Art

A new exhibit at the Bedford Gallery in downtown Walnut Creek, Altered States, is on display through March 24th.

From the exhibit website:

Guest curated by Heather Marx, Altered States features artists across generations living and working along the California coast who harness natural elements or the environment to create their artwork. The artists work in a wide range of media and share a passion for creating art that is about process and reclamation. This exhibition highlights the natural cycles of our complex environment and offers patrons an opportunity to slow down and reflect on how we are all interconnected by the sun, moon, air, and tides.

Artists include: Kim Abeles, Mari Andrews, Chris Duncan, Tanja Geis, Sonja Hinrichsen, Jay McCafferty, Klea McKenna, Sam Perry and Victoria Wagner.

1129 S. Main St, Walnut Creek

Thanks to a reader for pointing out that a new mural of koi fish has appeared on the old Apple store location in downtown Walnut Creek. If you walk around the corner and down towards the outdoor Va de Vi patio behind the giant oak tree you’ll be able to view a really cool koi pond built by the developer. There are also a few turtles waddling around the pond. If you haven’t visited before, the next time you’re in downtown Walnut Creek be sure to check it out!

Artist Statement:

This painting was inspired by what I consider to be a “hidden jewel” of Walnut Creek – the Koi pond behind Va de Vi. My grandson and I frequently enjoy visiting this secret, intimate space with the constant ongoing mini-drama of the colorful koi, waterfall and beautiful maple trees encircling the pond.
I am so very grateful to add my own special “something” to the exciting, inviting atmosphere of Walnut Creek. It is very satisfying to me knowing that my artwork for this storefront might brighten someone’s day.
Kahni Horton, local artist

A new exhibit at the Bedford Gallery in downtown Walnut Creek, The World of Frida, is on display through September 16th.

From the exhibit website:

This summer the Bedford Gallery celebrates the culture, style, and persona of visionary painter Frida Kahlo, an artist who continues to inspire with her story of love, adventure, and pain. The World of Frida weaves juried and invitational shows that reference the artist with a national, traveling photography exhibit titled Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray that makes a stop in Walnut Creek after traveling across North America. Hungarian-born Muray—who met Kahlo in a chance encounter in Mexico in 1931 and became her lover and friend—shot some of the most iconic color and black and white images of the artist that exist. This exhibition is organized by the Nickolas Muray Photo Archives and is circulated through GuestCurator Traveling Exhibitions.

More photos of the exhibit after the jump… Continue Reading

A new public art sculpture made from woven willow saplings is going up in front of the Walnut Creek Library by artist Patrick Dougherty. The opening celebration will take place on May 26th from 2 to 4pm and the sculpture will available for the next two years.

From the Bedford Gallery page:

The Bedford Gallery and City of Walnut Creek Public Art Department has secured a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant for a public art project that will bring world-renowned sculptor Patrick Dougherty to Walnut Creek’s downtown Civic Park—a tremendous accomplishment that will boost community involvement in the arts. The project is a monumental installation that Dougherty will create from woven willow saplings; the public is invited to apply to be a volunteer assistant and work side-by-side with the artist to build this one-of-a-kind environment in Civic Park. The project is slated to begin May 8th, 2018 and completed by May 26th, ending with a celebration event at Civic Park. The installation will be on view in Walnut Creek for two years.

This project is inspired by the idea that art is for everyone.

“Our main goal with this project is to engage the community in and around Walnut Creek by involving them in the creation of public art,” says Bedford curator Carrie Lederer. “We want to broaden the audience for the City’s public art program and find new ways to involve all those in our community who are drawn to urban art, but have not have had the opportunity to be engaged.”