Local Master Artists Tuazon and Bradford to be featured at “very special” Banning Art Gallery exhibit
BANNING, Calif., — The Banning Art Gallery is hosting a very special exhibition Aug 4 through September 23 featuring Edwin C. Tuazon and Paul “Bear” Bradford. Both artists share a common love for the arts and also for Banning California. A gallery reception, meet and greet will take place Saturday August 7, from 5 to 7pm. The public is invited to this free event, to meet these two master artists.
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“I am so happy to come back to Banning for this show,” said Tuazon; who was born in Brgy, San Policarpo, Calbayog City, Samar Philippines. His early life experiences, which he has said were guided by his lawyer father and his school teacher mother, exposed him to what he calls “many interesting things.”
He went to College in Calboyog City, earning a BA in mathematics. Proving theorems and solving equations may have contributed to his remarkable ability in painting abstracts, but were not his heart felt desire for art.
Edwin Tuazon poses with two of his abstract paintings, which are currently on exhibit at the Banning Art Gallery, where they will be featured through September. Banning Art Gallery photo
He describes his works as “a response to the world around him…each piece telling a different story,” adding, “I want my pieces to arouse the viewers emotions.”
As a Master Artist, Tuazon’s painting skills include watercolors, oil painting and he has created many large murals including the Children’s Healing Garden Mural in Riverside, Ca., as well as others murals in the So Cal areas and around the world.
“Edwin Tuazon is one of my very favorite artist,” said Cindy Watson, gallery coordinator. “I knew we needed to have him return to our downtown gallery. I am a huge fan of his abstracts…abstract art of his caliber is not often found,” she added.
Clidine Roper who managed the Banning Art Gallery 2006 – 2016 saw Tuazon painting by the side of the road, when she stopped to speak to him. She suggested he come meet the artist co-op members which included other artists, local gallery owners and Paul Bear Bradford.
Tuazon said that he was given a block of stone by Alliance director Carol Newkirk and that he carved a hand from it. “I had never done anything like that before,” he added. His accomplishment was a victorious achievement, which immersed him fully into the art world.
Tuazon’s artistic career basically started in Banning where he had his first gallery in the Downtown area.
Now living in the San Diego area Tuazon has a large mural painted in the SKA Bar, which not only offers exquisite roof top dining but is where you can find and experience his most recent art gallery.
“It is so wonderful to have these very accomplished master artists back in the Banning Art Gallery for this show,” said Watson. “I have know them both since those early days in Banning and have watched their talents and compassion for others grow,” she continued.
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Paul Bear Bradford is Colorado born, with Nez Perce ancestry. He holds a strong belief that “inner vision and consciousness” are one with Mother Earth and states that his Influences are the “ancient ones of the southwest and the orient.”
Bradford traveled across the southwest where he studied with renown artisans Sharon Dryflower of the Taos Pueblo and Hopi artists Mark and Diane Thabo.
Paul “Bear” Bradford is seen with a Horse Hair pottery piece, one of two pieces that sold, as the exhibit was being set up. Banning Art Gallery photo
“His diverse skills create works of art that tell a story to the beholder,” said Watson. “You will find that his pieces reflect a balance and beauty that is obviously inspired by nature,” she added.
Bradford moved to Banning 21 years ago, setting up his studio Bear Creek Pottery. Located at 4992 W. Ramsey St. His love of community was recognized by the City of Banning in the form of a Mayoral Proclamation for his part in after school programs, where he taught and provided opportunities in the arts.
Among Bradford’s many talents he has become a much sought teacher in his field. He continues to introduce his students to the Banning Art Gallery, where many have become members.
” ‘Bear’, was instrumental in our own youth programs as well,” said Watson. He often provided arts to youth at many Banning events such as the Phineas Festival and Art hop.
While living in the San Fernando Valley, his students included Jacqueline Bisset , Kati Segal, and Marley Mattlen.
He was selected by former Mayor Riordan’s office of Los Angeles to participate in the millennium celebration as their official potter and at Every Women’s Village and was known as the “potter to the stars”.
While living in the San Fernando Valley, he had the opportunity to work with the entertainment field including an HGTV segment. His commercials included Glendale Saving and Loan, Old El Paso (Nacho Man series), and making pottery for Carrow’s restaurant. He also made ceramic pieces for Cornflakes and for a Japanese sci-fi movie.
Bradford continues to do historical pottery demonstrations for Stagecoach Days in Banning and can also be found doing historical and technical demonstrations in Calico Ghost Town. He currently is a committee volunteer helping to organize the Cultural Alliance of the Pass Fall Festival.
Bradford has his work featured in private and corporate collections throughout the world and had an exhibition at the Canterbury Museum of Art in Christ Church, New Zealand. Locally, his work has been at the Edward Dean Museum and can be seen at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, and as a member in the Banning Art Gallery.
To view these exceptional artists works you can visit the Banning Art Gallery Wednesday through Saturday 11am to 3 pm. The public is also invited to visit the Gallery this Saturday Aug 7, from 5 to 7 pm and meet them and other talented artists in person. The event will feature live music by Zelyne Ruldolph and Jeffery Fisher. Light refreshments will also be offered. The Banning Art Gallery is located at 42 W Ramsey Ste C in the Haven Complex, next to the Fox Theater.
Submitted by: Cindy Watson, Banning Art Gallery.
Click any image to open full-size gallery.
Photo of Healing Garden provided by Ed Tuazon 
Two master Artists “Bear” Bradford ceramicist & Artist Edwin Tuazon. 
Paul “Bear” Bradford poses with a Horse Hair pottery piece, one of two pieces that sold, as the exhibit was being set up. 
A view of the new exhibit at the Banning Art Gallery. 
Edwin Tuazon poses with two of his abstract paintings on exhibit at the gallery. 
“Window shopping allowed and encouraged, so stop on by!”
Banning Art Gallery photos
Contact the writer: [email protected]
Trevor Montgomery, 50, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source (RCNS) and Shasta County News Source (SCNS).
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