As I write in my ArtHop picks in Thursday’s Life section, a new show by Michael Garcia is a big deal. His exhibition “Enso: Archetypes of Wholeness,” at 1821 Gallery & Studios, delves into one of Garcia’s favorite shapes, the circle, exploring the philosophical and psychological connections. I write:
Garcia, who lived in Japan for 10 years, was deeply influenced by his time there, and this new show is no exception. But, as the gallery notes, the artist’s work “also mirrors the strength and character of the Valley, echoing the worn and rust-soaked boards of Garcia’s grandmother’s home in Madera, a place that now only exists in memory.”
No fooling, it feels like it’s going to be a big, exciting ArtHop tonight — there are lots of interesting shows planned. Lots of enthusiasm in the air! I offer my picks in Thursday’s Life section. I kick off with the festivities at the KJWL studios, where a giant, three-story mural of Frank Sinatra is just one of the paintings on display by Karen Kallmann. I write:
Kallman, who describes her work as “Ethereal Expressionism,” will not only be showing what is likely the largest ArtHop work – the mural is 36 by 12 feet – but the smallest as well, a 1-inch by 2-inch oil painting, one of several paintings featured inside the gallery. Kallmann, of San Jose, recently had two of her paintings displayed in the Women Artists of the West 38th Annual National Exhibition, a juried competition, at The Hilligoss Gallery in Chicago.
More of my picks on the jump. Artists and gallery owners: Feel free to make your own pitches in the comments section.
In Thursday’s Life section, I offer some picks for tonight’s ArtHop, the monthly open house of galleries and studios in the downtown and Tower District.
One of those picks is Ric Ramirez, whose work is on display 5-8 p.m. at two ArtHop venues: the Gorgon Isle Gallery, 665 Fulton St., where he’ll be demonstrating live painting techniques if weather permits; and the Downtown Community Arts Collective, 754 P St.
Ramirez describes his artistic style as urban because it evolved from graffiti. “I took my art from the streets to inside of galleries now and someday museums,” he says.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Gorgon Isle Gallery at ArtHop, don’t miss it. Last month’s show included throbbing amplified music, eclectic works and a warehouse-style gallery vibe. (Wear your jacket.) Adding to the atmosphere: The gallery also serves as an entrance to Haunted Fresno, now closed for the season.
More picks on the jump. Where are you going for ArtHop? Tell us in the comments. Artists, this is a chance to pitch your shows.
Pictured: Ric Ramirez’s “We’re all meant to be free.”
Lots of cool stuff happening at tonight’s ArtHop, 5-8 p.m. at various locations downtown and in the Tower District. I give my picks in today’s Bee. One hot spot will be the Downtown Community Arts Collective, which features a show by Chris Sorensen and Amy Kohl titled “Metalworkers.”
On the jump: More ArtHop images and fliers. Where do you plan to go tonight? Leave a note in the comments.
