“Old Tree” by Cornelis Botke, 1931, etching on paper, 12.5” x 13.5”, Collection of William Orcutt.

SANTA PAULA, CA – Cornelis Botke’s passion for etching and his strong and stately style left an indelible mark on twentieth century graphic art. The Santa Paula Art Museum is delighted to premier a comprehensive exhibition of his work. The opening reception will be on Saturday, March 1, 2014, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $10.00 for museum members and $15.00 for the general public.

CornelisBotke (1887-1954)always wanted to be an artist, even from the time he was a small boy. He was born in Leewarden, Holland and studied there at the School of Applied Design in Haarlem. In 1906, he moved to the United States and settled in Chicago, where he met and married Jessie Arms, also a painter and muralist. In 1919, the Botkes moved to Carmel, California where they immediately became active members of the Carmel art community. Cornelis’ interest in etching began in the early 1920s when he took a class in Carmel. The etching process is particularly exacting, but despite the number of steps and various processes involved, Cornelis became extremely proficient in the medium. In 1929, the couple moved to Santa Paula where they built a studio they could share.

“CornelisBotke was a painter but was primarily known as a skilled etcher and blockprinter,” says Executive Director Jennifer Heighton. “The exhibition of over 40 etching prints comes from over 20 private collections from all over California.”The exhibit runs through July 6, 2014.

The Santa Paula Art Museum is located at 117 North 10th Street in downtown Santa Paula. The Museum’s regular hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00p.m.Admission is $4.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors and is free for museum members and students. For more information, please contact the Museum at (805) 525-5554, or email info@santapaulaartmuseum.org.