creative enlightenment Archives - Page 11 of 29

Acknowledge Local Art, Richmond Art Center

June 3, 2022June 3, 2022Silvia

It’s not just local art at the Richmond Art Center. But the nod to local artists are clear in the two large exhibition rooms. The main gallery shows well-known artists that have a connection to the Bay Area. Currently, until June 4th, this is Dewey Crumpler: Crossing. A take on the impact of the global shipping industry, with large scale collages, drawings, and paintings. There is also one sculpture, I almost missed, but really was my favorite! Multiple dragons crashing into and out of shipping containers.

The West gallery honors local artists. Right Here, Right Now: A Biennial of Richmond Art is a collection of eight Richmond artists ( Adrian Delgado, AJ Serrano, Daniel Ballesteros, Heather McAlister, Janet Lipkin, Jeff Maylath, Karen Seneferu, Melanin Buford). This exemplary exhibit ends on June 3rd, 2022 but the idea will be part of the Art Center’s biennially showcase.

The West galleries new exhibit The Eastern Shore, of artist J.B. Broussard opens June 8th till July 22, 2022. Broussard’s work centers around bronze sculptures of Tubman and Douglass shared with earlier charcoal drawings, sculptures, and paintings reflecting the Black experience. The opening reception will be together with Emmy Lou Packard: Artist of Conscience on June 18th, 2022.

When I spoke with the attendant she was very excited about the upcoming exhibit of Emmy Lou Packard. Packard was a student of Diego Rivera and has worked at the Kaiser shipyard’s newspaper, Fore ‘n’ Aft, in Richmond. She is well-known for her linoleum prints. The exhibit will be on view from June 22 till August 20th. This will also be accompanied by some events.

Mark your calendars:

Opening Reception: Saturday, June 18, 2pm-4pm

How Emmy Lou Packard Made Her Prints (demonstration): Saturday, July 16, 12pm-2pm

Rebel Art: Emmy Lou Packard’s Legacy (panel discussion): Friday, July 29, 6pm-7:30pm

Film screening of Rivera In America: Thursday, August 11, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Closing Reception with The Great Tortilla Conspiracy: Saturday, August 20, 12pm-2pm

All events are free and open to the public. No RSVP needed.

Gallery Hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm at 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804. The Art Center asks for a $5 donation.

Have you been to the Richmond Art Center?

Walk into History, Pacifica

May 20, 2022Silvia

Last week’s post was about a self-guided historic walking tour in Redwood City. Usually I shake things up a bit, but this week there will be a follow-up of some sort. The history walking tour of Pacifica takes about an hour and starts near the pier.

The historical society of Pacifica that compiled the walking tour suggests starting about one hour before sunset, in order to enjoy the sunset at the end of the tour. When we did it we started in the morning devouring treats from Rosalind’s Bakery on a bench near the ocean for breakfast.

The first of eleven stops on the tour is the Spanish inspired old water treatment building and wall. The second one, Sam’s Castle, you’re not too near to, but worth a separate tour if you get a chance. The Salada Hotel (3) and the two beach bungalows (4) tell more of a story, as Pacifica was built as a resort community enticing rich San Franciscan to establish second homes here.

Next stop, the ‘Little Brown Church’ is a must-see for any history buff. Nowadays known as the Coastside Museum, it opens its doors for visitors Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Many of the following buildings have a connection with the Little Brown Church. (6) Former Pedro school expanded their classrooms into it, (7) Mr Anderson from the Anderson’s store did all the woodwork, (11) and the pier is named after Rev. Hershel Harkins, a former priest at the Little Brown Church.

The most intriguing stop was number 10 on the list, a house on 2 Carmel Avenue. The self- guided sheet reveals juicy details about a former resident, Madam Dolly Fine. “She was arrested and forced out of business in 1938, having attracted too much attention when she claimed police bribes as business expenses.”

To hear more details about the history of Pacifica I highly recommend visiting the Coastside Museum.

Where do you walk on historic grounds?

Peek Inside the Art Kiosk, Redwood City

May 6, 2022Silvia

Whenever I visit Redwood City I make sure I press my nose and camera to the glass of the art kiosk on Courthouse Square. This tiny public exhibition space, a cube whose ground measures 152 by 166 feet and a height of 153 feet, gives (local) artists a space to express their connection to Redwood City.

First installed in 2019, this was only meant to be a 10 month collaboration between the FUNG Collaboratives and the Redwood City Improvement Association. I could not find an end date to this exceptional art display.

The kiosk has glass on all four sides, and artists usually use the space with full efficiency.

The latest installment, Blue Night by Kiki Smith, also incorporates the light that shines in through the windows. Blue and translucent acrylic sheets represent 18 animal constellations. Each animal happily deflects the sunlight, or at night spotlights help to set the tone reflecting blue lights and shadows.

Blue Night will be on display until May 15th, 2022.

The Art Kiosk is on 2208 Broadway, Redwood City.

Next installments for the Art Kiosk are:

Homero Carrillo-Leon Not Defined May 21 – June 26

Jennifer Cannon The Gown July 02– Aug 07

Valerie Mendoza The Destination Cafe Aug 13 – Sept 25

Ilya & Emilia Kabakov They Are Flying Oct 1 – Nov 13

Wendy Wischer In Search of New Growth Nov 19 – Jan 02

(dates are for 2022)

Have you peeked inside the art kiosk?

Experience 50 things to do in Mountain View, CA

April 23, 2022April 25, 2022Silvia

In 2017 I started my series of 50 things, a challenge to find 50 interesting things to explore in one city. Mountain View, CA was the first city I chose and it was about time to update it.

Many attractions I had previously mentioned changed. Places closed down, Android figures disappeared, and new gardens came to my attention. It’s clear that this project is constantly in motion and I will do my very best to keep everything up to date.

Luckily some of my favorite things are still around, like relaxing at Shoreline Park, the in-person festivals, and the farmers’ market on Sundays.

What are your highlights in Mountain View, CA?

Please let me know if there are any places you would like to see on this list, or have any comments.

Watch the YouTube video of 50 things to do in Mountain View!

Search out a Little Free Art Gallery, San Jose

April 15, 2022Silvia

Little free libraries are present in a lot of neighborhoods and worth seeking out. Not only do they offer free reading materials, but some extended their selection during the pandemic with canned foods or seeds. I also admire the creativity people invest in making these small cabinets.

The little free art galleries are an extension of this genre. The principle is the same as the little free libraries, come to see some art, grab something that catches your eye, or contribute to the fun. As far as I know San Jose now has two of these neighborhood gems. One of the galleries is stocked by Jennifer Hart, a local artist, who enjoyed the challenge of creating small art. The gallery is located on Booksin Avenue in Willow Glen. You can also see the current inventory at her Instagram account “Hart Little Free Gallery”.

The second gallery is nearby, in the Reed Elementary School area. SJFLAG is also on Instagram, but it asks that if you want to know the exact address you should PM them. I did not realize this on my quest, so it took me a little while to find the SFMOMA inspired box.

Smooth Ray of Trumansburg, NY created a directory for free little art galleries.

Have you been to a little free art gallery?

Resources:

https://sjctoday.6amcity.com/free-little-galleries-san-jose-ca/

Slide with Airport View, Junipero Serra Park

April 8, 2022Silvia

Junipero Serra Park is a 108 acres of trails and other outdoor enjoyments, like two playgrounds and picnic tables. Its hilly location leads you to an impressive view over the Bay right in view of the San Francisco airport. The Meadow View playground is near its highest point. There are some climbing structures, but the two parallel 54-feet metal slides are the focal point of this playground.

Imagine a speedy slide while watching planes land and take off. The playground is in the middle of a woody area and has plenty of shade. Parking is $6 and you can pay right next to the playground.

I also hiked part of the 1.2 mile Quail Loop Trail which starts next to the playground. On my visit I saw some wildflowers, but not the Douglas Iris that an information sign talked about. Overall it was a pleasant hike with some elevation and a spectacular view!

Junipero Serra Park is just east of 280 at 1801 Crystal Springs Rd, San Bruno, CA 94066. Parking is $6, dogs are allowed on leash.

Are you a slide enthusiast? If so, you should also try the Magic Mountain slide in San Mateo. At 55-feet this is the metal longest slide in Northern California!

They wore their best... photo exhibit inside the San Bruno BART station

Revisit the Exclusion of the Japanese-American, San Bruno BART

March 25, 2022March 25, 2022Silvia

Last week I wrote about the Peninsula Museum of Art and the history of the mall where it is located. The Shops of Tanforan in San Bruno was built on the grounds of a former racetrack used as the assembly center for almost 8,000 mostly Japanese-Americans during World War II.

To remember this injustice the Tanforan Assembly Center Memorial Committee (TACMC) is in the midst of building the Tanforan Memorial, located just outside the San Bruno BART station. The bronze sculpture will picture two of the children that were detained at Tanforan based on a photograph by Dorethea Lange.

Already available is the photo exhibit: They wore their best… Inside the BART station. Photos by Dorothea Lange inspired Paul Kitagaki Jr. to search out survivors and relatives of previously detained Japanese-American. Pictures of Lange and Kitagaki Jr are side-by-side with explanations of their origins and current life. There are also photographs of historic documents and five information panels condensing the history.

While Dorothea Lange is now widely recognized for her striking images of the people in the Dust Bowl and the Internment camps, many of her photographs were deemed too honest and therefore impounded by the federal government.

If you are not a BART rider you can either ask the BART attendant to let you in or you can go to the virtual exhibit, plus additional materials, on the Tanforan Memorial website.

If you’d like to learn more about the Japanese-American internment you can visit the Japanese American Museum of San Jose.

Entrance of the Peninsula Museum of Art, San Bruno

Track down the Peninsula Museum of Art, San Bruno

March 18, 2022March 18, 2022Silvia

Inside the Peninsula Museum of Art, San Bruno.

The Peninsula Museum of Art used to be in Burlingame. These days you can find it in a mall in San Bruno. The museum is located at the Shops of Tanforan above the food court, near the movie theater. I personally found the parking lot confusing; I followed signs to the food court that disappeared and I ended up parking near Barnes & Noble. This choice turned out to be wrong and far from the Museum at the opposite end of the mall. If you happen to come by BART, you’ll be dropped off close to the entrance to the food court. Otherwise use the mall/Century Theater parking ramp, accessible off of Sneath Lane (not the BART ramp), and park on the 3rd/top level.

Regina Kong, Self portrait with lamb at the Peninsula Museum of Art.

The current exhibit at the Peninsula Museum of Art is New Voices: Art from Bay Area Universities. This is an interesting collection by ten art students from Stanford, San Jose, Berkeley, and more.This exhibit gives insight into how the pandemic affected each student, showing themes such as personal tragedies and cultural challenges.

Even with a limited showroom, the museum manages to exhibit multiple mediums: paintings, pottery, mixed media, and digital works.

New Voices can be seen until May 1st, 2022. Admission to the museum is free, but they request a donation to help fund the exhibits. Currently their hours vary due to a small volunteer staff. You should email peninsulamuseum@gmail.com and ask about their weekly hours.

Tanforan History

Statue of Seabiscuit in front of the Shops at Tanforan.

The Shops of Tanforan used to be a race track, hence the Seabiscuit sculpture on the entrance by Barnes & Noble. During World War II the Army used these stables to gather and house almost 8,000 American Japanese in order to deport them to concentration camps fulfilling Roosevelt’s executive order 9066. A memorial to remember this injustice is planned for spring 2022.

And once again Tanforan is about to transition. The property has been sold and is said to become a “megacampus” of biotech and technology firms. I will do my best to follow up on the whereabouts of the Peninsula Museum of Art.

Other ways to see art created by students in the Bay Area are the galleries at the San Jose State University and the Euphrat Museum at the DeAnza College in Cupertino.

Hand Down Black History – Domini Hoskins Black History Museum, Redwood City

March 11, 2022March 11, 2022Silvia

Open sign for the Domini Hoskins Black History & Learning Center. Sign reads: Black history is American history. Hand dwon the history. March1-March31 from 11 am - 5 pm, closed Mondays (Special Groups by appt only) For more infromation, contact 650-921-4191 Carolyn_Hoskins56@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/hbhlc

I enjoyed the article by thesixfifty about the Domini Hoskins Black History and Learning Center. Somewhat fitting for Black History month, Redwood City has enabled Carolyn Hoskins to display her collection of African American historic artifacts downtown at the former World Market. Lucky for us they are open for another month!

Part of the mural by Jose Castro, showing a black fist with the words: Power to the people.

Admission is $5 to see this vast display of what American black culture means. The volunteer at the door explained the history behind the collection. Carolyn Hoskins was asked by her grandson Domini about any other famous Black people, because he was tired of writing about Martin Luther King again. I am not sure if Carolyn suggested her late husband, Robert “Bob” Hoskins, a former 49er, as one example. Nevertheless Bob has a special place right at the entrance.

The exhibition begins with historic figures from the slave trade, mixed in with literature references, for example Alex Haley’s Roots. There are tables with black inventors, sports legends, famous women, the first black president and the first lady. The pop culture section was designed by Carolyn’s daughter Kathy. In fact you can see Black history displayed over 22,000 square feet.

Part to the mural by Jose Castro, showing George Floyd and the words Black Lives Matter

This amazing collection of Black achievements can be seen until the end of March, 2022, at 890 Jefferson Ave. in Redwood City; or hopefully longer. It is open every day except Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friendly volunteers are on-site to answer questions. No photographs are allowed, except of the Black Lives Matter mural by Jose Castro in the back.

MLK of course still plays a role in this museum. To dive deeper into his writings and accomplishments you might want to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University.

Soil & Water garden plot at the Heritage Park in Mountain View.

Plant with Soil & Water, Mountain View Heritage Park

March 4, 2022March 4, 2022Silvia

Sign in garden box: Smelling me calms the body - lavender

How did I miss this? A true community garden at Heritage Park is now in its sixth year. Earlier this month I discovered Heritage Park in Mountain View and wrote about the tiny house. But the city also reserved room for a garden project. You can volunteer for Soil & Water every Saturday from 10 am – noon. This is a family friendly event that will teach you about gardening. Once a month Soil & Water will try to offer a kid-focused event. But in any case they will provide easy activities, like watering, for the little ones. Teenagers are also welcome and can earn community service credits. Volunteers will share the harvest.

View from the entrance of the Soil & Water community garden plot, Heritage Park.

To get started you can sign-up on their website. Due to COVID-19 the number of volunteers is limited and masks might be required. If you plan on helping, you should also bring gloves, a hat and a water bottle.

Heritage Park is at 771 N. Rengstorff in Mountain View.

If you like to expand your garden volunteering you can help out at the SCU Forge Garden, Wednesday 10 am – 1 pm, Friday 9 am – 11 pm.