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Art is a profession and a passion for commissioner Elke Groves
Artist got her feet wet by volunteering
By Shari Kaplan
Although it was by propitious accident that Elke Groves got involved with the Los Gatos Arts Commission two years ago, it is far from accidental that she is now the chairperson of this busy commission responsible for developing and supporting the visual arts, drama, music and literature in many ways and venues throughout town. In fact, she had an interest in the commission even before she had a place to live.
Originally from Montreal, Groves--along with her husband, daughter and two sons--settled in Los Gatos in the summer of 1997 by way of Boston and, before that, Calgary, Alberta. Temporarily living at the Tollhouse Hotel while waiting to move into her new home, Groves was excited by an advertisement about the commission she saw on TV. She guesses it must have been on KCAT.
"I saw it as a great way to connect with the new community. It was also an attempt to establish roots faster," says Groves, who applied right away to fill an open position for arts commissioner. Although someone else was chosen, Groves kept her foot in the door by faithfully attending the group's monthly public meetings and making herself available wherever needed. Being active in the community is nothing new for Groves, who volunteered at her children's schools in Boston and Canada and was also active in community theater.
Almost immediately, Groves took on the project of reviving the LGAC's Art in the Council Chambers program, which had fallen somewhat by the wayside. Thanks to her perseverance and organizational skills, the Council Chamber walls now offer changing exhibits six times each year. Currently, Los Gatan Linda Spencer is the featured artist. Groups have also shown there, including seniors taking art classes through the Recreation Department.
"I see the presence of art in a town as an indicator of the town's maturity. What I enjoy is that a lot of our effort goes into enhancing the life and culture in town. Art really does add beauty to everyday life. I think it's important to be surrounded by that," says Groves. The LGAC's other projects include the Music in the Plaza summer concert series, the placement of public art and the annual arts awards.
Art is very close to Groves' heart, because she is a professional artist. Although her academic degrees consist of a bachelor's in foreign languages and an MBA, she says she's always had a fascination with drawing, had an eye for perspective even before formal training, and likes to study how people render objects artistically.
After attending many art classes as well as studying under professional artists, Groves' latent talent began to shine. It still does. Along with her own showing in the Council Chambers, Groves has also participated in Open Studios of South Bay Artists, the South Bay Fine Arts Festival and the Los Gatos Museum Association's juried shows, and has shown her work at various coffeehouses and cafes.
"I love to paint; it's very much a part of my life," Groves says. "Most of the time, the things that attract me to painting something are colors, shadows and interesting shapes.
"I carry my camera with me; I'm always jumping out of my car to take pictures of something!" she adds with a chuckle.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
Los Gatos Arts Commission chairwoman Elke Groves enjoys a redwood sculpture honoring Los Gatans Ruth and the late George Barati.
