Evolution

Alamo Danville Artists’ Society will host the opening of Blackhawk Gallery’s new Exhibit ‘Evolution’. Gala Reception will be held on Saturday July 16 from 5 to 7pm, with wine and Hors d’oeuvre.

The exhibit will be on view seven days a week from July 15 to September 18. The Reception and Exhibit are free and open to the public.

The ‘Evolution’ exhibit features ceramics by guest artist Barbara Johnson and works by forty-one member artists. Members’ artworks include paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs, and wearable art.

The exhibit is curated by Pete DeFao, Debby Koonce, and Kerima Swain.

Blackhawk Gallery is located at 3416 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville, California, in the Blackhawk Plaza. Telephone: (925) 648-8023.

Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday 10AM-8 PM and Sunday 11AM-6 PM.

Website: www.BlackhawkGallery.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlamoDanvilleArtistsSociety

For more information, please contact Blackhawk Gallery Director Kerima Swain at swain.kerima@gmail.com

Guest Artists

Barbara Johnson Ceramics

Artist Statement

My name is Barbara Johnson; I have been a potter for over 30 years. I chose clay because of the endless formations and incredible intensifying colors that can be created through the many combinations of glazes and firings. I work with three different clays; earthenware, and two high fire porcelains. Within the past three years I have expanded to mosaics using many of my handmade pieces as well as stained glass. I take much of my inspiration from nature and have incorporated the use of leaves from my garden, including grape, fig, passion vine, lotus, ivy, etc.
I am not a production potter, each piece of pottery is individually created, one-of-a-kind and never exactly duplicated. My husband sometimes refers to my artwork as dysfunctional, but I like to believe each piece is useful in its own way. All of the glazes I use are food safe and are durable enough to be used inside or out as mini ponds with water or simply for display.

I present my work a few times a year at local art shows. Throughout the years my pottery has been reviewed and received numerous awards at juried shows and exhibits. I realize there are many different tastes for art so I try and create a little something for everyone, with each passing year providing new and different perspectives. I get great pleasure when someone is attracted to my work, whether they purchase it or not isn’t important just knowing it is appreciated is enough.

Michael Rizza Sculptor

Artist Statement

Nature has inspired my work. People, animals, stone, bones, clouds, and a kaleidoscope of many images blending in my minds eye. At times shapes and textures appear spontaneously developing into non-objective subjects. In either case I can visualize a finished piece.

Whether I create a bronze, carve a stone, or develop a mixed media piece, the design must be true to the materials used. An excitement occurs when the form is finalized. The sculpture keeps evolving as each person sees something different and actually becomes a participant in its evolutions.

I do not design my sculptures to deliver a specific message. instead, each piece will have its own message, as the viewer perceives it.

My hope is that the work will make a visual impact, induce a tendency to touch, and evoke a general good feeling.

Member Artists

Akio Aochi, Geraldine Arata, Claudia Bossert, Loralee Chapleau, Don Cresswell, Barbara Davies, Peter DeFao, Patricia Devitt, Barb English, Herbert Estes, Kathy Flint, Bobbi Garrop, David Gates, Linda Geniesse, Lynn Glenn, Gene Gracey, Kathie Hackler, Debby Koonce, Roseann Krane, Walter Krane, Tom Lemmer, Andrea Markus, Claudette McDermott, Linda McSweeney, Elena Morris, Mitchell Neto, Julia O’Reilly, Harika Piccone, George Rammel, Dan Riley, Jean Slavin, Pat Smith, Greg Starnes, Mary Claire Stotler, Kerima Swain, Leslie Swartz, Beverly Turner, Jim Vlantis, Norma Webb, Charles White.