Mark Coffey’s giclée of his digital painting, “Sailing Through a Field of Dreams,” is a curious depiction of an improbable race. Who are they and where are they going?
Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: Ekphrasis Exhibition 2024 Delights and Surprises
The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to celebrate summer by visiting the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library to view the Ekphrasis exhibit of curated artworks displayed next to their own bespoke writings. “Ekphrasis” is defined as a literary description of, or commentary on, a visual work of art. Below are observations from various participants in this collaborative event to give you a flavor of the show.
Langston Hughes says this about humor “Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you.” You’ll find humor in several pieces in the show, including author Arthur Cabral’s “Clown” (paired with Rachel Fite’s oil on canvas “Clown”); my own “Outfoxed,” (paired with Salman Ansari’s digital drawing, “Fox’s Tails”) and Margie Witt’s “A Word of Warning” (paired with Helen Chu-Hirschberg’s watercolor “Sushi Dream”).
Witt, who read her work at the opening on May 4 in the Library Auditorium, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed being one of the speakers. The exuberant audience response gave me a much appreciated boost in confidence. Artists and writers were anonymous until the day of the event, but I believe Helen Chu-Hirschberg (the artist) and I (the writer) were a perfect match.”
“Being a presenter prompted me to research the source of the painting and [my] possible reason for painting the subject. Having the luxury of an author explain the painting helps me understand why I do what I do. Melding writers and authors together enriches the exhibit. I recommend visiting and revisiting the exhibition as there is much to absorb,” said Orinda artist Lance Jackson of his acrylic painting, “Verasphere.”
Visit the Gallery to view artwork through June 28 at 26 Orinda Way, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; closed Sundays and June 19. Call 925.254.2184 for Library information or visit http://ccclib.org/. For more information, email gallery@LamorindaArts.org, visit https://LamorindaArts.org/ or call 925.359.4490.
Art Gallery at Wilder: Leslie Golden’s California Landscapes and Garden Florals
The Lamorinda Arts Council features Leslie Golden’s oil paintings in the Art Gallery at Wilder. Meet the artist at a reception in her honor on Sunday, June 2, from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m., where light refreshments will be served. A semi-retired landscape architect, she paints every day.
Her theme is the quintessential California landscape she sees from her home and florals from her garden. “I’m aiming for fresh, effortless and elegant,” said Golden.
Visit the Art Gallery at Wilder through July 5 at 20 Orinda Fields Lane, Monday – Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday and June 19. For more information email wildergallery@lamorindaarts.org, call 925.359.9940 or to view her artwork visit https://lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits-wilder/ where you can also download directions if you plan to visit.
Leslie Golden’s 11” x 14” oil on canvas panel entitled “Dancing Matildas” portrays one of California’s showiest natives. While its white crepe papery petals are painted close up with sunny centers, this belies the flower’s circumference, which can reach nine inches. Named “Romneya coulteri,” the plant can reach six to eight feet tall and because of its spreading rhizomes can spread five, 10 or 20 feet wide.