The latest exhibit at Sebastopol Center for the Arts is “Black-White and a Hint of Color,” showcasing artwork to make viewers look twice for hidden hues.
A free opening reception for the international juried exhibition in Gallery I is on Friday, June 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibit runs until July 28.
Visual Arts Director Catherine Devriese said jurors Rik Olson and Sally Briggs selected 56 works, out of 476 pieces entered. The jurors didn’t get to see the names of local, national and international artists who submitted their creations.
“There was extraordinary work that didn’t get selected, just because choices have to be made. We can only show a number of pieces in the gallery,” Devriese said.
The exhibit is being shown concurrently with photographers John Martin and Dan McGarrah’s “The Nature of Trees” in Gallery II. Nancy Winn’s “Gone to the Dogs,” three-dimensional dog sculptures on paper, is in Gallery III.
With “Black-White,” each piece can elicit different reactions.
“That little hint of color can make it just a little bit more exciting,” Devriese said.
Artist Carla Roth’s oil painting on canvas, “Time for a new Dishwasher,” shows five white cups on a black and white striped tablecloth.
“There’s just a tiny little bit of red lipstick on the cup, which makes it more mysterious. What does that mean? There’s a whole story,” Devriese said.
Artists were allowed to include a hint of color, or make only black and white art.
“Boots” by artist Linda Lee Boyd has two pairs of shoes tied together with a lightly shaded forefront and black backdrop. A fiber art piece, “Abstract Urbanism,” by artist Sonya Hammon displays a variety of striped patterns.
“Black and white work is strong and dramatic,” Devriese said. “A hint of color adds a touch of whimsy. In the right place, a tiny bit can make a big difference.”
Devriese said other art media represented at the galleries include prints, three-dimensional pieces, weavings, drawings and marble sculptures.
At the reception, there will be opportunities to talk to artists about their work and listen to live music from pianist Jim Johnson.
“We liked that when you think of a piano, there’s black and white,” Devriese said.
Sebastopol Center for the Arts is located at 282 S. High St. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 707-829-4797, email
in**@se*****.org
or visit sebarts.org.
