It was announced last week that local artist P.J. Bellini will be the curator of a new art gallery expected to open in March at the Simi Valley Senior Center.

The gallery is part of the $8.9million expansion of the senior center, which includes additional classrooms, some of which will be used for art instruction.

“(Bellini’s) been really active in advocating gallery space in the visual arts and working with the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center,” said Debbie Solomon, the city’s director of community services. “She’s received a lot of positive support from artists, many of them seniors.”

Bellini, a professional artist for 12 years, has coordinated the schedule for the art galleries at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center for the last year. She thinks the new gallery could be a unifying force for the city’s art community.

“There are dozens if not hundreds of artists in Simi Valley,” she said. “I’ve been trying to unite them for years.”

During the first year of operation, the gallery will feature the artwork of Simi Valley residents—including senior center art students—then artists from throughout the county. The gallery schedule is full through May 2007.

Linda Cantrell is one of five credentialed art teachers at the senior center. She said her students are looking forward to displaying their work when the gallery opens.

Cantrell teaches about 150 students in five art classes. Last year her students won 31 ribbons at local art shows and the Ventura County Fair.

“We really do produce good art here,” she said. “It’s not just little grandmas (at the center).”

People of all ages can enroll in the art classes, which include wood carving, tole painting and ceramics. Bellini plans to display artwork from all of the media.

“There are so many different expressions,” Bellini said. “(The gallery) will be a common ground where people can come together and enjoy themselves. Each one can display their own view of art.”

The gallery will be free to visitors. For more information, call the senior center at (805) 583-6363 or write Bellini via email at pjbellini@excite.com.