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Visual Arts

The Depth of the Tragedy

Santa Ynez Valley artist Max Gleason guides healing through “Art Medicine” workshop series.

The Depth of the Tragedy

If couches could talk, the one on which I spoke with artist Max Gleason would tell an emotional story full of many of the themes now present in his art. It has made the cross-country trek a handful of times, back and forth from New York to California, as Gleason traded one coast for the other — and then, again — earlier in life.

Now firmly planted in Santa Ynez, Gleason creates from his studio, a repurposed barn located among the vines of his family’s Roblar Winery and Vineyards , also the site of his Art Medicine workshops, the second series of which begins July 7.

“There’s a healing power to art, and these workshops allow me to connect with other artists as creators,” Gleason said, as we sat together on the aforementioned sofa in his vineyard studio.

Artist Max Gleason | Photo: Deborah Chadsey