News from the space in between: Marin MOCA, Cabrillo College, Monterey and beyond

Man o man, time flies when you're down the rabbit hole! Somehow I have neglected to share any news since springtime...not quite sure how it happened. The good news is that there is much good news, beginning with incredible progress and energy in the studio (a.k.a. the rabbit hole), as I gear up for my solo show next March (2011) at Edgar Varela Fine Arts in downtown LA (where I will be debuting a batch of brand new work,  the fruit of two-plus intensive years of work). I am happy to report that as the series in progress nears completion, I am finding it beneficial to paint less and rest more, in order to renew my ability to see and grasp the work in its final stages. Today is one of those days of necessary rest (following a very intensive week), a lazy Saturday which I am happily spending watching the wild, gray Pacific ocean, and now, updating my blog, from the quiet space in between.

I'm happy to report that there are some exciting events coming up in the next few months. First, I just received word that I will have a piece in the upcoming group show in September/October, "Sounds of Silence" at the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art. The show is curated by Maria Madua, Director of SFMOMA's rental gallery in Fort Mason, San Francisco, and I am really happy and honored to be taking part. Dates are Sept. 4- Oct. 3, 2010; reception date is September 11, 5-7pm. For more info/details, check out my events calendar or MarinMoca.org.

I'm equally psyched to report that my painting, "Second Impermanence Tree" was chosen by curators Ruth Braunstein and Shannon Trimble of the illustrious Braunstein/Quay Gallery in San Francisco to be included in the upcoming exhibition "California" at the Cabrillo College Art Gallery.

Cabrillo happens to be located in Aptos, my former hometown and a place very near and dear to my heart, and I am really looking forward to having my Santa Cruz peeps at the reception! So, friends, mark your calendars fo Sunday, Sept. 12, 3-5; and, if you're not able to make it, the show runs August 30-September 24, 2010. All info, including gallery hours, is available at the Cabrillo College Art Gallery website: http://www.cabrillo.edu/services/artgallery/ .

If you're hankering to see more of my work in one place (the paintings DO talk to each other, I have been told), I have a larger show coming up in September/October at The Gallery at The Alternative Cafe, an unassuming but hip little joint tucked away in the foggy Monterey Bay that has managed in its time to be a draw to some of my favorite artists anywhere.

I will have ten pieces in the show (give or take), alongside the work of four talented artists, Gene Guynn, Jason Snyder, Christopher Polentz, and Patrick "Star27" Deignan. The public reception is Friday, September 10th; details are on my events page, and at thealternativecafe.com.

In other news, I was invited to participate in the ninth annual art auction and preview exhibition at Root Division, a truly unique and wonderful artist residency and arts education space/ gallery in the Mission District of San Francisco. This event offers an opportunity to score some really great art for cheap, while benefiting the community. Here is a taste of what will be on offer:

I donated the piece below, "Horizontal Tapestry (Blue and Orange)" to the auction; retail value: $800...reserve price: $100...an opportunity to score a piece of my work for a steal (and consider yourself a do-gooder in the process)...

All the auction festivities take place in October (a preview opening, 10 day exhibition, and the auction event); check out my events calendar or the Root Division website for details.

Turning to the blogosphere, my work was featured this month in the online forum for the now shuttered but still digitally thriving gallery Eclectix.

The write-up describes this month's feature as a "web-only group exhibition of flora and fauna related art, some new, some not- but all are exceptional pieces. For your environmental inspiration." It is quite the visual feast; check it out here.

I was also pleased to have discovered my work highlighted this month in the blog of New Zealand artist Anne-Sophie Adelys, an honor considering her own striking work.
Check out her blog here, and definitely don't miss her website.

In the longer term, I will continue to be in mad scientist mode in the studio, cooking up the work for my solo show at Edgar Varela Fine Arts in March and April 2011 (EVFA is located on gallery row--fifth street in downtown Los Angeles). This show should be amazing, and I am SO excited about it! On the heels of the EVFA solo show, it looks like I will be heading to Portland, Oregon, for a second solo show...I will announce details when the stars align; for now, it looks like May or June. Many thanks to curator Martha Wallulis for her enthusiasm and support.

Until the next time, thanks to all of you for your patience, love and support as I spend the time and effort it takes to translate the ethereal into matter...

One (and many) loves,

Erica