Slideshow: Manor House Event Gives Glimpse Into the Lives of Working Artists

In the first-ever open house and exhibit surveying the talents and personalities of eleven artists who call Belmont's Manor House their creative home, art enthusiasts from throughout the Peninsula were treated to a rare look inside the studios of the historic building on Sunday.

The second floor and third of Belmont’s historic Manor House in Twin Pines Park is home to a group of local artists whose work is featured in galleries and private collections throughout the Bay Area.

Click on the slideshow above for a closer look at the open house and the artists' work.

Sunday's open house was the first of its kind, and Judy King, the event organizer and curator of the exhibit space was very pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm of the art patrons in attendance.

"This is a huge success. It's the first-ever Manor studio artists show and I'm thrilled with how it's gone," said King while greeting people in the Manor's restored foyer. 

"Most of the artists have never shown before, and some had never met each other, so it's very exciting to have 100 percent participation in the open house," she added.

And the artists were equally enthused with the crowd and the well-deserved attention their work was receiving. 

"This is a wonderful turnout and we are so pleased to share our art with the community," said Ilena Uplekar who helped promote the event. Ilena was joined by her husband Ash Godbole and sone Abiir, who is an artist himself. 

Malik Fawad, an oil painter, says he enjoys working at the Manor House because it's a nice break from his work life and he enjoys being around other creative people.

"I moved my studio here four months ago and I enjoy coming here when I have a few hours to paint and take a break from my work," said Fawad.

He credits Judy King with bringing the artists together not just for the open house, but as a collective group of creative souls sharing place to pursue their craft. 

"Judy brought us altogether," said Fawad.

"Because artists have different schedules and different life styles, we needed some type of framework, and Judy provides that framework," he added.

"We will definitely host another open house next November," said King.  

Participating artists include Celia Beatts, Malik Fawad, Brenda Cooper, Talala Mshuja, Lisa Evens, Ilena Uplekar, Ellen Howard, John Burton, Charlene Landreau, Tom Ellis, and Robin Schreiber.  

The artists work in oil and acrylic painting, watercolor, photography, and mixed media.  The exhibit will run through December 27 (Wednesdays through Sundays 12-4 p.m.)

King hopes that through events such as the Sunday's open house and studio tours, the Manor House will serve as a platform for artists to thrive, and in turn, fostering a community that values the arts.

Click on the slideshow above for a closer look at the open house and the artists' work.