井底之蛙 is a Chinese idiom which translates to “The Frog in the Bottom of the Well.” In Karina Hou’s 34" x 32" watercolor, circular writing in both Chinese idioms and English text tells the story of a frog, a well and a sea turtle. Call it a story, fable or proverb, it dates from the 4th century BCE when its author, philosopher Zhuang Zhou, lived. View this compelling image in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library through Nov. 1.
Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: Stories We Tell
The Lamorinda Arts Council presents a themed and curated exhibit featuring visual art that tells a story, sometimes contemporary, sometimes ancient. Media include oil, acrylic, oil and cold wax, abstract and representational paintings, drawings on foil, cartoons, musical scores, digital art, photography, ceramics and art books.
Attend the artist reception on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Karina and Shen-fei Hou share one selection from “Chengyu,” also referred to as four-character idioms or Chinese idioms. This collection of 5,000 idioms is said to contain the collected wisdom of ancient Chinese culture, still used in education and conversation today.
쒜뒀裂鵠 – a Chinese idiom, which translates to “The Story of the Frog in the Well” – is attributed to Zhuang Zhou, a Taoist philosopher who lived in the fourth century Before Common Era. Karina and Shun-fei Hou’s 34” x 32” eponymous watercolor features a frog, a well and a sea turtle. What looks like circular ripples in the water of the well are actually simplified Chinese idioms and English text telling us the story. This artwork must be seen to appreciate the layers of meaning in the story.
The following artists are exhibiting: Gina Barretta, John Brown, Joy Chew, Suellen Cox, Nancy Daniels, Elaine Drew, Jennifer Granat, Karina and Shun-fei Hou, Georgianna Krieger, Lori J. Larks, Mary Leigh Miller, Connie Vaccaro Millholland, Denise Nomura, Jenny Rosen, Michiko Sakai, Gini Graham Scott, Susanne Simas, Ruth Stanton, Betsy Streeter, Sharon Tama and Nancy Vachani.
Some artworks have accompanying narratives written by the artists, and others do not. The 21 artists in the show have given us much to contemplate and enjoy.
Visit the Gallery to view the artwork through Nov. 1 at 26 Orinda Way. Hours are Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call 925.254.2184 for more library information or visit ccclib.org/. Questions about the exhibit or need more information? Email gallery@LamorindaArts.org, call 925.359.4490 or visit LamorindaArts.org/galleries-2.
Marianne McCraney’s 40” x 30” oil on canvas entitled “Tool Shed” is part of her themed exhibit exploring the presence seniors bring to their everyday lives.
Art Gallery at Wilder: McCraney “Presence: Portraits of Seniors”
The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to meet featured artist Marianne McCraney in the Art Gallery at Wilder on Sunday, Oct. 6 at a reception from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. where light refreshments will be served.
McCraney works mostly in oil and watercolor paintings as well as drawing.
“I like to depict things and people that go unnoticed,” she said. “Whether it is a discarded box or a person working on the side of the road, I strive to elevate the ordinary elements of our world.”
The expressive portraits in this show reveal seniors doing things they love – reading, walking, working in the tool shed, visiting a friend and more.
Among her inspirational painters are Richard Diebenkorn, Jennifer Packer and Caroline Walker. Expect to see about 10 artworks in this exhibit, which runs from Oct. 7 to Nov. 1.
Visit the Art Gallery at Wilder, 20 Orinda Fields Lane, Monday – Friday from 3 to 5 p.m., closed weekends. For more information visit LamorindaArts.org/galleries-2, email info@LamorindaArts.org or call 925.359.9940. Be sure and download the PDF with directions if you plan to visit.
