El Cerrito Art Association

Julia Montrond At Expressions Gallery, Reception March 10

2012-03-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

Flowing Spirit

Julia Montrond will have 6 paintings in the upcoming Expressions Gallery show titled: "This Land Is My Land." March 10 is the opening reception: 6:00-9:00 p.m. The show runs until June 1 and includes many artists and many media.

Expressions Gallery is located at 2035 Ashby, Berkeley. Phone number is 510-644-4930.

El Cerrito Artists Profiled in New Book by ECAA Member

2012-02-26T11:38:00.012-08:00

Two El Cerrito artists are profiled in a new book written by ECAA member Heidi Rand, Sell Your Artwork & Crafts Online: An Insider's Guide to the Worldwide Arts Market. The book, a practical guide for artists who want to show or sell their work on the internet, profiles six artists at various stages of doing just that.

ECAA member Rich Fowler is a printmaker who sells his hand-pulled original woodblock, linocut and drypoint prints at local art fairs, including with the ECAA at the Fourth of July Art Festival. Rich sells online through his Etsy shop. He also promotes his work on his Facebook business page and on Twitter.

Also profiled is Laurie Stern, an artisanal perfumer who sells her natural perfumes by appointment at her magical studio, Velvet and Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery, which is nestled in the El Cerrito Hills. Laurie also sells online through her website and promotes her work with an emailed newsletter.

In the book, Rand uses the profiles of Rich and Laurie and four other artists to demystify the process and to inspire others who haven’t yet taken the plunge to sell or promote their work to the international arts audience. A comprehensive insider’s guide, the book cuts through the confusion and multitude of options to sell and market all forms of artwork online.

Written for internet novices and people who are already selling art, it covers topics including whether to get your own website, what other sites and venues are right for your work, best ways to market and advertise online, tips on using social media, how to get yourself motivated, and much more.

You can find out more about the book at Rand’s website.

Gail Morrison at the Oakland Art Murmur

2012-02-25T11:40:00.001-08:00

Gail Morrison will be showing a selection of etchings and insect prints at the Oakland Art Murmur this Friday evening, March 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 448 25th Street, #B. It's set a little back from the street, on 25th between Telegraph and Broadway. This is a very lively block, with several galleries and many artists. Click Oakland Art Murmur for general info. Come join the strolling hipster crowd!

This is really last-minute and one night only - tell all your friends, spread the word!

448 25th Street, #B, between Broadway & Telegraph
Friday, March 2, 2012, 6 to 9 p.m.

http://www.gailmorrison.com/

Lulu Stanley Tour To Italy

2012-02-24T18:52:00.004-08:00

M. Louise (Lulu) Stanley, who was a program presenter at ECAA in 2010, is leading an Art Lover's Tour to Italy. Here are the details:

Art Lover's Tour
Rome, Siena, Venice June 7 - 23rd, 2012
$4,795. round trip from S.F.
For tour info see Lulu's website at http://www.mlouisestanley.com then click "Art Lover's Tour."

March 2 is the deadline for deposits. This tour has gotten rave reviews from many of Lulu's students.

Paul Lupinsky At El Cerrito Library

2012-02-24T11:27:00.000-08:00

ECAA member Paul Lupinsky will show his work at the El Cerrito Library during March. You can stop by and see his exhibit during regular library hours. Here are a few samples:

Artists' Bio: Paul Lupinsky

I was born in Israel and came to the States to study architecture. I received my Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of California at Berkeley. Currently a practicing architect and artist, I dedicate my time to both art and architecture. I own my own firm in the San Francisco Bay Area and have served a full term of seven years on the Design Review Board for the City of El Cerrito and am currently a member of the City of El Cerrito Arts Commission.

In my artwork I explore various ways to express themes through colors and lines. I mirror these sentiments and explore the use of music and dance as a visual metaphor in my paintings. The actors and the instruments are interposed to create an organic and harmonious union. The figures have a touch of ornamental, complimenting the delicate form of the instruments. Clean lines and sharp silhouettes are the hallmark of my carefully constructed compositions. The architecture of each piece is finely articulated and rendered, juxtaposing circular planes and linear motifs to create a sense of movement within each painting. It is my intent through these settings of vibrant scenes to transport the viewer into a state in which the musical and the visual are inextricably linked.

I have exhibited my work in Berkeley, Sacramento and Los Angeles, California and New York City. My painting, "The Cellist," was selected as the brochure cover for the Violoncello Society of London. My artwork has been featured in New Art International, 2004-5 and 2005-6 editions, published by Book Art Press, Ltd.

June Hunt At El Cerrito Community Center

2012-02-24T06:56:00.003-08:00

The Community Center show from March 1 to the end of April will feature paintings by June Hunt.

June wanted to commemorate the 7th anniversary of Christo's "Gates, the amazing installation in NYC Central Park in February 2005. June's visit to NY, during this display, so inspired her, five paintings were done upon her return. This is the first time all five are shown in one gallery.

Wikipedia can give you interesting background information on Christo and Jean Claude and all their works.

The rest of the display at the community center will show some plein air, a composed still life and one hummer...the bumble bee. Spring is the theme of these other paintings.

March 12 Meeting: Anthony Holdsworth

2012-02-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

Anthony Holdsworth, renowned plein air painter and art educator, will be the speaker at the monthly El Cerrito Art Association meeting on March 12. He will speak on two favorite topics, Color Theory and Painting on Location.

The theme for the mini art show will be Portraits. All media are welcome.

One of Anthony's recent subjects has been Occupy Oakland. He is also taking a group painting in Tuscany this August and has taken groups to paint in Mexico.

Oakland, Cafe 817

Oakland, Lake Merritt Boathouse

Anthony Holdsworth was born in England in 1945. He was introduced to oil painting in high school by the New England painter Loring Coleman. Holdsworth embarked on a painting career while working as Head of Outdoor Restoration for the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, after the flood of 1966. He continued his studies at the Bournemouth College of Art in England, where he studied with master draftsman Samuel Rabin and color theorist Jon Fish, and at the San Francisco Art Institute where he studied with Julius Hatofsky.

He has shown with major galleries in Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento and Los Angeles. He has participated in two exhibitions at the Oakland Museum. He was included in the California Cityscapes exhibition at the San Diego Museum. He was a recipient of WESTAF-NEA fellowship in 1990. His work is in corporate and private collections worldwide.

Check out his web-site: www.AnthonyHoldsworth.com

The March 12 meeting will be held in the Garden Room of the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane in El Cerrito. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with social time and a “mini art show” of members’ work. A brief business meeting is held at 7:30 followed immediately by the speaker.

El Cerrito Art Association meetings are open to the public, and visitors and new members are always welcome.

An evening with artist Mira M White

2012-02-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

By Egmont van Dyck, including all photography

Mira White demonstrated her painting technique to a packed crowd, revealing the many stages her paintings undergo.

ECCA membership and guest

Mira M White

Her painting process is more meditative and intuitive then predictable, as she states “I have to be able to take a journey with my work.” Her work evolves over time, sometimes as much as four year before a painting is considered complete.

Influenced by Eastern philosophy, Mira has developed a number of visual symbols, which are found in many of her paintings that build on a very personal mythology. After a trip to Europe a few years back, she was captivated by the many clusters of small villages and their houses, that it also has become part of her visual symbolism.

In addition to the symbol of homes, there are ladders, square and triangles, which establish a personal the language, reflecting her mythology, all of which is transformed and accomplished through the many layers a painting goes through. There are as many as fifteen to twenty or more layers, in which Mira combines numerous medium technique. Each layer a subtle expression of her thoughts.

Her primary medium is combining watercolor and pastels, including acrylic, oil sticks and graphite powder, and possible offset with collage material. Apart from using multiple mediums to layer her work, Mira also employs various techniques with which she applies her medium and always searching for different methods with which to work.

Mira answering a members question

Currently she has been expanding her visual expressions by experimenting with encaustic painting, exploring her visual mythology by translating it in a new medium.

For further information and classes you can visit her website.

Thank you for your visit

February Mini Art Show Winners Are...

2012-02-14T08:00:00.001-08:00

First Place: Angela Hunkler
Second Place: Eileen Libby
Third Place: Doris Mendell

Congratulations to all.

Next month the theme will be Portraits. Start painting and clicking.

NVAL 2012 International Juried Photography Show

2012-02-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

$1750 IN PRIZE MONEY WITH BOTH A PHYSICAL GALLERY AND ONLINE EXHIBIT.

Best of Show is $1000. The show will be exhibited May 1-June 2 at the North Valley Art League's Carter House Gallery in Redding, California. The gallery is adjacent to the Sacramento River and major recreation areas attracting both local and tourist traffic. The show is open to all photographers and all forms of photographic expression are encouraged.

We have an outstanding juror, Jennifer L. Daly, MFA with Distinction-Photography, who has exhibited all over the country. Her juror statement reads: "Photography has always been a diverse art form with evolving and emerging technologies, ideas, and styles. As a juror, I look forward to seeing the breadth of the medium from 'straight' photography to photo-manipulation, digital, traditional and alternative process and everything in between in order to facilitate an exhibition of interpretation of photography today."

All entries will be online and are currently being accepted. The prospectus and entry information are on our website or click the following link: http://nval.org/Photography_Show.html

Deadline: 03-24-2012
North Valley Art League
Redding, CA

Contact: Charlotte Bryson
email: nvalphotoshow@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 530.221.1993
Website: www.nval.org

Call For Artists: El Cerrito Library

2012-02-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

Marjorie Garlin, the new chairperson for our El Cerrito Library exhibit venue, is looking for artists who would like to show their work. She's looking for:

Individuals who would like to show their work in a solo show.
Groups of ECAA members who would like to organize a small group show, maybe some members who paint together or who share a style or subject matter.
Ideas for theme shows that would be open to all ECAA members (similar to our "Novel Destinations" show last year.) If you'd like to be a guest curator for such a show, or even if you just have an idea, Marjorie would like to hear from you.

You can contact Marjorie at 510-847-9578 or marjgarlin@aol.com.

ECAA members are invited to exhibit their work at any of our three venues. For information on showing your work at one of the other venues, contact:

El Cerrito Community Center, contact Doris Mendell at dmendell2@sbcglobal.net.
El Cerrito DMV, contact Irving Gershenberg (irvinggershenber@aol.com or 510-898-193) or Jenny White (jmwhite@berkeley.edu).

Gail Morrison - Etchings

2012-01-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

She Was a Visitor

Back where it all began! A selection of my etchings (with a few monoprints thrown in for good measure) is on display in the halls of the Shadelands campus of Walnut Creek’s fabulous Civic Arts Education program through March 6, 2012. This is where I took my first printmaking class, and fell in love with etching.

The office opens off the second parking lot in from Ygnacio Valley Road, and is open weekdays from 9 to 4. Click here for more information about the Civic Arts Education program.

Mini-Art Show Winners At El Cerrito Library

2012-01-17T09:21:00.000-08:00

Remembrance by Egmont van Dyck

Self Portrait By Thomas Bottomsley

Ava II By Doris Mendell

Autumn Sunset By Joanne Taeuffer

By Linda Kohn

Ribbon winners from ECAA's 2011 Mini Art Shows are featured at the El Cerrito Library now through Feb. 29. Almost 20 artists are represented in the wide-ranging show.

Don't miss the reception for the artists, friends and families:

Reception Saturday, Jan. 21, 2 - 4 p.m.

Or stop by the library during their regular hours.

El Cerrito Library
6510 Stockton Avenue
El Cerrito

Call For Entry: Juried Print Exhibition

2012-01-16T16:18:00.000-08:00

Call for Entry

Diablo Valley College National Juried Exhibition of Prints

Diablo Valley College Art Gallery
321 Golf Club Road Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Exhibition Dates: August 27 -September 28, 2012

Juror: Archana Horsting, Executive Director of Kala Art Institute, Berkeley, CA
Eligibility: Open to all artists 18 years or older currently residing in the United States. Works executed between 2009 and 2012 are eligible.
Media and size: Original works in all traditional printmaking media including but not limited to intaglio, relief, screen print, lithograph, monotype are eligible. Digital and three-dimensional works are eligible but must incorporate at least one traditional hand-pulled process. Purely photographic images and photomechanical reproductions made of existing works will not be considered. Size of work cannot exceed 30” x 40” frame dimensions.

Entry process is entirely through the web-based service BAYVAN, including uploading jpeg images and paying the entry fee.

Entry deadline: April 1, 2012. For full prospectus, visit URL: http://bayvan.org/dvc

Entry fee: $30 per artist up to for three works. $5 is added per each additional work. (Maximum 6 works).

Awards:
First Prize: One artist will be selected to have a solo exhibit at Diablo Valley College Art Gallery in 2013 (month TBA).
Second Prize: One-month artist residency at Kala Art Institute, Berkeley CA in 2013..

DMV Show Through March 4

2012-01-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

Artists on View at the Department of Motor Vehicles

November 5, 2011 - March 4, 2012

The El Cerrito Art Association provides the art display at the Department of Motor Vehicles in El Cerrito three times a year. This is a nice opportunity for our artists and the Association.

Please drop by to see the show and consider being in the show in March. Call Irving Gershenberg 510-898-1931 or Jenny White 510-524-2641 for more information.

ECArt Members in the show: Barbara Brendlinger, June Hunt, Jean Sichterman, Jenny White, Phyllis Whiteman, Jean Witzke.


By Jean Sichterman


Holiday Cactus by Jean Witzke

Out of the Mists By Jenny White

Dale Mead Starts 2012 with Community Center show

2012-01-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

ECAA photographer Dale Mead has placed 10 of his large prints at the association's Community Center Gallery through February 29, including the prize
winners from the October Art Show. The center is open 8 a.m-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Mira M. White On Mixed-Media At Feb. 13 Meeting

2012-01-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

Red Vision

Bridging

Mira M. White will demonstrate one of her special mixed media techniques at the February 13 El Cerrito Art Association meeting. Demonstrating with soft pastels, she will be working wet and dry using watercolor, collage and acrylics.

Ms. White teaches many classes locally and has taught in other parts of the country. The recent national California Watercolor Show exhibited one of her paintings and her participation in shows is frequent. Her web site is MiraMWhite.com. You will find a very interesting article on her unique use of pastels as well as her workshops and illustrious career.

The meeting will be held in the Garden Room of the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane in El Cerrito. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with social time and a “mini art show” of members’ work. A brief business meeting is held at 7:30 followed immediately by the speaker.

El Cerrito Art Association meetings are open to the public, and visitors and new members are always welcome.

Mystery of the Chalice Cup

Moon Over

Garage Sale at The Glenn

2012-01-05T13:58:00.000-08:00

Kathleen is moving her framing business to the other side of Stockton Street - and having a Grand Garage Sale this very weekend, Jan. 21 & 22, to downsize for the smaller space. This is a great opportunity for bargains of framing stuff - and especially to wish Kathleen well in her new digs. Check it out!

ECAA Plein Air Painters Exhibit At City Hall Through Feb. 9

2012-01-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

El Cerriton Garden Club's Award Winner I By Charlotte Britton

Wild Cat Canyon By Linnea Gershenberg

Point Pinole By Meg Stockwell

The City of El Cerrito Arts and Culture Commission presents "El Cerrito Art Association Plein Air Artists' Exhibit" in the City Hall Gallery Space from January 10 through February 9, 2012.

The artists are also hosting a reception in the City Hall Gallery Space on Saturday, January 21 at City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The reception is open to the public.

Sixteen local artists who are all members of the El Cerrito Art Association Plein Air Group will exhibit 19 paintings. Many of the paintings depict local places and landscapes. The participating artists are: Charlotte Britton, Helen Burke, Ikuko Boyland, Linnea Gershenberg, Larry Hatfield, June Hunt, Andree Julian, Elizabeth Kavaler, Ling-Te Liao, Eileen Libby, Christine Mulder, Linda Oppen, Joanna Schafer, Meg Stockwell, Linda Schweitzer, and Carol Sutton. For more information about the El Cerrito Art Association Plein Air group and their weekly gatherings, visit http://www.elcerritoart.org/p/plein-air-art-group.html.

The Gallery Space is located inside the El Cerrito City Hall at 10890 San Pablo Avenue (at Manila Avenue) in El Cerrito CA 94530 and is open to the public during regular business hours, which are:
Monday and Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 13 & 27 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed Monday January 16, Friday January 20, and Friday February 3, 2012.

The Gallery Space, in the loft hallway above the lobby of City Hall, is the City's contribution to the Art in Public Places Program for the construction of City Hall in 2008. The Program requires certain developments to contribute 1% of construction costs to public art. The Gallery Space has had successful showings since its opening in October 2008, featuring local artists Charlotte Britton, Pam Fingado, Jana Bouc, Lin Salamo, Ed Kinney, Dug Waggoner, Joan Keyes, Sandi Potter, Lois Cantor, Kristin Satzman, Tomye', Helena Tiainen, Ed Franco, Paul Lupinsky Jeanne Rehrig, Dale Mead, Jan Wurm, Kevin Proctor, Mic DBernardo and Zohra Kalinkowitz and most recently Lorrie Fink.

The Arts and Culture Commission reviews submissions for the Gallery Space twice each year. Artists are invited to submit proposals at any time. Proposals must be received by Friday, May 4, 2012 to be considered at next review, which will be at the regular Arts and Culture Commission meeting in May 2012. Preference is given to artists who are residents of El Cerrito. Interested artists should provide a proposal including an electronic sample of their works of art to be presented to the Arts and Culture Commission for review and consideration. Guidelines for submission can be downloaded from the City’s website at
http://www.el-cerrito.org/gov/arts_culture_commission.html.

For more information on the Arts and Culture Commission and the Gallery Space, contact Arts and Culture Commission Staff Liaison Suzanne Iarla at (510) 215-4318 or visit the City’s website at www.el-cerrito.org/gov/arts_culture_commission.html.


Larry Hatfield Painting With ECAA Plein Air Painters

If you'd like to join the Plein Air group, check out the painting schedule here.

Last Word On 2011 Annual Show

2012-01-01T14:24:00.000-08:00

Better late than never, here is Dale Mead's gallery of photos from the October 2011 Annual Show. As always, he captured lots of great images!

http://www.dalefmead.com/El-Cerrito-California/El-Cerrito-Art-Association-Art/20761711_c7df6z#1647715681_ZQDzFp4

Happy New Year to All!

Dale Mead's Adult Ed photography classes start Jan. 11

2011-12-31T06:35:00.000-08:00

New camera for Christmas — with a 200-400-page manual? Get a head start mastering it.

ECAA member Dale Mead's digital photography classes at West Contra Costa Adult Education start next Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 11-12; but you don't have to live in West Contra Costa to come!

I teach Introductory Digital Photography for Point-and-Shoot, Introductory Digital Photography for Digital SLR (interchangeable lens cameras) and Introductory Digital Photography for Seniors, followed by Intermediate Digital Photography. Each class is four Wednesdays or Thursdays.

It's great to enhance your visual inspiration by freezing light or subjects that won't stay still for a painting — and making it better when the spirit moves you.

For hours, fees and other details, go to http://wccae.info/photography.html ...or "e" me at dfmead "at" comcast.net or phone me at 510-232-5142.

Bring your friends! Hope to see you!

Saturday, Jan. 21: Two ECAA Receptions

2011-12-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

You can make Saturday, Jan. 21, a "day of art" with two ECAA art show receptions filling the afternoon. Don't miss:

El Cerrito Art Association Plein Air Artists' Exhibit
Reception Saturday, Jan. 21, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
City Hall Gallery Space
10890 San Pablo Ave.
El Cerrito

El Cerrito Art Association 2011 Mini-Art Show Winners
Reception Saturday, Jan. 21, 2 - 4 p.m.
El Cerrito Library
6510 Stockton Avenue
El Cerrito

Both receptions are open to the public. Plan to attend and bring a friend.

Holiday wishes

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

El Cerrito Art Association staff would like to wish its membership

a joyous holiday season and all the very best in the coming year.

Wreath and photograph by Egmont van Dyck

Thank you for your visit

News from Fingado Art Gallery and Pam Fingado

2011-12-14T11:25:00.000-08:00

Visit Fingado Art Gallery's Creativity Blog featuring interviews of ECAA members, Kathleen Glenn of Glenn Custom Framing located 7027 Stockton Ave. in El Cerrito; former conucil member and mayor, Sandi Potter. Today's post is about Kate Peterson, jeweler and owner of adorn and flourish located at 7025 Stockton Ave. in El Cerrito.

The interviews focus on "Community Support and Creativity."
If you would like to receive regular weekly posts on Creativity you can subscribe on our Blog site.

Berkeley Art Center located at 1275 Walnut St. in Berkeley is having it's Artists Annual Holiday Exhibit: Shine
The exhibit runs from Dec. 17, 2011 - Jan. 29, 2012
The artists reception is Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011 from 5 - 7 PM.

I will be exhibiting Nasturium, (image on the right)
mixed media on canvas.
Several other ECAA artists will be included in the show.
Hope you can come by and see the exhibit!

New show at the El Cerrito Library Gallery

2011-12-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

Sand in our Shoes

Paintings of Joshua Tree National Park

Featuring:

Meg Stockwell, Lois Jones, Virginia Mazzetti, Linnea Gershenberg

Every year in the spring we gather at Chases' Oases, an old homestead with a somewhat primitive cabin in 29 Palms. Each day we drive into the park and paint at various sites, sometimes hiking to a beautiful spot, sometimes parking along the road. We paint in the plein air tradition, enjoying the never ending beauty and quiet of the desert

This show is named after the book: "Sand in my Shoe" by Helen Bagley an early settler of 29 Palms. A doctor in Los Angeles prescribed desert air for those who were the victims of mustard gas attacks in World WarI. Simple shacks were built all over the area for these veterans to get some relief from their suffering. This delightful book outlines the homestead days and early history of 29 Palms.

El Cerrito Library

6500 Stockton Ave.

El Cerrito, California

Hours: Monday and Tuesday 12-8

Thursday 10-6

Friday 1-5

Saturday 10-5

The Gallery is located in the southeast corner of the library just beyond the fireplace.

Mary Frances Crabtree at Ignacio Valley Library in December

2011-12-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

From Shadow to Light is an exhibit of white pastel on black paper drawings by Mary Frances Crabtree. The effect is similar to the negative images in photography, and features a variety of subjects including portraits, figures and landscape.

Nature's Theater

News From Home

The exhibit is on display at the Ignacio Valley Library in Walnut Creek from Dec. 1-Dec. 31.

There will be a reception with the artist and friends on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. All ECAA members are invited!

The Ignacio Valley Library is located at 2661 Oak Grove Road, Walnut Creek; telephone (925) 938-1481. Hours: Mon-Thu: 10-8, Fri-Sat: 10-6, Sun and holidays closed.

Sarah Whitecotton Upcoming Shows

2011-11-20T14:52:00.000-08:00

November Mini Art Show Winners

2011-11-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

The winners in the November 2011 Mini Art Show are:

1st place: Linda Carothers

2nd place: Joanne Taeuffer

3rd place: June Hunt

Congratulations.

The Mini Art Show is open to members at each monthly meeting. Members vote to select winners.

Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your visit

Egmont

Gail Morrison, December art

2011-11-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone -

The early darkness makes it feel as though the year is winding down, but I still have a couple of things to tell you about!

First of all, for the entire month of December I will be showing a large selection of my new, digital insect prints at Caffé Sapore in North Beach. These are similar to my Insect Monoprints, but have moved on a bit into the modern age. They begin with the same pen-and-ink drawings, but then I scan them into the computer, and use several software programs to add colorful abstract backgrounds, combining fractal imagery, photographs, and layers of textures and patterns to set off the crisp drawings of the insects.

The Caffé is at 790 Lombard Street, just a block west of Columbus and not far from the bottom of the “crookedest street in the world” part of Lombard. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily (415-474-1222).

I plan to be there from 5:30 to 7:30 on Friday, December 2. I hope you can join me - we can have a little "no-host reception." A good chance to get over to the city and enjoy the holiday lights and decorations before things get too crowded and crazy!

The Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael is holding a fundraising silent auction on Friday, December 9, 2011, from 5 to 8 p.m. 100 artists (Falkirk’s 100) who have exhibited at Falkirk are donating small affordable artworks for this event – including me.

Auction Preview Exhibit and silent bidding begins Nov. 19th and continues until Dec. 9^th, 2011. Weekdays 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On December 9, admission is $10-20 by donation at the door, appetizers and beverages included. Bidding closes at 7:00 p.m. on December 9.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I hope you’ll mark these events on your calendar so they don’t get lost in the shuffle.

Gail

Open Studio

2011-11-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

Gift Sale & Open Studio

Photo Arts & Crafts by Heidi Rand

December 3-4 & 10-11, 2011

11 am to 5 pm

5810 Barrett Ave., El Cerrito

GardenDelightsArts.com

"Undomesticated" at Benicia Library

2011-10-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Undomesticated, a show featuring paintings by ECAA member Joanne Taeuffer and her painting group, the Bay Area Studio Artists, is showing now through Nov. 23 at the Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery at the Benicia Library. The show can be viewed during library hours and the reception is Sunday, Oct. 30, 2 to 5 p.m.

The exhibit provides a multi-faceted view of creatures who live on their own terms, without depending on masters for sustenance or purpose. Each of the painters has chosen creatures she finds most beautiful, mysterious or fascinating. Joanne is showing Cruisin’ in Honokeana Bay (a sea turtle), Coy Koi (a koi pond) and several small paintings of birds based on photos taken by friends on an African safari.

The show was styled by Marcy Wheeler, who has added natural elements to soften the rectilinear, modern space and sound effects to add another dimension to the experience. Lots of beautiful, exciting, colorful work.

The library is located at 150 East L St, Benicia, and is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Here are Joanne's main paintings in the show:

Coy Koi by Joanne Taeuffer

Cruisin' In Honokeana Bay By Joanne Taeuffer

Barbara Rockhold at Sun Gallery

2011-10-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Barbara Rockhold is part of a group show at the Sun Gallery in Hayward now through November 19th. The show is "El Color Caliente de la Cultura", an exhibition celebrating the hot, dynamic colors of Latin American artists and how these colors and visions have influenced the work of artists from other cultures.

Sun Gallery is located at 1015 "E" Street in Hayward and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11-5. There is an Artist's Reception on Saturday, November 5th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm with entertainment by Ballet Folklorico Tlapalli and the Argentine Tango Dancers as well as great food! ($5.00 donation to the gallery appreciated). For more information, call the gallery at 510-581-4050.

Blake Gardens

2011-10-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

With weather promising to remain beautiful, considering making plans to join Plein Air Group at the Blake Gardens for not only creating beautiful art or photography, but also for the company.

Since I had not heard of Blake Gardens before, it had to be investigated, not knowing if I was going to draw or photograph. I was pleasantly surprised at the environmental diversity amidst a dense populated housing area. Yet the feeling that overcomes one while in the confines of the park is the exact opposite, also when one considers how large the park is.

There are plenty of areas and variety of subject matter that would be of interest for an artist or photographer, from panoramic vistas, individual gardens and a redwood forest, including plenty of trails for those wish to do a little walking.

Anyone planing to do photography, I recommend bringing a tripod since a number of areas are in shade, requiring a longer exposure.

So please join us, the ECAA’s Plein Air Group this Thursday, October 27, at Kensington’s Blake Gardens. For directions, time and other locations please see the groups current schedule.

We hope to see you there.

Thank you for your visit

Egmont

October’s guest speaker, watercolorist Dick Cole

2011-10-15T01:02:00.000-07:00

At ECAA’s monthly meeting in October, our guest speaker was, watercolorist Dick Cole. He gave a wonderful talk and demonstration of his techniques and shared plenty of antidotes, which brought everyone to laughter.

The event was very informative and was well attended, it certainly was a memorable evening.

Photograph of Dick Cole manipulated in Photoshop by Egmont

Watercolorist Dick Cole, ECAA’s guest speaker begin his demonstrration

ECAA members listening intensely

Watercolorist Dick Cole

Dick listening to a question reaised by one of the members

A member taking careful notes

Dick joking about women using round brushes and men flat brushes
and wondering if there was any truth to this

End result of his demonstration

Members engaging in conversation with Dick Cole after the demonstration

Thank you for your visit

Egmont

Photographs from the 2011 ECAA Annual Art Show

2011-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

I had some fun with one of my images from the show that was taken with a slow shutter speed

and then manipulated with Photoshop filters.

Patrons viewing art

Rick Fowler with his wife and young boy.

One of the sculptures being exhibited

Main exhibiting room

This sculpture won first place in its category

Jean Witzke, El Cerrito Art Association president (left) and attendee

Sharron Williams, ECAA member and photographer being interviewed

Johanna Denzinger (right) talking with an attendee

Attendees

Cairo enjoying being held and soaking up the abidance of the exhibit

Cairo not only enjoying the art but also ‘people’ watching

ECAA Patrons purchasing art

Thank you for viewing

Egmont

Gail Morrison - Open Studio

2011-10-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

On October 14-16, 2011, I’ll be participating in San Francisco’s Open Studios, the oldest and largest open studios program in the country.

Earlier this year I joined the Graphic Art Workshop in San Francisco, a cooperative printmaking studio founded by faculty from the California Labor College in 1952. Today, there are approximately 40 members working in traditional fine art printmaking techniques.

I will be one of 8 printmakers participating in this year’s Open Studios. We will have an opening reception on Friday evening, October 14, 2011, from 6 to 9 p.m. We’ll be there Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

In addition to seeing the art and hanging out with the artists, this is a great opportunity to get an inside look at a working fine art printmaking studio, and find out how etchings and other prints are created.

The workshop is at 2565 Third Street in San Francisco (between 22nd and 23rd Streets), in the historic Dogpatch neighborhood. Click here for directions from the East Bay and some information about the neighborhood.

This is the first time I've had a place to do an Open Studio, and I'm excited! I hope you'll come check us out! Questions? Email me!

Gail Morrison

November Potluck and Short Film Nov. 14

2011-10-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

Come to mix and dine with fellow-artists for the last meeting of 2011!

The final ECAA meeting of 2011 will be our annual potluck/social on Nov. 14, which will include the monthly mini artshow and a special presentation by Anthony Holdsworth, who was the judge for the acrylic and oils categories of this year’s art show.

Doors open at 7 p.m. at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane. Deadline for participating in the mini artshow is 7:15 p.m. Plan to bring a small contribution of tasty finger-food or dessert. The drinks, plates and cutlery will be provided.

Anthony Holdsworth will present a 5-minute film about his upcoming Painting/Agriturismo Excursion to the Chianti area in Italy at the beginning of our meeting. Afterward, he will be available during the social and potluck to talk to anyone who might be interested or have questions about the workshop.

Anthony was born in England, where he began his painting career. He worked as Head of Outdoor Restoration for the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy after the flood of 1966. He has shown with major galleries in Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento and Los Angeles and has participated in two exhibitions at the Oakland Museum. He has won many awards and was a recipient of WESTAF-NEA fellowship in 1990. His work is in corporate and private collections worldwide. Besides leading painting workshops in Italy and Mexico, he conducts painting classes in his Oakland studio on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

See Anthony’s work and learn more about him on his website:
http://www.anthonyholdsworth.com/

2011-10-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

I"ll be providing FREE introductory coaching sessions at the "Do It Yourself Arts Fair" held on Oct 15, 2011 at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, from 2:00- 5:30 pm.

This is a free and fun event to celebrate California Arts Month.

Also a great way to find out what JumpStart Coaching for Creative Individuals is all about.

Stop by and sign up for our next workshop Preparing Your Art Work For The Marketplace and Overcoming Creative Blocks or to just say "hi"
See you there! Pam Fingado

check out the Creativity Blog for this week on "Balance" at http://www.fingadoartgallery.com/blog
subscribe and receive blogs.

We're on YouTube

2011-10-05T10:43:00.001-07:00

Check out the YouTube video about this year's art show:

Thank You, Local Merchants

2011-10-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

ECAA would like to thank the local merchants who provided awards at this year's Annual Art Show.

Each year El Cerrito merchants donate a gift certificate, a cash award or financial support for the show. Each of these merchants picks one work of art for their award. In many cases, the merchants pick the winning artwork although in some cases they defer to the judges to pick the winners. Most merchants like to choose something that represents their business, but some prefer to use their taste and style as a guide.

Several of these merchants have been participating for many years, in fact since the idea was conceived by Barbara Bredlinger.

Here are this year's Merchant Award Donors. Please thank them for supporting local arts next time you visit their place of business.

All Creatures Veterinary Clinic

Berkeley West Edge Opera

B & T Bookkeeping

Contra Costa Civic Theatre

Fingado Art Gallery

El Cerrito Natural Grocery

Giovanni’s Produce

The Glenn Framing & Art Gallery

Gregg L. Mayer & Company

Jenny K's

The Junket

Lyon & Qintero Law Offices

Marty's Motors

Olivero Plumbing

Pastime ACE Hardware

Premier Graphics

Seidell Enterprises

Sunset View Cemetery

Velocity Lock and Key

Well Grounded Coffee

ECAA Annual Show Awards

2011-10-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

Award winners in the 2011 Annual Show were:

Oil Paintings

Miriam Pitt, A Sea Change (First)
Michael Topliff, Building on Regent St., Berkeley, CA (Second)
Betsey Warrick, Who Has Seen the Wind? (Third)
John Bottomley, Little Gloria, Happy At Last (HM)
Christine Mulder, At the Old Ranch (Merchant)
Phyllis Sanders, Happy Duck (Merchant)

Acrylic Paintings

Sharon Tama, Soaring Oak (First, Arts Commission)
Jay Daar, Friends on the Deck (Second)
Barbara Tapp, Wildcat Canyon (Third)
Sharon Tama, The Encounter (Chamber)
Joanne Uomini, My Estancia Christina, Patagonia (HM)
Barbara Rockhold, Graduation Day (Mayor's Award)
Ikuko Boyland, Dancing in Water (Merchant)
Shielaugh Divelbiss, And the Blackbirds Sing (Merchant)

Watercolor Paintings

Jean Witzke, Chilnualna Falls (First)
Jack Anderson, Devil's Gate (Second)
Charlotte Britton, Linda in the Garden (Third)
Jean Witzke, Apple Farm, Fortuna (Don Facloner)
Ling Liao, Waterfront Benicia (Hans Brouwer)
Ikuko Boyland, Persimmons (HM)
Bonnie Bainbridge, Cohen Pink Lotus (HM)
Barbara Lewis, Cymbidium (HM)
Danute Nitecki, Old Guardian (HM)
Prakash Patrapanda, Misbehavior (HM)
Betty Saarni, Fall (HM)
Jean Witzke, Brewing (HM)
Ikuko Boyland, Evening Fog (Merchant)
Charlotte Britton, Garden Vistas (Merchant)
Charlotte Britton, Six Views Over The Bay (Merchant)
June Hunt, Dark Into Light (Merchant)
Betty Saarni, What's For Dinner? (Merchant)
Tram Tran-Ryan, Abandonment (Merchant)
Jennifer White, Out of the Mist (Merchant)

Pastels

Minnie Grimes D.C. Arboretum Spring (First)
Sandy Kallenberg, Durbay Square, Patan, Nepal (Second)
Joe Ursini, The Closer(Third)
Gloria Bloom, Outstanding in Her Field (HM)
Jean Witzke, Radicchio (Merchant)

Photography, B & W

Dale Mead, Flock in Flight, Limantour Beach (First)
Sandra Martin, Abandoned Window Sill (Second)
Doris Mendell, Pipes (Merchant)

Photography, Color

Diana Rebman, Giraffe and Its Reflection(First)
Roseanne Smith, Ladybug on Pink Rose Petals (Second)
Victor Quarello, Blue Bird (Third)
Dale Mead, City with a View (Comm. Services)
Dale Mead, Pelican Flock at Russian River Mouth (Don Falconer)
Alyss Dorese, Yerba Buena & 4th, San Francisco (HM)
Matthew Valencia, Albany Hill (HM)
Sue Ford, A Look Inside (Merchant)

Digital

Gail Morrison, No, No Persephone! (First)
Lisa Yount, Life Cycle (Second)

Sculptural Forms

Peter Hewitt, Goat (First)
Tram Tran-Ryan, Untitled (Second)
Lindsay Rikeman, Forever Blooming (Third, Merchant)
Douglas Jones, Homeless Man #2 (HM)
Len Kamp, The Entertainers (Merchant)
Tom Chen, Mother and Baby (Past President)

Mixed Media

Prakash Patrapanda, Untitled (First)
Randa Miranda, Diamond Untitled (Second)
Alison Smith, Castro Elementary School (Third)
Ben Witzke, Semper Augustus (HM)
Kathleen Glenn, Scrap Paper Patchwork Quilt (Merchant)
Janet Smith, Untitled (Merchant)
Ben Witzke, Pickerel Lake Memories (Merchant)

Drawing Media

Bonnie Bainbridge, Cohen Twinkle, Twinkle (First)
Laura Hagar, Woman with Long Braid (Second)
Sandra Martin, Black River (Third)
Phylura Ryken, San Francisco Bay View (HM)
Bei Brown, At Last! A Place to Read (Merchant)

Printmaking

Rich Fowler, On The Way (First)
Ikuko Boyland, Barn (Second)
Sam Vaughan, Broken Stone Litho (Third)

Let's See What that Sounds Like

Barbara Rockhold, Music Mandala (First)
Shielaugh Divelbiss, Comic Book Punch (Second)
June Hunt, Sound of Silence (Third)
Victor Quarello, Sounds of the Desert (Merchant)

2011 Annual Art Show

2011-09-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Fri., Sept. 30 - Reception 7 - 9 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 1 - Noon to 5 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 2 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

El Cerrito Community Center
7007 Moeser Lane

The 35th annual Art Show of the El Cerrito Art Association, featuring more than 320 works of art by local residents, opens Friday, Sept. 30, with an artists' reception and continues on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2, at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane in El Cerrito.

Show hours are Friday, Sept. 30, 7 - 9 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 1, noon - 5 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This annual event will include paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, pastels, collage and prints. Works also will be entered in a special category with this year’s theme of “Let’s See What That Sounds Like.” The Special Theme Category is a challenge to artists and often spurs especially creative responses.

Works of art entered in the show will be for sale and the show will include a "bin sales" area of unframed works and prints on Saturday and Sunday.

Facebook Members: Help Promote ECAA Annual Show

2011-09-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

You can help get the word out about the Annual Show by liking the ECAA Facebook page and posting a hint about what you'll be showing at the event. That will get the word out to all your friends...and their friends...and so on and so on. Just click to our page:

El Cerrito Art Association

Then you can:

Click the Events scheduled for each day of the show. You can Invite (look for the “Select Guests to Invite” button) your friends to come to the show.
Post a hint (or even a photo) of what you're entering in the show.
Comment on the photos already uploaded.

Every time you participate, you'll help spread the word. Let's aim for more visitors on Saturday and Sunday.

Annual Show Article on The Patch

2011-09-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

Our own Dale Mead, a correspondent for The El Cerrito Patch, has written a great article about the Annual Show. He includes some interesting historical facts plus all his great photos from last year's show. Take a look:

Coming Soon: 35th Annual Show of the El Cerrito Art Association

ECAA Announces Judges For Annual Show

2011-09-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

The El Cerrito Art Association has announced the panel of judges who will select winning entries in the Annual Show Sept. 30 - Oct. 2. The judges are:

Oil
Anthony Holdsworth, studied painting in England; worked on the restoration of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy; recipient of WESTAF-NEA fellowship; shows worldwide; conducts painting workshops in Italy and Mexico.

Acrylic
Anthony Holdsworth, see information under the Oil category.

Watercolor
David Savellano, signature member of National Watercolor Society and California Watercolor Association; award-winning watercolor artist and instructor.

Pastel
Ane Carla Rovetta, pastel artist and instructor who makes her own pastels out of natural materials from the earth; illustrator of many books; well-known theme storyteller.

B&W Photography
Fletcher Oakes, award winning photographer for over 60 years; college instructor of digital photography.

Color Photography
Fletcher Oakes, see information under the B&W Photography category.

Digital Art
Andrew Schlussel, Director of Animation & Visual Effects at Expressions College for Digital Arts in Emeryville; former instructor at Pixar Animation Studios, NYU, and Academy of Art, S.F; music video and filmmaker.

Sculptural Forms
John Toki, respected studio artist and adjunct professor at California College of the Arts in Oakland; President and owner of Leslie Ceramic Supply Co. in Berkeley; co-author of several books on sculpture.

Mixed Media/Collage
Shari Arai DeBoer, published mixed media artist, printmaker, book maker, sumi-e artist; former architect.

Drawing Media
Shari Arai DeBoer, see information under the Mixed Media/Collage category.

Printmaking
Shari Arai DeBoer, see information under the Mixed Media/Collage category.

Special Category (“Let’s see what that sounds like”)
Ane Carla Rovetta, see information under the Pastel category.

The Annual Show and Art Sale will be held at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane. The Reception will be Friday, Sept. 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. The show will be open Saturday, Oct. 1 from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Call For Artists: Next DMV Show, 'Celebration'

2011-09-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

The committee for the DMV exhibit area requests artist submissions from El Cerrito Art Association members for the next show to be hung on November 4. The theme of the show is "Celebration."

Please contact Irving Gershenberg (irvinggershenber@aol.com) or Jennifer White (jmwhite@berkeley.edu) if you would like to be in the next show.

Fingado Art Gallery Creativity Blog: Destroyers of Creativity

2011-09-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hello ECAA members,
The weekly post of Fingado Art Gallery Creativity Blog is up. Take a look and add to my list of "creativity destroyers." In an ongoing effort to improve making art, I also needed to go over those items that keep me from being creative. Let me know if any of these sound familiar.
Thanks,
Pam

http://www.fingadoartgallery.com/blog/

Jump Start – Coaching and Mentoring For Creative Individuals. Call (510) 593 9081

or email pamfingado@fingadoartgallery for a free consultation.

Adult Education Photography Classes Start Wednesday

2011-09-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

ECAA Colleagues:

I teach Introduction to Digital Photography—three classes for Point-and-Shoot, DSLR and Seniors, respectively—for West Contra Costa Adult Education. My classes start next Wednesday and Thursday, and there's still room available.

I've had other members take the class; it reinforces and complements artistic skills (we all follow the same composition rules), and it can help you capture more inspiring but fleeting subjects and light for further self-expression.

Check out the details at: http://wccae.info/photography.html and register online, and encourage friends and fellow artists to join also. Hope you'll join us!

Dale Mead

ECAA mini-art show second prize winner for April

Bay Nature 10th Anniversary Contest Winner, January 2011

Berkeley Camera Club Advanced Pictorial 2nd prize winner for September

Water Colorist Dick Cole At Oct. 10 Meeting

2011-09-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

We are absolutely delighted to finally welcome Dick Cole as October program presenter. You read in our newsletter about this outstanding artist who was scheduled as our June speaker. Mr Cole had an emergency and we saw an excellent demonstration by Jerry Stitt who came to El Cerrito at the last minute. (See Jerry’s painting in the 2011 CWA exhibit in Marin through October 9.)

Past president of National Watercolor Society, Dick Cole holds signature memberships in major arts organizations including NWS, American Watercolor Society and California Watercolor Association. He won the Gold Medal in CWA’s National Exhibition in 2000.

A fourth generation California, Cole is a graduate of UCLA and the Art Center College of Design. Dick has worked as a graphic designer, art director and illustrator in New York, Palo Alto and San Francisco. Currently he lives in Sonoma. His award winning work is part of numerous corporate and private collections including IBM, Time Warner, Apple, Hewlett Packard, Stag’s Leap Winery and Gloria Ferrer Champagne Cellars.

In demand for workshops in California and elsewhere, Dick Cole has a solid grasp of design principles and offers his students a unique way of looking at their subjects. His works are dramatic, cleverly composed and loosely rendered with a skillful use of light in his landscapes and urban scenes.

This promises to be an informative meeting for all who are interested in the use of design and composition and in capturing light in their paintings.

To see more of Dick's work, here is his website: http://www.dickcolewatercolors.com/index.html

The mini art show will be open to all subject matter.

Meetings are held in the Garden Room at El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane and begin at 7pm with the program starting promptly at 7:30. Guests are welcome.

Thomas Bottomley At Community Center Through Sept. 30

2011-09-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

Thomas Bottomley's paintings are displayed at the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Ln., through Sept. 30. Here's Thomas's story and some photos of his work:

I am 87, served in Patton’s Third Army in World War II, and graduated from the University of Miami, where I was editor of the school paper in 1949. After a brief stint as a cub reporter with City Press in Chicago, had a career as a boating journalist, writing and editing magazine articles and books until my retirement in 1986.

For several years I was involved in offshore power boat racing, serving as chairman of the Hennessy Grand Prix and its successor, the Benihana Grand Prix. As a member of the U.S. Power Squadrons, I edited the local newsletter for several years. From 1964 to 1997 was active in bagpiping as a player and competition judge. Hobbies include photography and scale model ship construction.

Since September 1998 I have been a volunteer on the S.S. Red Oak Victory, a Richmond-built World War II cargo ship that served as a Navy ammunition carrier, and later as a civilian vessel carried military supplies in the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts, as well as emergency grain to India and Pakistan in 1958. I have served as the ship’s purser for the past ten years.

Our father taught my brother John the basics of oil painting when we were about six and seven years old, and we had one wall of our room painted with blackboard paint. I still have one oil painting done in 1937. In the early 1960s I took up painting again at a local high school evening class, but discontinued when other activities occupied too much spare time.

I consider myself and art student more than an artist. In the summer of 2006 John encouraged me to join the life drawing and painting classes at Contra Costa College, and I have been with these ever since. I have also taken classes given by Jaijun Lu at the Richmond Senior Center, and Sai Thongvahn at the El Cerrito Senior Center. I owe a great deal of what I am able to accomplish to the help and encouragement of these instructors.

My exhibit includes a watercolor portrait of my father done from a photo, and a self-portrait, landscapes and a seascape, all in acrylic. I am honored and gratified that I have this opportunity to show my work.

ECAA Annual Show Flyer and Postcard

2011-09-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

You can get copies of the ECAA Annual Show postcard and poster at the next meeting. Here's a preview:

Click here to download the FRONT of the postcard to email to friends and clients.

Click here to download the BACK of the postcard to email to friends and clients.

Click here to download a copy of the flyer to print and distribute.

7 Ways to Improve Creativity

2011-09-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.fingadoartgallery.com/blog/

Weekly post of the Fingado Art Gallery Creativity Blog is up. Hope you can take the time to read it and comment. I'll be happy to reply to your comments.
I would really like to know what other artists use to increase their creativity.
Pam

And The Winner Is....

2011-09-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Beyond Earth by MARY FRANCES CRABTREE. Photo By Betty Buginas

The votes are in at the El Cerrito Library show "Novel Destinations." Winner of the Popular Vote is: MARY FRANCES CRABTREE! Her painting was titled "Beyond Earth." Mary Frances will select an art book from the many donated to Friends of the El Cerrito Library. Close seconds to Mary Frances were our ECAA President Jean Witzke, Ikuko Boyland, who was the winner of the opening day voting, and recipient of last year's Popular Vote winner June Hunt.

The rest of us can visit the Library for the Annual Book Sale on Saturday, September 24, and find many books and other treasures available for purchase. On the Art Table are some interesting "how to" books on various art techniques as well as art history books, biographies (profusely illustrated) of famous artists and museum guidebooks. The Book Sale begins at 9am and coffee and pastries will be available for sale in the morning. There will be music and children's activities from about 9am to noon on Saturday.

Artists in the very successful ECAA "Novel Destinations" Exhibit at El Cerrito Library should remember to collect their artwork on Friday, September 2 10-11 a m. Thanks again to Barbara Rockhold for designing and printing the wonderful labels for the show and to Ikuko Boyland, Leon McNeely and all the artists who made the reception such a success.

2011 Annual Show Entry Forms Are Here

2011-08-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

It's time to start planning for the 2011 Annual Show, Sept. 30 - Oct. 2.

Entry forms for the 2011 Annual Show are available here. (PDF)

Don't forget:

Entry forms are due Sept. 17.
The special category this year is Let's See What That Sounds Like.
Members pay only $10 per artwork entry fee. (Non-members pay $20.)
Bin Sales will be bigger and better this year. Up to 5 bin sales items for an entry fee of $5. (Members only.)

Want to become a member? Here's the membership brochure.

A Treasure Trove of Art Books Awaits You!

2011-08-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

Be a happy reader like this young man!

Friends of the El Cerrito Library will hold their Annual Book Sale, September 24 (9am to 5pm) and Half Price Sale, September 25 (noon to 4 pm) at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. in El Cerrito.

Donated books are carefully sorted and include works of fiction, non fiction, travel, gardening and many other subjects including ART books! Featured are museum guides, elegant "coffee table" books on various artists and art subjects, art history books, books on ethnic arts and our favorite: how to do it art books!

Come early for best selection and also enjoy an added feature on Saturday morning only: the sale of coffee, tea, bagels & pastries, live music and storytelling for children.

Friends of the Library sales raise funds to purchase library materials and to benefit activities of the library, particularly children's programs.

A bag sale of remaining books will be held on Saturday, October 1, 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information please visit www.ccclib.org
(click on Friends/click on El Cerrito) Or http://www.friendselcerritolibrary.wordpress.com/

Or call the library at 510-526-7512.

Ikuko Boyland at our recent Novel Destinations exhibit at El Cerrito Library

Members Gain Skills In Hofstetter Workshop

2011-08-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Our recent workshop was a great success!

On August 13-14 more than a dozen members of ECAA participated in a 2 day Watercolor Workshop with noted artist Jane Hofstetter, author of the book "7 Keys to Great Paintings".

Windrush School helped to make the event a success by making available the use of their campus.

Emphasizing the principles of good design, Jane led students through exercises in developing a pattern of shapes, finding a focal area and creating a light pattern though the painting.

A close up of a floral subject was used by the group on the first day and special techniques included use of stencils in developing shapes in the painting.

On the second day, participants used scraping and pro-white as tools to develop a successful pattern of shapes, color, value and composition in their work.

Fingado Art Gallery Creativity Blog

2011-08-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

In a continual effort to link artists with their community, other artists, collectors and art lovers, Fingado Art Gallery is providing a Creativity Blog.

The Creativity Blog can be accessed through Fingado Art Gallery website at http://www.fingadoartgallery.com or
go directly to http://fingadoartgallery.com/blog/

I invite you to comment about the latest Picasso exhibit at the deYoung Museum in San Francisco or my comments on the great artist himself, Pablo Picasso. There is a place to add your opinion on the About page. I'll be happy to reply if needed, to your comment.

Note: The gallery is offering consulting, coaching for artists and creativity through Jump Start Coaching and workshops in the fall. Go to the gallery website for more information or call (510 ) 593 9081.

Sept. 12 Meeting: Making Prints, Artist Books, Decks of Cards And More

2011-08-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

An Artist Book is a unique way to present your art.

Printmaker and painter Shari Arai DeBoer will show how she creates her art in forms that move beyond framing and matting at the Sept. 12 ECAA meeting at 7 p.m. at the El Cerrito Community Center. A member critique before the presentation will start at 6 p.m. The mini art show theme is "Food."

At our meeting Shari Arai DeBoer will share how she transforms her etchings and other works on paper into artist books, decks of cards and other forms of display beyond framing and matting. She will explain her printmaking process and demonstrate how she applies watercolor to an etching. She will also demonstrate how to make a simple book from your artwork.

Shari created a Tarot Deck

Shari is a printmaker and watercolor painter. In searching for a technique that would allow her not to start from scratch with each painting, she became totally enamored with the printmaking process and the endless variety of options available to her. Shari started off as an architect before taking up painting and continues to study sumi-e, traditional Japanese brush painting as a weekly exercise. Her artwork reflects the influence of Asian art but her medium is western. She enjoys the close-up observation of plant life and architecture and seeks out beauty in common objects.

Recently Shari collaborated on a project entitled “Science Tarot,” which was published last year as a deck of tarot cards. She created 14 original illustrations for the deck using etchings with watercolor. Her topics included mathematics, Newtonian physics and the uncertainty principle, taking her far beyond her usual realm of personal stories. She will have a book of the originals on display and speak briefly about the process from concept to packaged product.

The meeting will be held in the Garden Room of the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane in El Cerrito. The evening begins at 7:00 p.m. with social time and a “mini art show” of members’ work. A brief business meeting is held at 7:30 followed immediately by the speaker.

El Cerrito Art Association meetings are open to the public, and visitors and new members are always welcome. For further information about this program, contact Joanne Taeuffer at 510-526-6241. For more information about the Association, see www.elcerritoart.org. The Community Center is handicapped-accessible.

Call for Artists: AC5's Art Passages Fall 2011 Show

2011-08-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

Deadline for submissions is Monday August 29th

AC5 seeks talented artists residing in Contra Costa County to display work in the upcoming Art Passages Gallery 651 show in Martinez. We are currently reviewing art submissions for the September - December show at the County Administration Building at 651 Pine Street in Martinez.

We will accept between five and ten pieces per artist. Your art must be ready to hang on the morning of Monday, September 19th. A gallery evening reception will be held shortly after the opening, date to be determined. Please send images of the work you would like to present to Managing Director Scott Belding at scottbelding3@aol.com. You may send up to 10 jpegs. You may include a brief artist's statement along with any web links that you would like us to review.

All artists must be residents of Contra Costa County - no exceptions.

Please browse http://www.ac5.org/events-programs/art-passages for more information about the program and prior shows.

Volunteer Artists Need

2011-08-03T16:03:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Artists Needed to work with Older Adults

The Elders' Learning Community is a participant-directed arts and education program for at-risk, frail, and home-bound older adults in West Contra Costa County. We are seeking volunteer artists - especially those working in the visual arts - to help a local senior develop and pursue a creative project of his or her choice.

Volunteers visit and collaborate with senior participants weekly for about an hour and typically meet in the participant's home. Volunteers also have the opportunity to facilitate small groups or "learning communities." We collaborate with the Richmond Art Center to provide a monthly Studio Day for participants.

This is a very interesting and fun opportunity for those who are excited by collaborative learning, creative expression and personal growth throughout the lifespan.

Training and on-going support are provided and a six-month commitment is strongly encouraged.

If you are interested, please contact Paula at (510) 706-5436 or palgb548@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!!

Barbara Rockhold in Four Exhibits

2011-07-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

Barbara Rockhold currently has 13 paintings in 4 group exhibits. Besides the ECAA exhibits at the El Cerrito DMV and the El Cerrito Library, she has 4 paintings in the Cinema Place Gallery in Hayward and 2 paintings in the Rengstorff House in Mountain View. Reception for the Cinema Place Gallery is Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 5:00-7:00pm and the reception for Rengstorff House is Thursday, Aug. 4 from 5:00-7:00pm. For more info, see the attached exhibit cards.

The Cinema Place Gallery exhibit is colorful, fun art with the theme of "Out on a Whim".

The Rengstorff House exhibit is part of a month long arts festival, which includes music and drama as well as the art exhibit in the restored Victorian House.

Call For Vendors: St. Jerome Festival

2011-07-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

Artists and craftspeople are invited to participate as vendors at the St. Jerome Parish Festival on Sunday, September 25 from noon to 4 p.m. in El Cerrito.

Now in its third year, the Festival is free and open to the community. Carmel Avenue will be closed from Curry Avenue to Fairmount/Colusa. Vendor tables are available for $30. Please call (510) 524-2919 or (415) 271-3260 for more information.

"Novel Destinations" at El Cerrito Library

2011-07-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 16th was the opening reception for the "Novel Destinations" exhibit at the El Cerrito Library. This exhibit was conceived by Charlotte Britton to celebrate the library's summer reading program. Each piece of art is connected to a specific novel about a destination or journey, combining the love of visual arts with the love of literature. Nineteen artists are participating with a total of 26 artworks.

The opening reception was a definite success, with plenty of food, wine, champagne, friends and lovers of art. The artwork was praised by many of the attendees, who voted for their favorite artist of the day.

This honor was won by Ikuko Boyland, with her gris print of a monotype, "Snow Country", based on the novel of the same name.

Besides the artists, friends and guests, the event was attended by the online news journal, the El Cerrito Patch. Local reporter Betty Buginas, interviewed Charlotte Britton and various participating artists and published an informative article with photos on July 17th...wonderful publicity for the ECAA and our artists!

One of the more unusual "destinations" represented was by Mary Frances Crabtree, entitled "Beyond Earth", a 28"x36" oil painting. Other destinations represented were Africa, Guatemala, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, and New Mexico.

If you have time, journey on over to the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Avenue, to experience this variety of novel, international destinations. The exhibits runs through August 26.

– Barbara Rockhold

Workshop: the Personalized Pet

2011-07-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

ECAA member Heidi Rand will be holding a hands-on art and craft workshop at the El Cerrito Canyon Trail Park Art Center on Sunday August 21, 2011 from noon to 3:00 p.m.

Pamper your pets with handmade, personalized collars and leashes, catnip toys and mini-quilts! Learn to make fun and useful products for your pups or cats from fabric that you design and print yourself, using your own images and designs, on your home inkjet printer. Using the same instructions, you can also make repurposed collars, leashes and other pet supplies using old garments or cloth. We’ll go step-by-step through the entire process of designing and printing the fabric, and sewing and assembling the pieces. I will give you clear, complete written instructions, so if we don’t finish each piece you can finish it easily at home. To make these at home you can hand-sew, but it is faster to make them with a sewing machine..

The cost for the workshop is $40 plus materials. Pre-registration is required, so I know what hardware and supplies to bring. If you have questions, or to register, please email me at heidirand@gmail.com

El Cerrito DMV Show Through Nov. 3

2011-07-14T14:16:00.000-07:00

Twenty-one pictures are in the present art show at the DMV in El Cerrito, 6400 Manila Ave. The show runs through November 3.

The artists are Barbara Brendlinger, Linnea Gershenberg , Barbara Rockhold, Joanne Taeuffer, Tram Tran and Jennifer White.

And here are some examples of the work you can see:

Cloud of Roses By Linnea Gershenberg

Magnolia Morning By Tam Tran

Terror Cat By Joanne Taeuffer

Cathedral Rock in Sedona, AZ, By Barbara Rockhold

Penelope Foster At El Cerrito Community Center

2011-07-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

ECAA member Penelope Foster is featured through Aug. 31 at the El Cerrito Community Center, open during regular business hours.

Here are some of her photographs and her thoughts on working with photos and photoshop:

A Scottish Fold. The bottle wasn't this close in the original

picture but I couldn't resist using photoshop to move it closer.

I wasn’t interested in Photography until my husband gave me a good quality point and shoot camera. I discovered I could scan a good print and work on it in the computer with a program that came with the scanner. I was able to combine three pictures of my grandson and turn him into triples. Thank goodness it’s only a picture. I’ll never believe a photograph again. If I could do it, anyone could.

Next came the digital camera and classes in Photoshop at Contra Costa College.

Photoshop should be considered addictive.

I was a part time community college biology instructor and since I was on campus, and had the time, I took an art class every semester. Now I take advantage of the art classes offered by the Community Outreach Program at Contra Costa Community College and try out many different media. Even after all the classes, I still have to work hard at whatever I’m trying to do.

Lunch for a crab spider

A street in Brussels.  I'm not sure I could do it again.

Two-Day Hofstetter Watercolor Workshop in August

2011-07-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Redwood Morning by Jane Hofstetter

The Rose by Jane Hofstetter

ECAA will offer a two-day workshop by nationally known watercolorist Jane Hofstetter Aug. 13 - 14 at Windrush School in El Cerrito.

Jane is known for putting the fun back into painting with her light-hearted and down-to-earth instruction. Don't miss this wide-ranging and fun workshop.

The member price is $90. Space is limited and reservations are due by July 16. If you have questions, contact Linnea Gershenberg at Irvinggershenber@aol.com or 510 898-1931. Or download the information and application form here.

Jane Hofstetter At Aug. 8 Meeting

2011-07-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

The Rose

We are pleased to welcome Jane Hofstetter as our artist demonstrator for the August 8 meeting of El Cerrito Art Association.

An artist, instructor and juror who studied at University of California, Berkeley, and the Chouinard Art Institute at Los Angeles, Jane has enjoyed traveling and teaching for over 25 years. The artist has painted and visited in numerous countries. She taught watercolor painting extensively in European locations and particularly enjoys workshops for art groups in Hawaii. She teaches a master class in painting each month in Santa Clara and is active in Allied Arts West and The Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society.

Ms Hofstetter is a signature member of many art groups including National Watercolor Society, Watercolor West and Midwest Watercolor Society. In 1998 she had a retrospective exhibit at Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara. Her work is featured at Christopher Queen Gallery in Duncan Mills, CA.

Jane’s book, Seven Keys to Great Paintings includes reproduction of a painting done at Harland Hand Garden on the hillside in El Cerrito. Several years ago, Jane organized monthly painting sessions at the garden for a group of artist friends. The results were shown at The Glenn Gallery in El Cerrito in a group show titled “A Year in A Secret Garden”.

Later this month, Jane will teach a 2 day workshop for El Cerrito Art Association at Windrush School. The flyer with workshop information appeared in the July 2011 Palette.

The program on our regular meeting night will consist of Jane’s explanation of the abstract beginnings of an artwork and she will follow by demonstrating some actual painting. She will bring examples of her finished paintings. Come and enjoy a presentation by this outstanding teacher, artist and personality.

El Cerrito Art Association meets at the Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito. The door opens at 7 p.m. for socializing. Check-in deadline for the mini art show is 7:15 p.m. The program follows a brief business meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Fourth Of July Art Fun

2011-07-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the ECAA booth at the Fourth of July Art Festival.

El Cerrito Library Show: Novel Destinations

2011-07-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter Train Trestle, Scotland
By Jean Witzke

El Cerrito Art Association

presents

an exhibition of artwork on the theme

Novel Destinations

El Cerrito Library

6510 Stockton St, El Cerrito

July 15-August 26, 2011

Reception to meet the artists

Saturday July 16, 2 - 4 in the afternoon

Toru Sugita Exhibition

2011-06-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

Toru Sugita Exhibition: A Continuous Scape
The Art Center
1803 N. 7th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970)243-7337
July 1 – July 30
Friday July 1, 7:00pm – 9:00pm opening reception
Exhibition talk 6:00pm
www.gjartcenter.org

Toru Sugita is currently a Bay Area artist who taught in the art department at Mesa State College from 2006 to 2009. He will be back to exhibit at The Art Center of Western Colorado this summer. This exhibition is a reflection of the past five years constant struggles with his identity as an artist, teacher, husband, and father.
His regionalism work wanders between a Bay Area cityscape, a Grand Valley landscape, a Grand Junction townscape, and his native region of Japan. He is acutely aware that the one constant is change -- the light, cityscapes, landscapes, townscapes -- and most importantly himself.

Fumiyo Yoshikawa Exhibition

2011-06-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

Fumiyo Yoshikawa Solo Exhibition: “A Child’s World”
The Art Center
1803 N. 7th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970)243-7337
www. gjartcenter.org
July 1 – July 30
Friday July 1, 7:00pm – 9:00pm Friday opening reception
Exhibition talk 6:00pm

The way children see, experience and think about the world around them is different from that of adults. Children can see strange, mysterious and subtle things that adults can’t see or have forgotten how to see due to their past experiences and prejudices. Fumiyo Yoshikawa symbolically embodies the world captured by children who are naïve and primitive but very sensitive. Yoshikawa’s work combines elements of figurative and abstract art. She makes use of subtle colors, simple and effective lines and empty spaces, which are part of traditional Japanese art. Yet her work is not limited to the Asian tradition. She has been trying to combine the essence of the Asian art tradition and one of western art in her work.

Get The Latest ECAA News Via Email

2011-06-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

Now you can get updates from the ECAA website delivered directly to your email box. To sign up for this service:

* Look at the top of the right sidebar. It says: "Get eMail Updates, Type Address Here"
* Type your email address in the box below.
* Click "Submit."

Follow the directions you get in email to confirm your subscription. You'll get an update from the website every time there is a new posting.

The website is the place you'll find Calls for Artists, announcements of shows by fellow ECAA members, classes and more. It supplements the news in our monthly Palette, so get the news via email and you'll always be in the know.

'Sporting Life' Exhibit at City Hall Through Aug. 2

2011-06-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

The City of El Cerrito Arts and Culture Commission presents "This Sporting Life" by Jan Wurm, in the City Hall Gallery Space from June 14 through August 2, 2011.

She says of her group of 14 mixed-media works:

“Where and how we take our exercise, find our recreation or indulge our amusements, lead us down some twisty paths. These images take on the aspects of sport which often seem in contradiction to the very nature of that which is sporting: play, recreation, athletics, amusement, and fairness.”

The Gallery Space is located in the loft hallway above the lobby of City Hall at 10890 San Pablo Avenue (at Manila Avenue) and is open to the public during regular business hours:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Closed Friday June 24, Monday July 4, Friday July 8 and 22.

You can see more of the artist’s work at her website: www.janwurm.com.

July 11 Meeting: Ane Carla Rovetta on Pastels

2011-06-15T23:36:00.000-07:00

The July 11th meeting features Ane Carla Rovetta, who makes her art from the rocks, soil, flowers and roots around her. For fifteen years, she has been reviving, testing and using historic recipes that predate our synthetic chemical revolution.

Ane is a naturalist, education specialist, storyteller and book illustrator. She travels around the country teaching a course called "Earth to Art", where participants take earth materials ranging from soil to rocks to seaweed and grind them using stones and mortars into paints and pastels.

Ane is known for her lively, charismatic presentations as well as for her artwork. Come hear the stories of art without toxins and watch Ane create pastels and art from soil in the wink of an eye.

Meetings are held in the El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane.

There's a members' mini art show at 7:00 pm, followed by a short business meeting and the program at 7:30.

For more information, contact Barbara Rockhold at 510-237-3457 or email tomatogurl@comcast.net

El Cerrito Art Festival, July 4

2011-06-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the El Cerrito Art Festival on Monday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Pomona Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530.

We will be located in the parking lot next to the Civic Theater on Pomona. Look for signs indicating "Art Show and Restaurant Seating Area."

Support art in El Cerrito!

What Are You Reading This Summer? What Are You Painting?

2011-06-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

Don't forget the summer El Cerrito Library show, Novel Destinations, which will feature works of art that show a destination that might be found in a novel. So far, we have nine participants whose artworks take viewers around the world and through time.

Here are the artists who have send in their application so far: Ikuko Boyland, Charlotte Britton, Lois Jones, Linda Kohn, Sara Midesell, Barbara Rockhold, Joanne Tauffer, Meg Stockwell and Leon McNelly. (Charlotte asks that you should get in touch with her if you sent in an application but aren't on this list.)

Why don't you join the group show now? Applications are due July 1 and the show runs July 15 through August.

Works in any media including photographs, paintings, drawings, prints, small sculptures or sketchbooks may be included. Each work should show a destination that might be found in a novel.

For more information, email Charlotte Britton: brittonanderson@aol.com or download the application form here.

ECAA In The News: El Cerrito Patch On DMV Exhibit

2011-06-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

An El Cerrito Patch article features the re-activated DMV exhibit space for ECAA artists. Here's the article: http://elcerrito.patch.com/articles/art-gallery-back-in-business-at-el-cerrito-dmv.

If you'd like to be included in a future DMV exhibit, contact Irving Gershenberg (irvinggershenber@aol.com or 510-898-193) or Jenny White (jmwhite@berkeley.edu).

Call For ECAA Artists: "Novel Destinations"

2011-06-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

The July – August Show at the El Cerrito Library will be “Novel Destinations,” which corresponds with the Contra Costa County Library theme for their Summer Reading Program.

El Cerrito Art Association members will be challenged to submit work that illustrates “Novel Destinations” for the subject of a group exhibit at the Library on Stockton Avenue, July 15 through August.

Works in any media including photographs, paintings, drawings, prints, small sculptures or sketchbooks may be included. Each work should show a destination that might be found in a novel.

For more information, email Charlotte Britton: brittonanderson@aol.com or download the application here.

Call for Artists at Berkeley Art Center

2011-06-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Berkeley Art Center's Annual Juried Exhibition is coming up - deadline for entry is July 1, 2011.

All artists living and working in California are eligible (there is a fee for non-members), all media accepted. Entry is online; instructions and more information here.

Insect Monoprints in Marin!

2011-06-02T15:23:00.001-07:00

Moon Jumper

A couple of Gail Morrison's Insect Monoprints have been chosen for inclusion in the Marin Society of Artists show, All Creatures Great and Small.

The Gallery is in the lovely Marin Art & Garden Center, at 30 Sir Francis Drake, Ross, CA. Take a stroll through the gardens while you're there!

The show runs from June 12 to July 11, 2011. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 11 to 4, and weekends noon to 4. There is a public reception on Sunday, June 12, 2011, 2 to 4 p.m.

Amy Ione At Au Coquelete Through June 30

2011-06-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

Space Study #1, Oil

Portrait of the Artist, Pastel

Amy Ione has a show at Au Coquelete in Berkeley, 2000 University
Ave., through June 30th. On June 11 she will be there from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in
conjunction with Pro Arts Open Studio.

For more of Amy's work, see her website at: www.art-by-amyione.com.

Consumers Cooperative Of Berkeley At Berkeley History Center

2011-06-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

When a new exhibit opened on May 15 at the Berkeley History Center, "Consumers Cooperative of Berkeley--A Noble Venture," it drew an overflowing crowd with cooperative spirit and memories of the 'Good Old Berkeley Co-op' days!

An amazing panel presentation included former Co-op employees and experts in the field, followed by a lively discussion and questions from the audience.The program was videotaped, and now appears on YouTube (http://www.YouTube.com/jjnoire.)

The exhibit traces the history of the Berkeley Co-op from its beginnings during the Depression until its demise in the late 1980s. Additional details can be found in the Berkeley Historical Society's web site (http://www.berkeleyhistoricalsociety.org/.)

The exhibit will be up until September 24, at the Berkeley History Center, in downtown Berkeley at the Veterans Building, 1931 Center Street. It is open from 1-4 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays. You can reach the History Center at (510) 848-0181 or co-curator Therese Pipe at (510) 841-5493.

NATURE + ART workshop with Heidi Rand

2011-05-29T10:20:00.001-07:00

A hands-on workshop to inspire and teach you basic and advanced techniques for enriching your artwork with natural objects and images, including flowers and plants, and animals and wildlife. This workshop will be molded to the interests of the participants, and can include topics such as improving your nature photography, using nature in mixed media art, how to find natural subjects or attract them to your garden, and much more. No equipment is required, but if you have them, bring along your digital camera and/or laptop computer (including iphone or tablet). Or bring your favorite paints, pencils, pastels, etc. Sunday June 19, 2011, noon to 4:00 p.m., $60 plus materials. At the El Cerrito Canyon Trail Park Art Center. Pre-registration is required. Please email me at HeidiRand@gmail.com

Last Call For July 4 Art Show

2011-05-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

We have been waiting to hear from any members who would like to show their art at the 4th of July show. We need you to reserve a spot before June 5.

We need 10 artists to show or we will have to tell the city that we are not interested in being at the show this year.

Our spot at the fair will be on the parking lot to the south of the Civic Theater - some sun and some shade.

We need volunteers to man the ECAA booth, a booth that could possibly contain a few members art if they desire.

Please email jeansichterman@comcast.net with your contact information to reserve a booth space or volunteer to help set up and sit at a booth.

Please note, the Art Association does not provide standards or tables for this event. Your payment is simply 15% of your sales to ECAA. No price for the booth space.

Irving Gershenberg at El Cerrito Library

2011-05-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

El Cerrito Library Gallery

6510 Stockton Avenue

El Cerrito, California

Hours: Mon. and Tues. 12-8, Thursday 10-6, Friday 1-5, Saturday 10-5

Gallery is located in the southeast corner, beyond the fireplace

IRVING GERSHENBERG presents Acylics and Oils in a one man show from May 10th to June 14th

Motivated by my wife, the watercolorist Linnea Gershenberg, I began painting in November, 2009. Why so late? When I was 16, wondering for what I might best be suited, I had myself tested at the NYC Jewish Federation. The social worker was truly surprised, given my impossibly poor handwriting and spelling, he was sure I should prepare myself for a very low level clerk or sweeper. But the exam indicated that I had academic ability and he therefore advised me to stay in school for as long as I could possibly do so. He also said that the exam revealed that I must never consider doing anything requiring manual dexterity---no work on cars, no home repair, nothing artistic, like painting.

I took his advice to heart, remained in school until I finished my doctorate, and never used my hands. In fact, the one requirement I set for a possible mate was that she be able to use both a hammer and a screwdriver!

After retiring and returning to Berkeley, I decided to test the advice I had received when I was 16. I tried my hand at sculpture (made a passable giraffe), ceramics (no go on the wheel) and gourds (beautiful water carrier). Then I began to paint. The result can be viewed at the El Cerrito Library until June 14and at the DMV Office in El Cerrito until July 5.

I have not as yet found my topic or style niche. Given my time in East Africa, where my family and I lived for 5-1/2 years, African scenes of people and animals would seem to be a natural. However, my mind and spirit doesn't seem to want me, as yet, to specialize.

Your suggestions would be most welcome.

June Plein Air Posted

2011-05-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

See July's calendar on the Plein Air Page and check out our next Thursday"s site:

Lake Temescal (cancelled if it is raining)

June 13 Meeting Features Jerry Stitt

2011-05-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Plastic Raingear on Campus

The June 13 meeting will feature reknowned watercolor painter and teacher Jerry Stitt. He's replacing the previously announced presentation by Dick Cole, who cancelled because of an emergency surgery. Jerry will give a watercolor demonstration and lecture at our meeting on Monday night.

Jerry Stitt is an elected member of the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society, among other prestigious art organizations. He was a US Navy combat artist and has paintings in the Pentagon and in private collections around the world. He has been commissioned for art posters for many festivals and organizations and has been featured in American Artist and Watercolor Magazine as well as in a couple of books, including one by a previous ECAA presenter, Christopher Schink.

Jerry conducts classes and workshops from his studio in Sausalito, as well as around the country for various watercolor societies. He also has a watercolor video out that includes 2 painting demonstrations, called "I Don't Stay in the Lines".

He paints with remarkable freedom and speed and believes it's important to continually simplify a work until the most basic way to express an idea is found. He has done over 1,000 watercolor paintings and claims to have never spent more than one hour on a painting!

To see Jerry's work, check out his website: Jerry Stitt AWS.

Meetings are held in the Garden Room at El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane and begin at 7p.m. with the program starting promptly at 7:30 p.m. Guests are welcome.

Shari Arai DeBoer Open Studio

2011-05-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

Shari Arai DeBoer

Three Sunflowers

East Bay Open Studios 2011
June 4 and 5, and June 11 and 12
11am - 6pm

Preview reception: Friday, June 3, 6-9 pm
Part of Art Murmur, Oakland's First Fridays event, free and open to the public.
20% of all sales at the Preview will be donated to the Gubbio Project.

Uptown Body and Fender
401-26th St. (between Broadway & Telegraph)
Oakland, California

I will be showing my latest works - handmade books, science tarot etchings with watercolor, and some new watercolors!
19 other artists will be exhibiting ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, painting, prints, sculpture, weaving and more.

www.uptownopenstudios.com
The website for the entire Open Studios iswww.proartsgallery.org

Join us in Uptown's spacious, sunlight filled building to enjoy wonderful art, refreshments and catch some live music!

June 3, 6-8pm -The Cedar Trio (classical/contemporary chamber music)
Also a Tango dance by Adriana Diaz and friend
June 4th, 1-3pm-Eduardo Guardarramas (Classic, solo piano)
June 5th, 12-3pm-Little Spike (Jazz)(with Jessie Ortiz)　
June 11th, 1-3pm-Oteino (Jazz, solo-vocal, piano)
June 12th, 1-3pm-Majide (Jazz duo-vocal and piano)

Mona Reeva Open Studio June 3 - 4 & June 11 - 12

2011-05-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

Mona Reeva of Green Mountain Artistry is having a Pro Arts Open Studio, June 3-4, 11-12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1977 El Dorado Avenue, Berkeley, CA.

Please come see one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry including necklaces, bracelets and earrings, pre-owned jewelry, fiber arts, photography and photo note cards. Bring a friend and enter a raffle to win a pair of sterling silver earrings.

For more information contact Mona at mreeva@comcast.net.

Dale Mead shows at City Hall

2011-05-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Foggy Fourth Green, Mira Vista Country Club

El Cerrito City Hall at Magic Hour

Dale Mead has an exhibit at El Cerrito City Hall Gallery, titled "El Cerrito, City with a View – and Other Views." It comprises several vista photographs within the city and several popular vistas from elsewhere.

Art Association members are invited to attend the reception Friday, May 13, 7-9 pm., which happens to coincide with the Stockon Stroll. Do both! Dale will also be on hand Saturday, May 14 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

The exhibit is on display until June 3, it can be viewed during city hall open hours. City Hall gallery hours: Monday and Wednesday, 8 am-4 pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 8 am-6 pm and alternate Fridays (8 am-4 pm), May 6, 20, and June 2.

You are invited to an artist reception

2011-05-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

IRVING GERSHENBERG

El Cerrito Artist Association

One Man Show – Acrylics and Drawings

Saturday, May 21 2:00 to 4:00 PM

El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Avenue

Annual Show Special Theme: Let's See What That Sounds Like

2011-04-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

ECAA has announced the Annual Art Show Special Category Theme for the Annual Show, Sept. 30 - Oct. 2.
You can get started creating now that special piece for the October Annual Show for the special category this year which is:
"Let's See What that Sounds Like"

Do you have a piece that demonstrates a sound, or lack of sound? You can represent an animal, machine, or human sound; the sound of city, country, river or farm. Cacophony to Silence these are the sounds we want to see!

Any media may be entered into the special category, one entry per artist please!

Entry forms will be posted on the website in July.

Bei Brown At Community Center May 2 - June 30

2011-04-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

El Cerrito Community Center will show “Some of Californiaí’s Wildflowers” from May 2 to June 30, Color pencil art by member Bei Brown. Color pencil, when layered and burnished, produces a soft velvety tone that is similar to watercolor. Bei studied with two women teachers, one who taught botanical art and the other who directed her to the many localities where wildflowers grow. Bei travels by plane, car, BART and ferry boat, always bringing her colored pencils and paper along so that she can work on her art.

Spring Arrives For The Outdoor Painters

2011-04-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

There was a near-record turn-out for the Outdoor Painting group on Thursday, April 28, a nice sunny day at the Tilden Botanical Garden. Charlotte Britton did a demo of her color palette and shared some color-mixing secrets. Then everybody scattered and painted.

Everybody is welcome to join the group, especially now that we're getting some good weather. Here's the schedule: http://elcerritoart.blogspot.com/p/plein-air-art-group.html

And here we are:

Anyone For Bumper Stickers?

2011-04-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

We can order ECAA bumper stickers as shown for $6 each from Ted Maddock signs in Watsonville.

They come with a magnetic backing so you can display on your car and remove when you want.

Send your check, payable to Charlotte Britton, to 2300 Alva Ave. El Cerrito 94530.

Deadline for your order is May 9 (at our next meeting). Delivery planned for June.

Questions?
brittonanderson@aoll.com or 510-234-5028

Putting Together An 'Outdoor El Cerrito' Show, Now!

2011-04-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

The El Cerrito City Hall on San Pablo is asking for art for its second floor gallery and we're organizing a group show to share the lovely scenes of the East Bay and the wonderful painters who enjoy painting outdoors.

The next deadline is May 6. If you have 1-4 paintings that you have completed with the Thursday Outdoor Painting Group, please submit a cover letter and digital attachments of your pictures to Linnea by May 3: irvinggershenber@aol.com

A cover letter must include the following:
1- Artist information, name, address, phone number, email
2- Artist resume, curriculum vitae, or background material
3- Proposed works to be exhibited
Include photographs or digital images

If we can't come up with about 20 paintings by May 6, we can always submit a proposal with some examples and ask for a show later in the year. Preference is given to El Cerrito artists but others are considered. I think ECAA and the Outdoor Painting group would receive nice attention. Any East Bay scenes would be good, but vistas around El Cerrito might be particularly attractive to the committee.

Member Painting In John Muir Medical Center Show

2011-04-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Member Mary Frances Crabtree's painting An Artist Looks at the Bay will be on display at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek as part of the Concord Art Association Membership Show May 7 through June 17.

Call For Art - El Cerrito City Hall Gallery Space

2011-04-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

What: Call for Art Exhibit - El Cerrito City Hall Gallery Space

Description: The City of El Cerrito's Arts and Culture Commission (ACC) invites local artists to submit proposals to display their work in the rotating Gallery Space in the El Cerrito City Hall.

The ACC will consider applications from individual artists or artists applying as a group, and may choose several artists and works of art to be displayed in one exhibition. Preference will be given to artists who are residents of El Cerrito. Interested artists should read instructions about submitting a proposal on the City's website at http://www.el-cerrito.org/gov/arts_culture_commission.html

For consideration at the next review, submissions should be received by May 6, 2011. The ACC reviews submissions for the Gallery Space twice each year, in May and November.

For more information, contact: Suzanne Iarla at siarla@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or (510) 215-4318.