July First Friday Santa Cruz

Last night was First Friday here in Santa Cruz County and I hopped over to the Downtown scene to check out a few of the hot spots.

If you have not been to the Artisans Gallery in a while, or even a month, you REALLY should come and check it out! New work, more space!

The robots in full force at the Artisans!

Here we are at the MAH!

The robots even made the community project!

Above is work by Judy Stabile.

The band getting ready to play. Below is the new Art Loft, I went to check out the work in there and there is some cool work, if you get a chance go check it out.

I also went into Stripe and checked out work in there. I love this store! They have neatly designed things and beautiful clothes. That was that, I had a great time meeting new people and getting a dose of Santa Cruz culture. Until next time!

Pajaro Valley Arts Council

This past Sunday I finally got the chance to check out the Pajaro Valley Arts Council (PVAC). I have heard about the PVAC and the really great shows they have been putting together. I went to "Best of Show: Fur Flippers, Feathers and Fuzz" the curators are Arlene Gotshalk, Jane Gregorins, Mary Neater, and Teresa Zolar. The gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday 11-4pm and ADA Accessible. PVAC is located at 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA you can call them (831)- 722-3062 or visit their website HERE. Here are some photographs of the show.

Really this place is quirky and cool full of charm and warmth! I can't believe I didn't make it over sooner! I hope you enjoy the show!

The piece below was the one piece out of the whole show that I am still thinking about. I love the delicate qualities, the idea behind it, and the technical execution of the piece, really beautiful. Rose Sellery's work is still on my mind.

Here are some 17th Ave Studio Artist in the show!
Below is the work of Roberta Lee Woods, check out her site HERE.

Fanne Fernow's blue cat, check out Fanne's site HERE.

Below is Pat M-Towery's koi piece. Check out here site HERE.

Below is Maggie Yee and here is a link to more of her work HERE .

This really was a fun show full of smiles and people talking about animals near and dear to their hearts. The next show at the PVAC is Luminescence, Works in Glass, August 26 -October 6. I hope you can make it out to check out this great spot in Santa Cruz County.

Have a great week!

Oakland Muesum of California, Natural Science Gallery Opening

After much excitement and hard work the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) has reopened and revamped their Gallery of California Natural Sciences! I had the pleasure of being commissioned by the OMCA last year to create illustrations that would create an interactive, stop-motion animation for the Oakland section of the gallery. This Friday night event was full of music, drinks, food trucks, and meeting many people in the area. It was very cool to see all of the work that had been done since the sneak peek a few months ago. It was very cool to say the least to see my work in a museum being used to educate and play with. It was SO different to see the "Robots" being played with. Up until that point I have only seen people LOOK at my work and usually telling people not to touch the work. This time I stood and watch children and adults alike make funny videos with the illustrations of the robots. I couldn't help but to just stare, watching other people make the robots move and have a life of their own. They are out of my hands and in yours, for you to play, create and have a great time with, really a very different experience. Surreal might be the best word.

So the nest time you are in the Bay Area, go to the Oakland Museum of California and check out this gallery in addition to the other two HUGE galleries they have. The OMCA might just be the best kept secret in the area. Here is the link to the Natural Science, here.
Take care and have fun! Until next time!