Spectrum June 2013 Issue - The Spectrum Magazine - Redwood ...

Cultural Events (Continued from previous page)
Clockwise from top left: Joyce Converse, “Spirit of
Aspen,” oil on linen, 30”x30”, 2013. Katinka Hartmetz,
“You Get Used to It,” mixed media, 30”x20”, 2013. Diana
Herring, “Road Ends,” print, 19”x13”, 2013. Jeanne
Gadol, “Trapped,” archival print on paper, 18”x12”,
2013. David Scouffas, “Diamond Light,” inkjet photo,
21”x9”, 2013. Elizabeth Noerdlinger, “Survivors II,” oil on
canvas, 24”x30”, 2013.
Wednesday, May 29, and runs through Sunday,
June 30. This exhibit showcases eight of The
Main Gallery artists: Joyce Converse, Jeanne
Gadol, Katinka Hartmetz, Diana Herring, Terri
Wilson Moore, Elizabeth Noerdlinger, David
Schuffas and Arena Shawn. An intelligent,
creative conversation is posed between artist
and viewer regarding climate change. This show
raises questions and sparks contemplation about
the future of the planet. Through irony, humor,
comparison, rhythm and more, the depth of the
show is sure to ignite a reaction from viewers.
The Main Gallery will be hosting an opening
reception with the artists on Saturday, June 1,
from 6 to 8 p.m.
Here is a sampling of the creative style and
artistic observations presented in the “Climate
Crisis” exhibit:
“Too much to lose” is the focus for Joyce
Converse. Converse explains how her house rests
on a ridge with 360-degree views. A recent visit
to her 20-acre property by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture resulted in estimates that due to
Converse’s care and choice of native tree and
shrub plantings, as many as 70 different species
of native birds are suspected to live on her land.
Converse describes her oil paintings as projecting
deep passion, inspiration and understanding of
landscape’s “spirit, beauty and habitat, especially
the local Santa Cruz mountain landscape.”
www.SpectrumMagazine.net
The digital art of Jeanne Gadol focuses on birds and
animals. The images of these creatures, combined
with geometric forms and repeated in patterns,
suggest extinction and loss, the need for hope and
balance, and the uncertainty and burden associated
with climate change. Gadol explains that her art’s
aesthetic rhythm, form and pattern are a “visual
merging of the rugged Northern California
landscape and wildlife, with images absorbed
while on three life-changing Africa safaris.”
Using an old window, a birdcage, a table and
a library card file, multimedia artist Katinka
Hartmetz uses altered photographs and paintings
in combination to express nostalgia. Hartmetz
asks, “Does anyone remember what the old days
were like?” Her images of stormy sea give a sense
that something perilous may be waiting in the
future of humankind.
The prints by Diana Herring use humor to
show how current human behavior is leading to a
potentially deadly situation. In “The Road Ends,”
a happy little girl and a skeleton are in an old
jalopy, running off the road’s edge. In “Carbon
Footprint,” a man’s face is being swept over by a
wave as a foot looms over his head. Herring states
that she “came to the conclusion that climate
change is the result of entropy (lack of order or
predictability; gradual decline into disorder).”
She further describes climate change as the
“accumulation and population of human waste
and activity. Such as the burning of fossil fuels,
deforestation and overpopulation of our earth.”
Painter Terri Wilson Moore combines detailed
graphite drawings, layers of paint, acrylic gels
and elements of collage onto panels to illustrate
the unchecked growth of bark beetles (that are
destroying pine forests) and human destruction
that’s gradually eliminating the rain forest. In
her pieces Moore includes text from U.N. reports
on climate change and incorporates red threads
throughout to underscore a sense of unraveling,
suggesting things coming apart that can lead
to serious consequences. Moore asks, “As the
evidence of harm keeps accumulating, why don’t
we respond in a way that matches the threat?”
For this exhibit, oil painter Elizabeth
Noerdlinger focuses on animals and plants that
will benefit in a warmer, higher carbon dioxide
environment. Incorporating information from
laboratory reports and her own observations of
thriving animals in her local environment, she
paints collage-like scenes of predicted survivors,
of animals and plants that seem likely to thrive in
a disturbed, higher CO2 environment.
Photographer David Scouffas employs
photomontage for his elegant digital prints that
illustrate the theme of cause and effect. His
images of rich, luxurious lifestyles juxtaposed
with environmental disasters are clear yet
startling, inviting the viewer to look again and
think about what they are seeing.
“Climate Crisis: An Artistic Response” is a
show not to be missed. Come view The Main
Gallery’s artists’ ominous insight into climate
change and join the conversation through creative
works of art that will inform, alert, sadden,
energize and urge you to react.
Art on the Square
Call for Artists and Crafters for June–
August Shows
Art on the Square features the best in fine arts and
crafts each month between June and August at
Courthouse Square in downtown Redwood City.
Complementing Music on the Square and the
PAL Blues Festival, AOTS showcases original
painting, photography, jewelry, glass, ceramics
and more at prices for every budget. Plus, Jewelry
on the Square (JOTS) will return in July. Monthly
jurying until each show is filled. Apply today at
www.redwoodcityevents.com. For more information,
email ArtontheSquare@sbcglobal.net.
Art on the Square 2013 dates & times
Friday, June 14, 5–8:30 p.m. with Music on the Square
Friday, July 12, 5–8:30 p.m. Jewelry on the
Square with Music on the Square
Friday, July 26, 5–8:30 p.m. with Music on the Square
Saturday, July 27, 12–8 p.m. with the PAL Blues Festival
Sunday, July 28, 12–5 p.m. with the PAL Blues Festival
Friday, Aug. 24, 5–8:30 p.m. with Music on the Square
Redwood City presents
SUMMER SERIES 2013
Free, Fun Events and Activities in
Downtown Redwood City
Redwood City welcomes the community
downtown for its seventh season of free events
and entertainment. Every week throughout
the summer at beautiful Courthouse Square,
engaging evenings will showcase fabulous, free,
fun-filled activities on Thursdays with Movies
on the Square and on Fridays featuring Music on
the Square. Other ongoing events in the coming
months include classical concerts, Shakespeare in
the park, a new kids’ concert series on Sundays
called Kidchella, as well as special outdoor
exhibits featuring Art on the Square.
The beautiful, inviting atmosphere of
Courthouse Square, with its cooling fountains
and surrounding variety of shops and eateries,
offers friends, family and neighbors a stunning
place to gather and enjoy balmy summer evenings.
Redwood City has grown to be known as the
Entertainment Capital of the Peninsula!
Below is the rundown of this season’s
Downtown Redwood City entertainment. Find
details at www.RedwoodCityEvents.com.
Movies on the Square
Redwood City’s summer movie experience
continues with free movies on Thursday evenings
starting at sundown (approximately 8:45 p.m.,
then earlier as the summer progresses). Enjoy
(continues on page 18)