Medrano makes her living as a painter and is best known for her acrylic pictures of crows. Yet, while a full-time career as a painter is rewarding, she admits a steady income is hard to count on, especially during a down economy.

That's where the newly founded Arts Guild of Willow Glen steps in. Only two months old, the guild aims to promote art in the community by offering art-based networking, workshops and opportunities for local artisans to exhibit and market their creations.

"I saw a flier about the guild at the Willow Glen Coffee Roasting Company," 48-year-old Medrano says. "I think this was an idea that a lot of people had but no one acted on until Helen and Amy did."

Marketing maven Helen Lambert and artist Amy Brown came together to form the guild and bring the local artist community together. Lambert says she has no artistic background, calling herself "a wannabe artist," so while she takes care of the business side of the guild, Willow Glen artist Amy Brown takes care of the artistic side of the fledgling nonprofit.

And, guild member Tom Thackrey says the group couldn't have come to fruition at a better time. Thackrey says going to meetings has not only boosted his spirits, but also motivated him to keep going with his own photography.

"I have been so inspired by some of the artists already," Thackrey says. "Even if they aren't doing photography, it is still infectious to see an artist passionate about what they do."

And he adds, "There are so many communities that have guilds like this, so it is nice to have one in our own backyard finally. Willow Glen is such an artistic place."

Lambert's ultimate goal is to open a guild gallery/co-op on Lincoln Avenue. In the meantime, Brown and Lambert want to "create a unifying force for local artists."

So far, the guild has met only twice at Brown's house, and the latter meeting was a tight squeeze in her small abode, with 25 enthusiastic artists.

At each meeting, Lambert invites a guest speaker to talk to the group's members about topics pertinent to their careers. At one meeting, a speaker told members how to frame their work so it is more marketable to galleries.

According to Lambert, competition among artists is intense and only gets worse for those who want their work shown in a gallery. So, she hopes her marketing expertise will help guild artists market themselves more effectively. In fact, one of the main marketing tools for the guild will be its website, www.agwg.org, which is being developed by 52-year-old Thackrey. It will feature information on upcoming exhibits and links to artists' own websites.

Lambert has big dreams for the guild, but to make these happen, she needs help from residents and the local business community. She seeks an attorney to perform some pro bono work and citizens interested in sitting on the guild's advisory and arts board.

For more information about the Arts Guild of Willow Glen, contact Helen Lambert at 408.930.7956 or email her at hlambertca@hotmail.com. The Arts Guild of Willow Glen meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.