News Archive
See my most recent news.
To receive emailed announcements of upcoming shows and other news, please subscribe to my announcement list.
East Bay Open Studios 2010
6/5, 6/6, 6/12, & 6/13/2010: For the seventh time, I'm happy to be participating in Pro Arts' East Bay Open Studios. I'll have some new prints and old favorites. Remaining 8"x10" prints are only $75, and my popular Night Photos screensaver is $20.
The show takes place over the first two weekends in June and involves over 450 artists throughout the East Bay, mostly in Oakland and Berkeley. You can see an online preview of the work being exhibited on the Pro Arts Gallery website or in-person previews in Oakland, Berkeley, or Richmond.
Some very local artists and I have collaborated to form the North Berkeley Artists Walking Tour, a self-directed tour of studios in the northwest section of town. I'll have maps of the tour and postcards from other artists on the walk.
While you're here (directions and map), pick up a free copy of the Directory of East Bay Arts, the color catalog with maps to the studios, an arts calendar, and other things East Bay art lovers need to know.
So please stop by my studio between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., say hello, check out my work, and tell me what you think. If it moves you, please take some home so you can be inspired every day.
Bloggers Are Writing About my Work
Carolyn Edlund, who aims to get exposure for emerging artists through her blog, Artsy Shark, posted an interview with me. In it, I tell the story of how I got started, what's unique about night photography, how I spend those long minutes in the cold while I'm waiting for the film to be exposed, a thought experiment, my advice for budding artists, and more.
Jan Weiss, a Bay Area artist behind Tuesday Moon Studio (and now The Art Planet), wrote a blog post about my work. She likes pictures of chairs too. Thanks, Carolyn and Jan!
University of San Francisco School of Law Rotunda Gallery
1/7/2010-5/24/2010: I'm pleased to have seven of my night photos on display
through most of May in USF's School of Law Rotunda Gallery, 2130 Fulton Street
(at Parker Street), third floor, in San Francisco. The show was curated by independent
art consultant Saiko Matsumaru. Here's an excerpt from her write-up about my work:
Most of the work here is captured using the strong, direct light of streetlamps, creating images that are precise and architectural. This is not to say that these photos aren't beautiful--they are, with their saturated colors, careful composition, and sharp detail--it's just that we see a world that is very ordinary and very alien at the same time. A constructed world, built by people but from which the people--and seemingly only the people--have been extracted. . . .
The dreamlike images of Triplet Tanks and Blue Wall, captured with exacting precision by Vias, are bathed in a clear, cool light, imparting a feeling of otherworldliness; we almost get the sense that these scenes could be somewhere on a moon of Jupiter. Yet this photography is very much about this world. About the world that surrounds us--quietly, stilly, beautifully--waiting for those with both the patience to slow down and look for it and the skill and artistry to capture it.
The gallery is open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winter Open Studio
12/5, 12/6, 12/12, & 12/13/2009: Like last year, I'm mostly doing my own thing.
I'll be opening my studio to you these two weekends only, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. I'll have $20 screen savers,
which make great stocking stuffers, and a variety of prints to choose from.
As you know, although there are hopeful signs of recovery on the way, the economy remains sluggish.
These are times when we especially need beauty and inspiration in our lives, and art can provide them like no
mass-produced item can (not even an iPhone). So to make it easier for you to bring my art home with you, and
because they've been such a success, I'm extending my discounts for this show:
- 20% off all prints larger than 8"x10". If you've been waiting to buy a print, now's the time.
- In-stock 8"x10" prints are on close-out for only $75, down from $125, or 40% off.
You'll receive an even larger discount if you make a multi-print purchase. So come by my studio, say hello, and bring some inspiration into your life. Or you can call or use my website to place your order and receive the discounts.
Also, I've helped organize a walking tour of artists within a few blocks of my studio. You can pick up a free map and listing to our studios and go on a little tour, enjoying the fall foliage and picking up some holiday gifts. Bring some friends along for even more fun!
I hope to see you and your friends at the show, so please tell everyone you think may be interested. Thank you for your interest and support, and happy holidays!
Wooden Photography
11/7/2009: Pro Arts's 35th Anniversary Party/Box Art Benefit Auction is coming soon. This year's challenge was to turn a 5.5" cube of wood into a piece of art to help raise needed funds for Pro Arts. For various reasons, I didn't get my block until recently (thanks for getting it to me, Vicky!), and I didn't get it done until Halloween afternoon--and the preview started November 3! You can see a picture of it here. Click on it for a larger view. Of course, art needs to be seen in person to be fully appreciated, especially three-dimensional pieces.
Unlike last year, I came up with my concept for this piece relatively easily,
refining it as I went. I visited Cesar Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina
on a cold night this week, trekked to a high spot so I could see the skyline
in every direction, put the block on a tripod, and photographed it
from all four corners and from above.
I shone a spotlight (which I had to run back to the car to retrieve, since I had forgotten it)
on it to make the block stand out. Lights from the skyline shimmer in the photos' background.
Then I applied the photos to the block so it looks like you're there at night in the park
looking at the cube. I hope it fetches a large sum for Pro Arts.
Night Cube, and dozens of others, will be up for auction this Saturday evening, 6-9 p.m. at 150 Frank Ogawa Plaza in Downtown Oakland at Broadway and 14th Street. There will be refreshments, music, and silent and live auctions. Also, sponsorships are available in advance of the event for $50. If you sponsor an artist, you'll receive reserved privileges at the event. Call Pro Arts for details.
Dropping off my piece Saturday, I got a sneak peek at some of the other pieces and as always, I'm impressed at what the other artists came up with. The auction is fun and exciting--it's better than Ebay! The East Bay artist community needs Pro Arts to stick around another 35 years, so please come out, say hello, have a snack, and place your bids. See you there!
Night Photography at SF Open Studios at Fort Mason Center
10/17/2009 & 10/18/2009: For the fifth year running, I'll be participating in Studio Nocturne, an exhibition by ten night photographers that's part of San Francisco Open Studios. I'll be showing some new work as well as old favorites.
This year, for the first time, we'll be on the ground floor of Building D, where we'll have a lot more room. Also, Charity Vargas will be joining us for the first time. Among other work, she photographs the UC Berkeley campus at night. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. There will be lots of other artists exhibiting at Fort Mason Center, and it's always a fun show with lots to see, so come on out!
You can learn more about the artists, get links to their websites, see example images, and get more details of the event at the Studio Nocturne 2009 website.
Wall and Hedge Selected for "Glimpses in Time" Tribute Show
7/3/2009-7/31/2009: Wall and Hedge was selected for
"Glimpses in Time," a juried photography exhibition in honor of Manuel Alvarez Bravo at
the Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland. I'm very pleased to have been included in the show
for the third year in a row.
Only 61 pieces were chosen from almost 154 entries submitted from across the U.S. and five foreign countries.
A public reception will be held Friday, July 3, 2009, from 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., coinciding with Oakland Art Murmur. The Joyce Gordon Gallery is at 406 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612, just steps from the 12th Street BART station.
The juror was Rene de Guzman, senior art curator at the Oakland Museum of California.
Manuel Alvarez Bravo was a Mexican photographer best known for his sometimes dream-like, sometimes political, surrealistic work. I encourage you to learn more about his contributions to the arts. And come see the show!
You can also read my Glimpses in Time 2009 press release.
East Bay Open Studios 2009
6/6-7 & 13-14/2009: For the sixth year running, I'll participate in Pro Arts's East Bay Open Studios. Stop by, see my new work, and pick up a free copy of the Directory of East Bay Arts (the new, expanded color guide with maps to the show, an arts calendar, and other things East Bay art lovers need to know).
The show takes place over two consecutive weekends and involves over 400 artists throughout the East Bay. Please stop by between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., say hello, and take home some art to inspire you and remind you this really is a beautiful world.
Winter Open Studio
12/13/2008 & 12/14/2008: In previous Decembers, I've opened my studio as part of an organized open studio event. This year, I'm doing my own thing. I'll be opening my studio to you this weekend only, Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. I'll have $20 screen savers, which make great stocking stuffers, and a variety of prints to choose from. As you know, the economy has seen better days. These are times when we especially need solace and inspiration in our lives, and art can provide them like nothing else. To make it easier for you to bring my art home with you, I'm making two special offers for this event:
- 10% off all prints larger than 8"x10". If you've been waiting to buy a print, now's the time.
- In-stock 8"x10" prints are on close-out for only $75, down from $125.
You'll receive an even larger discount if you make a multi-print purchase. So all prints are discounted, but only during this event. So come by my studio, say hello, and bring some inspiration into your life. Or you can call or use my website to place your order and receive the discounts.
I hope to see you and your friends at the show, so please tell anyone you think may be interested. Thanks, and happy holidays!
My First Mixed Media Piece
11/8/2008: Several weeks ago, as I was leaving Pro Arts Gallery, I encountered a volunteer outside.
He strongly encouraged me to take one of the hunks of household doors he was giving out. Pro Arts's
annual Box Art Benefit Auction was coming up and this year's challenge for participating artists
was to turn a piece of door into a piece of art to help raise needed funds for Pro Arts.
Reluctantly, I selected a door chunk, not knowing what I was going to do with it. Using photography
as my primary medium, I hadn't had the need for wooden substrates. Over the coming weeks,
I came up with and rejected several ideas. I eventually figured out what I wanted to do, and
my first mixed media piece, Door on Door, was born.
It, and over 100 others, will be up for auction this Saturday evening, 6-9 p.m. There will be hors d'oeuvres by Greenleaf Platters, beer, cocktails, music, portraits, silent and live auctions, and a new auctioneer this year. Also, sponsorships are available in advance of the event for $100. If you sponsor an artist, you'll receive reserved privileges at the event. All the money goes to Pro Arts.
I had the opportunity to see some of the other pieces and I'm amazed at what some of the artists were able to come up with. I'm excited to see what happens at the auction! So come say hello, have a snack, and place your bid.
Night Photography during SF Open Studios at Fort Mason Center
10/11/2008 & 10/12/2008: I'm again pleased to be included in this year's Studio Nocturne, an exhibition of work by ten night photographers that's part of San Francisco Open Studios. I'll be showing some new work as well as old favorites.
Click the postcard image for details. Also, you can read bios of all the artists, get links to
their websites, see example images, and get more details of the event at the
Studio Nocturne 2008 page
on the Nocturnes website.
Come to Building "A" at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, where dozens of other artists also will be exhibiting. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. It's always a fun show with lots to see, so come on out and say hello!
"Glimpses in Time" Award Winners in New Show
9/5/2008-9/29/2008: As you may know, my Shiny Door earned a Juror Award in the
"Glimpses in Time" exhibit at the Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland. Now Joyce is
hosting a show to honor the award winners of that show. The award-winning images will be there,
plus two additional pieces from each artist. I'll have two new brand new prints you
haven't seen before. So come on out and check out this show of award-winning artists.
A reception will be held Friday, September 5, 2008, from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., coinciding with Oakland Art Murmur. The Joyce Gordon Gallery is at 406 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612, just steps from the 12th Street BART station.
Shiny Door Wins Award in "Glimpses in Time" Tribute Show
8/1/2008-8/31/2008: Shiny Door was awarded a Juror Award and selected for
"Glimpses in Time--A Juried Photography Exhibition in Honor of James Van Der Zee" at
the Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland. I'm thrilled to have been included in the show
and to be recognized for "outstanding technical and creative talent"--for the second year in a row!
Only 82 pieces were chosen from almost 400 entries submitted from 29 states and nine countries.
A public reception will be held Friday, August 1, 2008, from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., coinciding with Oakland Art Murmur. The Joyce Gordon Gallery is at 406 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612, just steps from the 12th Street BART station.
The juror was Stephen Wirtz, owner of the prestigious Stephen Wirtz Gallery in San Francisco. This is the second time Mr. Wirtz has juried my work into a show, and the second time he granted me a Juror Award.
James Van Der Zee was a photographer best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance, photographing such notables as Marcus Garvey and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. I encourage you to learn more about his contributions to the arts.
You can also read my Glimpses in Time 2008 press release.
Nocturnes . . . in Berkeley?
7/14/2008-8/22/2008: Seven members of The Nocturnes, a collective of night photographers, will be exhibiting our work at The LightRoom in Berkeley.
A reception will be held on Saturday, July 19th, 2-6 p.m. The public is invited.
"The eye, by long use comes to see even in the darkest cavern: and there is no subject so obscure but we may discern some glimpse of truth by long poring on it."
George Berkeley (Irish philosopher, 1685-1753)
Tim Baskerville, photographer/educator and founder of The Nocturnes night photography group, has gathered together a few of what he calls "the usual suspects" to explore, interpret, and reveal the seldom-seen nocturnal beauty of Berkeley and neighboring East Bay locales in an exhibit titled "Nocturnes . . . in Berkeley?" The work of seven artists will be presented at the LightRoom from July 14 through August 22, 2008.
The gallery and studio is located at 2263 Fifth St., Berkeley, CA 94710. LightRoom hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, you may call the LightRoom at 510-649-8111.
"Nocturnes . . . in Berkeley?" is a night photography exhibit featuring work by artists living, working, teaching, or photographing (or all of the above) around Berkeley and nearby East Bay communities. It marks a shift in focus for The Nocturnes group (formerly San Francisco-based) to East Bay and North Bay locales. Established in 1991, The Nocturnes night photography group has for many years focused on presenting night photography that investigated various San Francisco districts and neighborhoods such as Potrero Hill, the Presidio, Fort Mason Center, and the Embarcadero. It is with great pleasure that some of the more active Nocturnes turn their sights (and camera lenses) toward Berkeley and the greater East Bay.
The work of the artists ranges from detailed studies of the industrial West Berkeley neighborhood
known as Ocean View by Berkeley photographer John Vias (my Overpass 1 image was chosen
to represent the show) to quieter, almost pastoral images done on the U.C. Berkeley campus by
Charity Vargas and Tim Baskerville, and on to waterfront scenes, taken from or looking toward Berkeley, by Mark Jaremko.
The title of the exhibit comes, of course, from that clever (and long-running) ad campaign from the late '60s by the Berkeley Farms Corporation. The tagline ran: "Farms in Berkeley?" to which one hears a cow respond "Moo-o-o-o." And, as incongruous as it would seem to find farms in present-day Berkeley (although the Ocean View district was once an agricultural area), it should come as no surprise that The Nocturnes have found beauty, mystery, and transformation amid Berkeley's darkened streets.
Participating artists:
Tim Baskerville
Denise Fuson
Sherry Glassman
Mark Jaremko
Joe Reifer
Charity Vargas
John Vias
Emerging Artists Exhibition
6/6/2008-7/18/2008: The Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland is hosting a new exhibition called Insights: Focus on Emerging Photographers. Four 16"x20" prints of my night photography will be framed and hanging for your perusal. The other photographers in the show are: Traci Bartlow (Oakland), Rameen Gasery (Oakland), Judy Seidel (Berkeley), Melanie Sims (London), Greame Weston (London), Pat Willard (Redwood, Calif.), and Babak Gholamhossein (Oakland).
Come meet me at the opening reception on Friday, June 6th, at 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., the same night as Oakland Art Murmur.
An artist talk will take place on Sunday, June 8th, at 3:00 p.m. Unfortunately, because I'll be at my studio that day participating in East Bay Open Studios, I won't be at the talk.
All events are at the Joyce Gordon Gallery at 406 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612. Exit the 12th Street BART station at 14th Street on Broadway--the gallery is just a few doors down.
East Bay Open Studios 2008
6/7-8 & 14-15/2008: Once again I'll again participate in
Pro Arts's East Bay Open Studios. Come to my studio, see my new work,
and pick up a copy of the Directory of East Bay Arts (the new, expanded
color guide to the show and other things arts-related in the East Bay).
The show takes place over two consecutive weekends and involves over 400 artists throughout the East Bay. Please stop by between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., say hello, and see my work.
Burned-out Building Selected for Juried Annual 2008
1/22/2008-3/9/2008: My image Burned-out Building was selected for this year's Juried Annual exhibition at Pro Arts Gallery. This is the second consecutive year my work has been included in the Juried Annual and I'm especially pleased since only 71 pieces were chosen from over 1000 entries.
The juror was Laura Hoptman, Senior Curator of the New Museum in New York. Before joining the New Museum, Laura Hoptman has served as Curator for Contemporary Art at the Carnegie Museum of Art, and as Assistant Curator in the drawing department of New York's Museum of Modern Art. The New Museum is the only one in New York dedicated solely to the exhibition of contemporary art.
January 31st (Thursday), 6 p.m.-8 p.m.: A reception will be held on Thursday evening at Pro Arts. Food and drink will be provided. These receptions are fun--come mingle with the artists and other art lovers!
February 16th (Saturday), 1 p.m.: Please join me for a special event at Pro Arts. Many of the us artists represented in the show will speak about our art. This is an ideal opportunity to see the show, meet the artists, and hear how we were inspired to create our work. Questions from the audience are encouraged so bring some!
You can read more in my Juried Annual 2008 press release.
Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios 2007
11/24/2007-12/16/2007: I'm back participating in this year's Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios.
The last weekend in November and the first three weekends in December, I'll be hosting visitors
at my studio in West Berkeley.
My studio is easy to find, right off the freeway, and there's ample parking on the street.
I'll have four 24"x30", limited edition prints on display, plus an assortment of smaller prints, including one of my new image, Silos. This is a great opportunity to shop for everyone on your "nice" list. And maybe an opportunity to forgive those who aren't. Happy holidays, and hope to see you soon!
Joyce Gordon Gallery Representation
11/2/2007: I'm pleased to announce that some of my images are now being represented by the
Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland. As you may recall, Large Boat Winch was awarded a
Juror Award in the "Glimpses in Time" exhibit at the Joyce Gordon Gallery in August.
Now I have five new 16"x20" matted prints there for your perusal: Bench and Poles, Burned-out Building, Drinking Fountain, "Padded Chair, and Shiny Door. The latter four images have never been printed this large, so go have a look at them and enjoy the Frank Espada show currently on display. Your comments are welcome and encouraged.
The Joyce Gordon Gallery is at 406 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612. Exit the 12th Street BART station at 14th Street--the gallery is just a few doors down, near Franklin Street.
Studio Nocturne show at Fort Mason Center
10/13/2007 & 10/14/2007: I'm happy to be included again in this year's Studio Nocturne, an exhibition of work by ten night photographers, and part of San Francisco Open Studios.
The show will again be held in Building "A" at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, where dozens of other artists also will be exhibiting. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. It's always a fun show, so come on out, introduce yourself, and show your support for the arts!
"Preview to a Nocturne" at Calumet Photo
9/1/2007-9/29/2007: This preview show (I named it--clever, huh?) affords you an opportunity to see some of the work that will be on display at Studio Nocturne (Oct. 13/14 at Fort Mason Center, details to follow). Calumet Photographic is at 2001 Bryant St (cross street: 18th St), San Francisco, CA 94110. Hours for the gallery space, which is upstairs, are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. I was there for the hanging and there's some nice work up. It's worth a look.
Review of My Night Photography
8/6/2007: Dan Duhrkoop, who blogs about art for artists and other art lovers at Empty Easel, wrote a very nice review of my work. Dan told me if he were a photographer, my photos are exactly what he would want his to look like. I believe him, since his paintings depict things I would photograph.
Oakland First Fridays Art Shuttle
8/3/2007: The City of Oakland is sponsoring a free, monthly shuttle for First Fridays Art Night. Hop on the shuttle to visit some of Oakland's most popular arts venues on the first Fridays of each month, which is when Oakland Art Murmur occurs. You can also ride it to catch the "Glimpses in Time" opening at the Joyce Gordon Gallery (see above news item). [Update: The shuttle ran for the scheduled few months.]
Large Boat Winch Wins Award in Gordon Parks Tribute Show
8/1/2007-8/31/2007: Large Boat Winch was awarded a Juror Award and selected for "Glimpses in Time--A Juried Photography Exhibition in Honor of Gordon Parks" at the Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland. I'm honored to have been included in the show and to be recognized for "outstanding technical and creative talent." From among the many entries submitted from as far away as Australia and South Korea, only 66 pieces were chosen.
A public reception will be held Friday, August 3, 2007, from 4:00-8:30 p.m., coinciding with Oakland Art Murmur. The Joyce Gordon Gallery is at 406 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612.
The juror was Stephen Wirtz, owner of the prestigious Stephen Wirtz Gallery in San Francisco. This is the second time Large Boat Winch has been juried into a show. The first time was for Pro Arts's "New Visions: Introductions 2006."
Gordon Parks wore many hats--photographer, activist, musician, poet, novelist, film director, and more. If you're not already familiar with him, I encourage you to learn more about his contributions to the arts and the civil rights movement.
You can also read my Glimpses in Time 2007 press release.
Berkeley Civic Center Exhibition Extended
7/6/2007: This show was originally set to run through June but has been extended into September. Until then, you can see five of my prints on display on the Fourth Floor of Berkeley's Martin Luther King, Jr., Civic Center Building (also known as City Hall) at 2180 Milvia Street.
See my original posting about this show.
East Bay Open Studios 2007
6/2-3 & 9-10/2007: I'm especially excited this year
to participate in Pro Arts' East Bay Open Studios. One of my night photographs,
Slow Down, was the image chosen by Pro Arts to promote the show!
It's on the cover of the Directory of East Bay Arts (the new, expanded
color guide to the show and other things arts-related in the East Bay),
postcards, posters, and East Bay Express ads.
Look for copies of the Directory at galleries, cafes, and other venues.
The show takes place over two consecutive weekends and involves over 400 artists throughout the East Bay. Please stop by between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., say hello, and see my work.
"Enchanting Night Photography" Talk in Berkeley
5/19/2007: To help highlight East Bay Open Studios, I'll give a free talk about night photography at 4:00 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave (at Cedar St), Berkeley, California. I'll tell you how I create my work, who else takes pictures at night and why many of them are in the Bay Area, answer questions, and give tips for how you can create your own enchanting images. So come on by!
EBOS at OAK
5/18/2007-8/17/2007: As a preview for East Bay Open Studios, four artists--Sally Landis, Michael Cutlip, Bart Trickel, and I--were selected for an exhibition at Oakland International Airport. If you're flying in or out of Oakland, look for our work in Terminal 1.
Exhibition, Reception at MobiTV
3/16/2007: My work has been selected for a three-month exhibition at MobiTV, a high tech company in Emeryville. The exhibition itself is closed to the public but you can see my work, and that of the other three artists, at the free reception on March 16, 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MobiTV is at 6425 Christie Avenue, Emeryville, on the fifth floor. It's right off the Eastshore Freeway (I-80/580) at the Powell Exit. (You may want to come before 6:00, when the building's doors get locked, so you won't have to wait for someone to let you in).
We'll enjoy good food, drinks, live music, and spectacular views of San Francisco and the Bay. One of the other artists in the show, Zach Pine, will encourage employees to create nature sculptures. And all of the artists will give short talks about their work. Come on out and join the fun!
Fairy Tale Benches Selected for Juried Annual 2007
1/27/2007-3/11/2007: Fairy Tale Benches was selected to be included in this year's Juried Annual exhibition at Pro Arts. I'm excited to have been included in the show. Only 52 pieces were chosen from among nearly 1000 entries.
The juror was Berin Golonu, Associate Visual Arts Curator, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco.
February 1st (Thursday), 6-8 p.m.: A reception will be held on Thursday evening at Pro Arts. Food and drink will be provided. The receptions are fun--come mingle!
February 24th (Saturday), 1 p.m.: Please join me for a special event at Pro Arts. I'll be speaking about my art. Many of the other artists represented in the show will also speak. This is an ideal opportunity to see the show, meet the artists, and hear how we were inspired to create our work. Questions from the audience are encouraged!
Pro Arts is in Oakland, California.
Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios 2006
11/25/2006-12/17/2006: I'll again be participating in this year's
Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios. The last weekend in November and the
first three weekends in December, I'll be hosting visitors
at my studio in West Berkeley. It's easy to find parking on the street and there are other studios nearby.
For the first time, I'll have four 24"x30", limited edition prints on display, plus an assortment of smaller prints. This is a great opportunity to shop for everyone on your "nice" list. And maybe an opportunity to forgive those who aren't. Happy holidays, and hope to see you soon!
Winter Dreams Holiday Sale at Transmissions Gallery
11/16/2006-12/23/2006: Transmissions Gallery, at 1177 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley (a bit north of Gilman Street), and convenient to the freeway, is holding its first annual holiday sale and exhibition through Christmas Eve.
Be sure to come to the opening reception on Thursday, November 16th, 5-9 p.m. There will be fun, refreshments, cool people to talk to, eleven of my prints, and many pieces from other artists, so stop by, have a look and say hello.
Studio Nocturne show at Fort Mason Center
10/21/2006 & 10/22/2006: I'm happy to be included again in this year's Studio Nocturne, an exhibition of work by thirteen night photographers, part of San Francisco Open Studios.
The show will be held in Building "A" at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, where many other artists also will be exhibiting. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. It was a fun show last year and promises to be just as good this year, so come on out, say hello, and show your support for the arts!
Night Photography Exhibition at Embarcadero Center
9/12/2006-1/28/2007: Several of my fellow night photographers in the Nocturnes collective are participating in this San Francisco Open Studios preview exhibition. For the fourth time, members of the Nocturnes will be showing our work at Fort Mason Center on weekend three of Open Studios. Details to follow.
Night Photography Exhibition at San Mateo City Hall
8/11/2006-9/7/2006: This show collects the work of several of my fellow night photographers.
This is the first I've exhibited in the South Bay, so hey, South Bay people, if you haven't made it up to San Francisco or (gasp!) the East Bay lately, now's your chance to see some night photography close to home. San Mateo's City Hall is at 330 West 20th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403 and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Preview Exhibition at Canvas Gallery
7/28/2006-8/20/2006 (reception: 7/28): At the risk of repeating myself, my work was selected by jury to be included in another show! This one is a preview exhibition for San Francisco Open Studios, which takes place in October (when I'll be exhibiting with other night photographers again at Fort Mason Center). For this preview show, only ten artists were chosen out of the 35 who submitted work. I'll have two new, large prints there, of Eternal and Large Boat Winch. Canvas Gallery is a very popular spot, and it'll be a good place to expose my work to a new audience.
Canvas Gallery is in the Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco, at 1200 9th Avenue (at Lincoln), across the street from Golden Gate Park.
A reception will be held on Friday night, July 28th, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at Canvas, which also has a cafe and lounge. A French DJ will be playing world lounge music. It's a fun place to hang out so I hope you'll join me.
New Visions: Introductions 2006 exhibition
7/18/2006-9/3/2006 (reception: 7/20): My image Large Boat Winch was selected by a jury to be included in this year's New Visions exhibition at Pro Arts. I'm excited to have been included in the show, which is an annual exhibition of work from among Pro Arts's members. Only 30 pieces were chosen from among several hundred entries.
The jurors were Dennis O'Leary, Executive Director of the Djerassi Resident Artists Program, and Gary Sangster, Executive Director of the Headlands Center for the Arts.
A reception will be held on Thursday evening, July 20th, 6-8 p.m. at Pro Arts. Come on out and mingle!
You can also read my New Visions 2006 press release.
After Dark: Night Photos by John Vias
6/26/2006-8/18/2006 (reception: 7/5): I'm very happy to announce my first solo show, to be held at the Fort Mason Foundation Lobby, Building "A," next door to the SFMOMA Artist Gallery. I'll have prints you've probably never seen even if you've attended past shows, the lobby is open daily, and admission is free.
A reception will be held on Wednesday, July 5th, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Meet me and enjoy light refreshments while chatting with other art lovers, and taking in the night photos. The SFMOMA Artist Gallery will also be holding a reception at that time, so feel free to see both shows. Admission is free.
Attending Photo San Francisco at Fort Mason Center July 21st-23rd? Take a short walk to Building "A" and take in my After Dark exhibit. I'll be there Saturday and Sunday, 3-7 p.m. See my ad in the Photo San Francisco catalog.
You can also read my "After Dark" press release.
2006 Berkeley Civic Center Art Competition and Exhibition
6/21/2006-6/30/2007 [now extended into September]: All five of the images I submitted were selected for inclusion in this show. For the next year, they will be on display on the Fourth Floor of Berkeley's Martin Luther King, Jr., Civic Center Building (also known as City Hall) at 2180 Milvia Street.
A reception will be held on Thursday, September 28th, 2006, 3-5 p.m., in the Civic Center's Outer Courtyard. Opening remarks will be made by Berkeley's mayor, city manager, and city councilmembers. The Crowden Music Center Quartet will provide music. A tour of the exhibition will be led at 4:00 by Robbin Henderson, Executive Director of the Berkeley Art Center, and Archana Horsting of Kala Institute, who together helped coordinate the show.
East Bay Open Studios 2006
6/3, 6/4, 6/10/2006: I'm excited to again participate in Pro Arts's East Bay Open Studios, which takes place over two consecutive weekends and involves over 400 artists. I'll have new work on display, so please stop by between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., say hello, and see my work. I'm told it looks much better in person than on the web.
Bench and Poles in Diablo Magazine
6/2006: I'm proud to say that my Bench and Poles image was selected from among many to represent and help promote the East Bay Open Studios in Diablo magazine this month. As you may know, Diablo is the magazine of the East Bay (a region east of San Francisco). The exposure puts my work in front of thousands more art lovers in the region. Click on the thumbnail image for a larger view of the page.
Work on Display at Transmissions Gallery
2/18/2006-5/13/2006: The brand new Transmissions Gallery, at 1177 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley (between Gilman Street and Marin Avenue), convenient to the freeway, is exhibiting my night photography. Be sure to come to their grand opening party on Saturday, February 18th. It'll be a lot of fun--live music by Rondo Brothers, refreshments, and cool people to talk to. My work will be there for an undetermined time, so please go take a look.
Overpass 1 Wins Award at Berkeley Art Center
1/18/2006-2/25/2006: For the first time, I have an entry in the Annual Members' Showcase at the Berkeley Art Center. The work is shown salon style and promises to vary in media, style, and almost every other attribute you can think of. It'll be worth a look.
Late note: My Overpass 1 image won me an honorable mention! (The only other award type granted is Finalist.)
Featured Artist for January
1/2006: I'm flattered to have been chosen to be the Featured Artist at the Pro Arts Gallery store for the month of January. Thirty-five of my pieces will be on exhibit and for sale. Please stop by and have a look. Pro Arts is located in Oakland, California.
Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios 2005
11/26/2005-12/18/2005: I'm excited to again be participating in this year's Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios. The last weekend in November and the first three weekends in December, I'll be hosting visitors at Studio Rasa in the historic Sawtooth Building in Berkeley. The address is 933 Parker St, Berkeley, CA 94710.
This is a great opportunity to shop for everyone on your "nice" list. And come see my 24"x30" print of Bench and Poles.
Studio Nocturne show at Fort Mason Center
10/15/2005-10/16/2005: I'm very pleased to be included in this year's Studio Nocturne, an exhibition of work by thirteen night photographers.
The show will be held in Building "A" at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, where many other artists also will be exhibiting. It promises to be an first-rate show, so come out, say hello, and show your support for the arts!
Fort Mason Foundation liked my work so much, they chose to reprint Overpass 1 in their monthly calendar of upcoming events. They've also offered me a solo show next July.
Clubbing Is Finalist in 7x7 Magazine Photo Competition
10/2005: 7x7 magazine, which covers the San Francisco lifestyle, chose my Clubbing image as one of only ten for their "Bring on the Night" photo competition. The finalists' images were printed in this month's issue.
Prints Available at Pro Arts Gallery Store
7/8/2005-6/18/2009: A number of my night images have been chosen for the Pro Arts is located in Oakland, California. This is a great way for you to see my prints in person and evaluate how they would look in your home. There's work there by several other artists, too. Follow the link above for directions and hours.
Double Garage Selected for EP Designworks's June 2005 Exhibition
6/15/2005- (ongoing): I'm very pleased that my night image Double Garage was chosen by jurors from among many entries to be one of the 20 in this month's online exhibition.
East Bay Open Studios 2005
6/4, 5, 11, 12/2005: I'm excited to again participate in Pro Arts's East Bay Open Studios, which takes place over two consecutive weekends and involves up to 500 East Bay artists. Please stop by to see my work in person, much bigger and in more detail than you can on your screen.
This time, I'll be exhibiting at the south end of the historic Sawtooth Building; in Berkeley, at 933 Parker St, Berkeley, CA 94710 (cross street: Eighth). My work will be at Studio Rasa, a beautiful yoga studio and community arts space.
"This Is Not Your Father's Nocturne"
5/15/2005: This online Nocturnes exhibition reveals some of the influences of many of us Bay Area night photographers. One of my photos is featured on the intro page.
"A Night on the Hill" Now Open in San Francisco
5/3/2005: Come see a print of my new Potrero Hill image Farley's After Close, plus lots more night photography of the Potrero Hill neighborhood by 15 other artists, in a show titled "A Night on the Hill." The show is at Farley's Cafe at 1315 18th Street in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, and runs only through the end of the month. So hurry!
It's a good opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry in a rooted neighborhood cafe and also acquire a unique perspective on this established yet up-and-coming neighborhood.
Embarcadero Nocturne Show
1/2/2005: A new night photography show featuring San Francisco's rejuvenated waterfront has opened. You can see some of my never-before-exhibited B&W night prints at the first two of the three venues:
- 1/2/2005-2/28/2005
South Beach Café
800 Embarcadero St. at Townsend
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-974-1115
Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily - 1/4/2005-2/19/2005
Fort Mason Center
Landmark Building "A"
Laguna St. and Marina Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-441-3400
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily - 1/6/2005-2/28/2005
Four Embarcadero Center
Drumm St. and Sacramento St.
San Francisco, CA 94111
Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
I plan to be at the reception for the artists on Wednesday, February 9th, at 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Fort Mason Center, Landmark Building "A." So stop by, check out the art, and say hello!
All events are free and open to the public.
New Items Available
12/17/2004: I've created a Night Photos screen saver for your PC that displays a slideshow of dozens of my night photos.
Also, gift certificates are now available in any denomination. See the FAQ for more details.
Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios 2004
10/22/2004: I'm excited to be participating in this year's Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios. The last weekend in November (the 27th/28th) and the first three in December (4th/5th, 11th/12th, 18th/19th), from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturdays and Sundays, I'll be hosting visitors in my studio.
You can buy gifts for people on your "nice" list, such as matted and framed work in sizes down to 4″x5″, a Night Photos screen saver for the computer user in your life, and photo greeting cards. Everyone can find something in their budget. So stop by and say hello.
The Show's Over . . . Or Is It?
6/14/2004: I recently participated in the 2004 East Bay Open Studios. Although the show is officially over, you can still see my work by appointment at my studio in Berkeley. Just contact me to schedule a visit.