El Cerrito Art Association Show, This Weekend...

Posted some preview pix of the show opening tonite.
Check it out, a wonderful mix of eclectic art,
styles and mediums.

Above is one of the selections:
"Feed Your Children" by Ben Witzke

Click here for the preview.

Get Up Close With Brett Reichman at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art

Simulated Masturbation

The current exhibit "Silence, Exile and Cunning" ends July 25th at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. It is worth the visit to see the two works that most impressed me. They were both by Brett Reichman and the technique shows outstanding mastery of his medium - watercolor and gouache. Getting up close to the pieces I was floored by his skills even if I wasn't crazy about the subject matter. Both were masturbation themed compositions with intestinal, sack-like props. They made me laugh with their overstated extensions. Brett's colors were beautiful, as was the cross hatch-like shading and his anatomical studies were unparalleled. The hands alone were breathtaking in their rendering. 

These two pieces really should be seen in person, up close and personal, even if it is just to study his style and ability.

Joshua and the Swan

The Tattoon Show: Tattoo and Cartoon Inspired Art

Eclectix Gallery presents a fantastic exhibition of tattoo & cartoon inspired art by 30 artists. Sugar, spice, and everything nice and un-nice. Satire, fun, politics, elegant beauty and soooo cute; this show has it all!

If you haven't been to see the show, come on by, it's up until October 4th.

Artists Exhibiting: Adam Lunoe, Angelique Houtkamp, Alexis Lopez, Anna Todaro, Annie Owens, Arabella Proffer, Barry Focha, Ben Jelter, Calamity Cole, Catherine Lagman, Chris Buzelli, Chris Kanyusik, Christine Benjamin, Eric October, Garrett Bossio, James Ivey, John Seabury, Kurtis Rykovich, Lady Reni, Larimie Garcia, Les Toil, Louis Balestier, Lucianne Walkowicz, Matt Wuerker, Marco Mejia, Nicolas Caesar, Polly Mania, Phillip Hall, Sandi Calistro, Stephanie Mufson, Sheri DeBow, Sherwin Viray, Tim Sharman, Vince Packard

Notes on Just a Few of the Great Artists:

Angelique Houtkamp - inspirational Dutch tattoo mademoiselle of the modern art world. Ms. Houtkamp's work makes it's Northern California debut at Eclectix Gallery with this exhibit!

Chris Buzelli - distinguished, surreal dreamscape artist whose work has been featured in Rolling Stone, NY Times, and Playboy, to name a few.

Matt Wuerker - 2009 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Washinton DC based, esteemed editorial and political cartoonist. His work has appeared in The Washington Post, LA Times, and NY Times.

Annie Owens - the Bay Area's own established artist and quiet mastermind behind Hi-Fructose Magazine. Ms. Owens' work elegantly walks the fine line between whimsy and dark, daintiness and strength.

Ben Jelter - awarded illustrator, artist, graphic novelist and Academy of Art University instructor.

Voted “Best Gallery” in the Bay Area by SF Chronicle’s ‘Best of the BayList’

Eclectix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 For Hours and More - Please go to: http://www.eclectix.com

Bay Area Townie:Sheri DeBow's Art

Fourth In a Series on Bay Area Artists:

Inspired by the "This Town" Exhibit at Eclectix Gallery, Thru August 16th

Sheri's art is full of fun exuberant energy and feminine wiles. Creating art dolls and 3D sculptures out of eclectic sources, just about everything and anything. She uses paper mache, paper clay, fabrics, trims, clays, found objects and paints to fashion characters in perky and exotic poses. In fashions inspired by vintage, punk, a hint of the 80's and some Victorian influences, her women come alive with bright color, captured forever in a moment. Sparking our curiosity, she makes us want to know the story behind the character. Fairy tales, myths, child-like emotions and circumstance all merge in her beautiful assemblages. From her pieces in " The All-Gurlz Show" at Eclectix to her recent solo show "Caught in the Headlights" at Bloom in Napa, we were once again enthralled to lay our eyes on the art that so reflects her as a person - the incredible positive vibes and warmth layered with an undercurrent of dark wonder. Just like her dolls, caught in the moment, our eyes were opened wide and happy about it!

Sheri will have some work in the up-coming exhibit, The Tattoon Show at Eclectix Gallery.

"Fierce Fashion!"- A Group Art Exhibition at Eclectix

Exhibit Dates: Jan 16th Thru Feb. 22nd, 2009
A Theme Show Very Loosely Based On Fashion, Persona, Clothes & Attire
Fierce Artists Exhibiting:
Johnathan Baker, Bryan Barnes, Marie Barr, Bill Brewer, Slimm Buick, Sara Christian, Elizabeth Dante, Jenny Dayton, Patrick Deignan, Steven J.Gelberg, Edmund Grant, Louis Hansell, Dion Hitchings, Kerry Kate, Josh Lawyer, Edith Lebeau, Mike Maas, Daniel Malone, Polly Mania , Dean McDowell, Fletcher Oakes, Arabella Proffer, Janna Stern, Eric Trimble, Neil Verni, Carlos Villas, Michelle Waters and Joshua Witten
Card art "The Red Queen" by Edith Lebeau

Opening Reception: Jan. 16th, 7 to 10 PM
PLUS!
A FASHION SHOW BY FERAL ARTERY-Featuring comfortable & fashion with a fun edge! Designs with ray guns, zombies, devils and abominable snowmen.
AN ART CAKE BY SWEETFACE -A local bakery borne out of a devotion to perfecting specialty baked goods that could be enjoyed by fellow enthusiasts of all things sweet and delicious. Creating sweet perfection everyday!
LIVE MUSIC BY DENNIS FORTIN & FRIENDS - Gypsy swing & jazz ensemble.

Eclectix Gallery & Store
10082 San Pablo Ave. El Cerrito, CA 94530
(510) 364-7261
For More Info, Go To: http://www.eclectix.com

Our Quiet Earthquake: Aunia Kahn at Eclectix

A Solo Show of Hybrid Mixed Media Works

Aug. 8th Thru Aug. 31st, at Eclectix Gallery
Opening Reception: August 8th From 7-9 PM

Killer, emotive, beautiful and haunting images of an inner personal world.
In creating, Kahn often uses herself as a way to stay connected to her emotions, views and personal history, that affect her artwork. She builds characters, non-existent places, and dreams about them, executes them, and lets them breathe their own life in the visual world. Kahn’s work deals deeply with woman’s issues and is seen as a voice against domestic violence and spousal abuse.

Eclectix, 7523 Fairmount Ave., El Cerrito, CA
www.eclectixgallery.com