Art

Civic Park, Walnut Creek

Over the weekend I saw the finishing touches being put on a new art mural at Civic Park in downtown Walnut Creek.

From a Bedford Gallery FB post:

Monica Canilao is a multi-media artist from Oakland whose vibrant, abstracted geometric designs serve to reimagine the meaning of home and the power of collectivity. Since the late 1990s, Xara Thustra’s art has been inseparable from resistance and community in San Francisco, providing many of the signature visual images of the anti-displacement and anti-war struggles of the era.

A new musical art project called, Painted Pianos, highlighting ten pianos painted by local artists, was recently placed around downtown Walnut Creek. Above you can see local artist Ally McKay putting the finishing touches on the piano on Locust St. Check out her Insta page here. More information about the project can be found here. There will be live performances every Tuesday from 12-1 pm through mid-October at the following locations:

1655 N. Main St. ~ 1501 Locust St. ~ 1328 N. Main St.

Piano/Artist Locations
1330 N. Main St. – Jane & Daniel Corich
Broadway Plaza (Event Plaza) – James Woods Marshall
111 Wiget Lane (Community Arts – Shadelands Campus) – Casey Rasmussen
1403 Locust St. – Faye Hsu
1499 N. Main St. – Lauren Bielawski
1362 Locust St. – Ande Lincoln/Rachel Chan
1655 N. Main St. – Susan E Blair
1501 Locust St. – Ally McKay
1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek’s Main Library – Cava Menzies
1430 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Liberty Bell Plaza – Christopher Cueves

More pianos after the jump… Continue Reading

A new exhibit at the Bedford Gallery in downtown Walnut Creek, BLOW UP II, is on display through September 15th.

From the exhibit website:

In response to the popularity of our 2015 exhibition BLOW UP, Bedford Gallery is excited to present a second exhibition of inflatable art. BLOW UP II explores the imaginative ways that artists use air as a tool for creating large-scale sculpture and includes imagery that is figurative and abstract. Accessible, yet rich with meaning, these pieces use perception of space to open a dialogue about pop culture and social norms. BLOW UP II will feature large-scale artworks by a roster of internationally renowned artists.

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