The group art exhibition, The Art of Friendship, explores the special connection of friendship expressed and experienced through the paintings, poetry, drawings, photography, and mixed media artwork in this show opening May 4 at Gallery 625 in Woodland. The show runs through May 29.
This group of 15 artists was assembled in response to a YoloArts call for art earlier this year. Art submissions that “are playful or serious; expressions of cross-culture friendships; address issues of compassion; explore the emotional connection between humans and animals; portraits of friendship; intergenerational; expressions of the mystery, complexity, and meaning of friendship” were requested.
Artists whose work will be featured in the exhibition are: Pat Allosso, Susan von Borstel, Stephanie Carlstrom, Dennis Dunston, Camille Grunder, Sandra Jennings Jones, Mark Jones, Charles McDonald, Diane Mohar, Linda Norvelle, Mircea Ouatu-Lascar, Marguerite Schaffron, Mel Solomon, Jane Thompson, and Linda Walsh.
“The show explores the meaning of friendship in its many forms – from imagery reflecting humorous and heartfelt moments between friends, the special connection between people and animals, and expressions of our universal humanity,” said Janice Purnell, Gallery 625 curator.
Carrying the friendship theme throughout the gallery, students of YoloArts’ Juvenile Justice arts education program will be exhibiting one of four “friendship benches” designed and created for delivery to four elementary schools in Yolo County.
A meet the artist reception will be held on Friday May 4, 5:30 – 8 p.m. during the downtown Woodland First Friday Art Walk. The reception will be hosted by YoloArts’ board member Dana Topousis . Music will be provided by Jane Thompson Trio, featuring Jane Thompson on bass, Ken Billeci, guitar, and Jon Spivack, guitar, playing melodic, easy listening jazz and Latin music. A friendship art activity will be set up in the gallery for the young and young at heart during the reception. YoloArts will be concluding their Big Day of Giving “Friend of the Arts” campaign with a celebration during the reception for all who participated.
Gallery 625 is located at 625 Court Street in Woodland, in Yolo County’s Erwin Meier Administration building and is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, and by appointment. For more information contact YoloArts at 530-309-6464.