SHARING THEIR ART; SCULPTORS WILL EXHIBIT THEIR WORK AT SHOW.

Byline: P. CATHERINE SHANKS Community Columnist

On the surface, the Golden State Sculptors' Association Show taking place today and Sunday is an annual outdoor art walk.

Beneath its chiseled veneer, however, the show that will occupy the grounds surrounding the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza is more than a mere meeting of clay and metals for public display. It is a gathering of like-minded artists and an opportunity for art lovers of all ages to taste and savor the lifework of some 30 sculptors as represented in more than 250 works of art.

``We would like to see the show grow into an even larger event, attracting more artists,'' said co-chairwoman Louise Rochkind. She pointed out the importance of the free event, which features artists from throughout California, explaining that it is one of only three major Western United States sculpture shows.

Besides being a place for exhibiting sculptors to show off their expertise and wares, the event is a networking opportunity for artists and art collectors. It is also an opportunity for those in attendance to purchase world-class, singularly unique and limited-edition artworks.

In most cases, participating artists willingly discuss and detail the processes they use to create their masterpieces. Many sculptors offer live demonstrations.

Hands-on creative experiences are available for young and old at the show. For a reasonable fee, one artist will sculpt a quick study of the attendee, suitable for subsequent firing or, in its raw form, placement on the living room mantel. Guests attending the show are eligible to cast their votes for a special people's choice award.

``The winner is usually something that's bigger, and showy and eye-catching,'' said Rochkind, remembering previous people's choice awards. The chairwoman said that nothing in the show resembles the crafts that are often found at other outdoor art walks. She said that there is no move to bow to any perceived pressure to branch out and include floating candles in the mix.

``Maybe people want more variety and a broader range of multimedia,'' said Rochkind, conceding that a wider range of fine art and crafts might bring in a larger audience. ``We want to keep it a sculpture exhibit.''

Among the artists exhibiting this year are Santa Monica-based sculptor Kathryn England, nationally recognized wildlife realist Philip Marcacci and Thousand Oaks bronze sculptor Michael Morris.

England, who studies art at Santa Monica City College, is the recipient of the 1999 GSSA Novice Award. She exhibits free of charge.

Morris, who creates strong, realistic renderings of people and wildlife, will be represented at the show by 10 of his works. The sculptor said that the mutual support and camaraderie he finds at the show is a plus.

``When you see someone else's work, it's inspiring,'' said Morris. ``We all have the same woes, and successes and defeats,'' he said. ``Sculptors understand each other better than anybody else understands us.''

For Morris, the artwork is not complete until the viewer responds emotionally to the work.

``The best of all worlds is when somebody comes up and connects with your work the way you hoped they would,'' said Morris.

The Golden State Sculptors' Association Show will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. For information, call [phone].

CAPTION(S):

3 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Michael Morris is exhibiting 10 of his sculptures this weekend at the Golden State Sculptors' Association Show in Thousand Oaks.

(2--Color) The sculpting tools Morris uses to shape his sculptures.

(3) Sculptor Michael Morris, who works primarily in bronze, begins the process with clay figures.

Eric Grigorian/Special to the Daily News