Gallery House Showcases 8 Artists for SVOS

Gallery House to showcase the work of eight artists as part of Silicon Valley Open Studios

Over three weekends in May, experience a visual cornucopia as this Palo Alto based fine arts gallery turns into a location for SVOS - a well-known Open Studios event - on May 5/6, 12/13 and 19/20

During the first three weekends in May, artists all over the Bay area open their doors to art lovers and enthusiasts. It's time to witness first-hand, the artists, their working processes and their inspiration during the Silicon Valley Open Studios, held in May every year.

Gallery House will be one of the locations in Palo Alto, where you can get to view the artists and meet some of them, ask questions about their process and art, and snag some great deals. Whether it's ceramics, painting, watercolor, mixed media or sculpture, eight artists will present their vibrant and exciting new work at Gallery House, 320 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, CA (650-326-1668). The timings are 11 am – 5 pm on May 5/6, 12/13 and 19/20. However, art lovers can also visit the gallery on other days, during working hours.

Gallery House as been a participant of SVOS for the last _ years and continues to be a perfect location and a great place to view some of the Bay area's emerging and established artists. You are certain to find some delightful surprises. It's a great opportunity to experience the diversity of art in the South Bay area, and get first-hand information on perspective, philosophy and techniques. Whether you are in the market for fine art or just like looking, bring your family and budding artists to Gallery House for a visit.

This year’s SVOS participants are: Anita Bora and Celma Kirkwood (ceramics); Michael Endicott and Azita Gandjei (photography); Elizabeth Hansen and Robin Sterns (painting); Sydell Lewis (painting and printmaking); and, Nance Wheeler (mixed media).

Anita Bora (https://www.facebook.com/anitaboraceramics) is a ceramic artist, in whose work you will see the influence of nature, flora and fauna. She incorporates colors, patterns and textures, transforming objects you use on a daily basis, into a piece of art.

Michael Endicott  (https://www.michaelbendicott.com/) is an abstract photographer currently exploring the structural commonality between organic and inorganic in his Painted Lady series. His Transitional Art pieces are actually “alive,” examining the notion that nothing is static.

Azita Gandjei (http://azitagandjei.com/) is a photographer who is also examining impermanence. “I use my camera to show the interplay between the sensual and the soul. As William Blake said, ‘He who binds to himself a Joy, Does the winged life destroy; He who kisses the Joy as it flies, Lives in Eternity’s sunrise.’ ”

Elizabeth Hansen (http://www.hansenlandscapearchitect.com/) is a painter working on a grand scale. “My painting Hawking’s Dream reflects my growing awareness about all that is; my sense of the Uni-verse (uni-focal) has evolved into an experience of Multi-verses (multi-local) – simultaneously a vision of celestial spiraling galaxies and terrestrial oceanic waves, lush sunsets and unfurling flowers.”

Celma Kirkwood (http://celmakirkwood.net/) is a ceramic artist with a signature style – complex, organic forms in harmony with vivid surface decoration.  “Now, my work in clay searches for the endless possibilities clay offers through a process that involves less planning than feeling with my hands as the piece evolves.”

Sydell Lewis (http://sydellart.com/) is a painter, photographer and printmaker. “I deconstruct my photographic sketches to  find the character of a city in its architectural reflections. The richness and texture of the complex modern world inspire my art and I use layers of color and texture to express its positive nature.”

Robin Sterns (http://www.robinstearns.com/) is a painter who deconstructs her cityscapes using rollers and knives, scrapers and sponges – blending ugly into beauty, until each piece becomes a story about the light, motion and energy of the city. “Cities are places that are dynamic and static, they challenge, they reward, they create energy, and suck it dry. For me, its all about what the light reveals, and what the geometry hides.”  

Nance Wheeler (http://www.nancewheeler.com/) is a mixed media artist with roots in the illuminators of the medieval ages. “My multilayer, abstract collages, with their calligraphy and geometry, invites viewers to provide their own poetic or humorous interpretations.” She is also an award winning producer of our local television show about art, Talk Art.

Additionally, the work of 30+ other artists, will also be viewable during regular gallery hours which are Monday and Tuesday 10 am to 6 pm; Wednesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 8 pm and Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm. Entry to the exhibit is free for the public.