called Happy Musings that currently runs in 20 newspapers. The column includes a piece of her art and a thought of the day, Sarinana said.
“She also has a brand new line of greeting cards that we carry inside the store,” Sarinana said. “She paints right outside the store and she does commission pieces.”
People can ask her to change a color here or a fish there, Huss said. She was commissioned to paint the La Jolla Cove and other local landscapes. Her style ranges from bright, colorful fish to orange Asian-inspired sophisticated pieces.
Huss’s prints of dancing ballerinas and mermaids in pinks and purples are priced reasonably enough to decorate a girl’s room. She also designs purses and beach bags with glittering sea horses and fish.
“The beach bags have waterproof liners,” Sarinana said. “We also had a clothing line we are bringing back. It is resort wear aimed at the older generations ” it’s very classy and comfortable.”
According to Sarinana, the gallery is different than other La Jolla art houses. Huss’s goal is to create an inviting atmosphere.
“We want this to be a place where people can come and hang out,” Sarinana said, explaining that Huss has a love of art that she transfers to her customers through conversation. “She’ll talk your ear off.”
Huss reiterated her manager’s sentiments. She said she keeps prices low so average people can enjoy an original piece of art. Huss said she takes jobs on commission, from landscapes to florals to portraits.
“I do very interesting portraits,” Huss said.
She said she wants to spread her love of art to her neighbors. Currently, Huss is making a list of people interested in an art class, both adults and children, she said. Because of the lack of funding public schools have, Huss said she thinks it’s important that children are exposed to the arts.
For more information call the gallery, (858) 454-4996, or go to www.sallyhuss.com.