By Bonny Zanardi
May seems to be a month rich with activities and plans, taking us in many directions. I hope exhibitions and Open Studios add to your enjoyment.
Conversant
Mixed media work by Pat Mayer is featured in Conversations With Myself, which opens May 6 at the Caldwell Gallery.
Mayer’s work is “never predetermined.” She carries on a conversation with herself, asking “Where on earth is this going?” That question is posed over and over, but she finds “the answer will eventually appear.”
Her process involves working with numerous layers and, in the end, she finds satisfaction in “knowing the subject has been thoroughly discussed.”
The show will be on view through June 27. The Caldwell Gallery is on the main floor at 400 County Center, Redwood City.
On the lower level of that building the exhibit is Light and Delight, which opens May 7 and will be on view through June 26. It features paintings by San Bruno artist/art therapist/family psychotherapist Ariosto Coelho.
The artworks offer images which “affirm the body, mind, heart, soul and spirit.” Half of the proceeds from sale of his work will be donated to Re-Surge International, a nonprofit humanitarian organization providing reconstructive surgical care in developing countries worldwide.
Both shows are curated by Boris Koodrin. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Visit cmo.smcgov.org/arts-commission or e-mail BorisKoodrin@gmail.com.
Out and about
Landscapes and seascapes by Frances Freyberg are presented in the Portola Art Gallery’s May exhibit Views from the Trail. A reception for the show will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. May 11.
Among the works are wildflowers at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve and Point Reyes National Seashore, turquoise waters at Point Lobos State National Reserve and other views at such locations as Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Muir Woods National Monument.
The show will be on view through May 31. The gallery is at the Allied Arts Guild, 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Call 650-321-0220 or visit www.portolaartgallery.com.
Two shows
The Coastal Arts League is featuring the photographic exhibit From Concept to Print through May 5. Ten artists are featured, including coastside resident Steve Okonek, who is showing his work “Norwegian Light.”
A new exhibit, Schovsbo, Veseliza & Westerlund, opens May 7 and will continue through May 26.
The gallery is at 300 Main Street, Half Moon Bay. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. Call 650-726-6335 or visit www.CoastalArtsLeague.org.
Self, aware
Work by 10 Gallery House artists is presented in Identities, on view at Avenue 25 Gallery through May 31. The show is curated by Charles Anselmo.
The gallery is on the second floor at 32 West 25th Avenue, San Mateo. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Visit www.avenue25gallery.com.
One more
The Main Gallery is featuring new work by member artists and their invited guests in the show Plus One, which opens May 8. A reception will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. May 18.
The gallery is at 1018 Main Street, Redwood City. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Call 650-701-1018.
Inspired youth
Young artists from Palo Alto, East Palo Alto and Menlo Park present their art during the Cultural Kaleidoscope on view at the Palo Alto Art Center through May 26. An opening reception will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. May 1.
The center is at 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto. E-mail artcenter@cityofpaloalto.org.
Open Studios
Silicon Valley Open Studios is celebrated during the month of May. Artists of the Northern Area, including those at the studios here, observe the event May 4 and 5.
The Central Area celebrates May 11 and 12 and the Southern Area/Pacific Coast celebrate May 18 and 19.
You can check on participating artists and dates online at www.svos.org. There are maps online as well. It’s a wonderful opportunity to visit a number of artists, see their latest work and ask questions about processes and materials.
Poetry reading
Coastside Poetry presents readings by Pescadero poet/Stegner Fellow Austin Robert Smith and by former San Mateo County Poet Laureate Caroline Goodwin at 7 p.m. May 14 at Cafe Society, 522 Main Street, Half Moon Bay.
An open mic period will begin at around 8 p.m., following the readings by Smith and Goodwin.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.coastsidepoetry.org.
There’s much to enjoy! Get your calendars ready…
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