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Written by: Editor

Published: 03 August 2010

Nichol Criz's portrait of a geisha. Criz's work will be on display at the Lake County Wine Studio in Upper Lake, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 6, and Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010. Courtesy photo.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Lake County Wine Studio is hosting a wine tasting event with Cougar’s Leap / Black Rock Ranch and painter Nichol Kriz on Friday, Aug. 6, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 7, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Wine Studio is pleased to present and offer the Cougar's Leap / Black Rock Ranch (Red Hills AVA) wines at the first weekend in August reception.

The $10 tasting sampler includes Wildcat White (a Sauvignon/Semillon Blend), Rosato di Sangiovese (Rose), Zinfandel, 2007 Petite Sirah and 2005 Petite Sirah, each paired with appetizers.

The August artist, Nichol Kriz, painted her first work of art on her bedroom wall at the age of 5; the rendering of a three-headed rhinoceros was not well received at the time.

However, not one to be discouraged by the scouring and repainting of the bedroom wall, princesses, goblins and fairies often found their way to her private three-dimensional canvas.

Kriz’s predilection for decorating three-dimensional spaces led to a degree in three-dimensional design from California State University, Northridge, and a job with an interior design firm located in West Los Angeles.

When the recession of the 1970s hit the previously successful design firm dissolved and Kriz had to re-evaluate her career choice.

She returned to school and became a nurse practitioner and physician's assistant with a specialized training in surgery.

Near the end of her medical career, Kriz picked up a brush and began to study botanical illustration under the tutelage of the talented Lisa Pompelli at the Huntington Library in San Marino, Calif.

Kriz’s efforts at the Huntington found one of her paintings selected for presentation in the Boone Gallery at the Huntington, in the show “A Passion for Orchids” in 2006.

Upon retirement, she moved to Lake County where she became involved with the Lake County Arts Council and has sold works at the Main Street Gallery in Lakeport and to private collectors.

She has shown at the Harvest Festival at Steele Winery in Lakeport and has been involved as a co-owner of the Serendipity Arts and Boutique Gallery in Lucerne.

Kriz uses a variety of materials in her works including oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed media with very different results – a progression towards full realization of her artistic potential. Each new piece is a new adventure in self-discovery, always with an element of surprise.

You're invited come view, experience and perceive her art in your own way.

Lake County Wine Studio is located on the corner of First and Main streets in historic Upper Lake, across from the famous Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Saloon & Café.

For more information, call Susan Feiler at 707-275-8030 or 707-293-8752.