The ArtBeat on Main Street co-op gallery in the historic heart of Vista shines regionally as a cultural beacon and downtown destination. Co-owners Kris Petersen and Kait Matthews have created the “Vista Loves Art” campaign to showcase people and programs adding to Vista’s creative vibe and enhancing the quality of life in our community.

www.artbeatonmainstreet.com  www.facebook.com/artbeatonmainstreet  info@artbeatonmainstreet.com.

She’s Rockin’ Moroccan
    Her evocative oil paintings on fabric and collage are as richly textured and dense with symbolism as the Arab-, Berber-, African- and European-infused country, culture and people of Morocco, the inspiration and abode of Rachel Pearsey. Her artwork, including unique beaded bookmarks she hired Moroccan women to hand-craft as a path toward financial independence, is on display at Rachel’s ArtBeat at Main Street studio. The entrancing space transports visitors to a vibrant world of deep red and green, and deepest thoughts.
    Rachel, 36, a transplanted North County resident, has immersed herself in Moroccan life, language, art and enterprise. She recently co-founded the Tetouan-based Green Olive Arts international collaborative that has long been her dream. She relates, “Our goal is to invest in Moroccan artists and host residencies for artists around the globe.”
    Among the tools of her artistic trade are paper, fabric, papyrus and handmade materials. Her three-dimensional works are created by sealing collaged pieces to canvas, then using oils to superimpose text and images.

Artwork Takes Flight
    The format is mixed media, but Rachel’s vision is unmixed, clear and enduring. Enveloped in strength and spirituality like the threads of a traditional djellaba robe, the life force and empathy toward humankind and all Earth’s creatures are layered into each work.
    Rachel’s sojourn in the U.S. will be brief. Visit www.rachelpearsey.com, then plan to visit ArtBeat soon before, as with her iconic brown dove, wings uplifted in flight, Rachel Pearsey journeys back to her beloved home.