Art Works Downtown

Tiny Creatures: Our Invisible Sustainers by Salma Arastu • Underground Gallery
August 9 – September 21
September 13, 5–8pm: Reception and Art Walk

The Tiny Creatures series visualizes microbes as integral to our ecosystem. In my search to find hope and the possibility to regenerate and rejuvenate our planet and plant life I have discovered the invisible tiny benefactors Microbes who are an integral and essential part of the web of life. They carry out a variety of important ecological functions, from recycling organic matter to aiding in the carbon and nitrogen cycles, help animals ingest food by being part of the gut microbiome. Microbes in oceans and soils across the globe are evolving to eat plastic, according to a study. They are currently being explored for construction, bioremediation, energy security and generation, and much more. If we disrupt the ecology of microbes that live in our gut, our health will suffer. If we disrupt the rich ecology of microbes that live in the soil-the guts of the planet-and the health of plants, too, will suffer. These tiny creatures, microbes, are sustainers in the ecosystem. I feel Intrigued and inspired by their story and have created a body of work to draw attention to them.

Bio
As a woman, artist, and mother, I work to create harmony by expressing the universality of humanity through paintings, sculpture, and calligraphy. At birth, I was given the life-defining challenge of a left hand without fingers. Seeing the unity of an all-encompassing God, I was able to transcend the barriers often set-forth in the traditions of religion, culture and the cultural perceptions of handicaps. After graduating in Fine Arts from Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, India, I lived and worked in Iran and Kuwait before landing at Pennsylvania USA in 1987.

My works are lyrical, spiritual, figurative, and calligraphic. My paintings reveal stories of unity in diversity, hope and connection, celebration of earth, and women. I have always believed that moving lyrical lines that emerge in my work are symbolic in my attempt to connect all humanity and spread spiritual messages through calligraphy. Now these moving lines are discovering mycelium networks under the earth, promising to sustain us all by connecting and bringing together humanity, soil, and soul.

As a visual artist I have had almost 40 plus solo shows nationally and internationally and have won several prestigious awards including the East Bay Community’s Fund for Artists in 2012 and 2014 and 2020. the City of Berkeley’s Individual Artist Grant Award in 2014, 2015, and 2016. I have public art pieces on display in Bethlehem Pennsylvania and San Diego, California, and I have also written and published six books with art and poetry.

www.salmaarastu.com
www.onenessprojects.com

Salma Arastu

Welcome new artist member: Duane M Conliffe, photography

Greetings! I Love Photography!

I have been passionate about photography since my childhood immersion in Life, Ebony and Jet magazines on my parents’ living room floor in Washington, D.C. In my early twenties, I moved to San Francisco to pursue my goal of artfully photographing the wondrous natural beauty of California.

I have photographed, published and/or exhibited works that include botanicals, historic figures, architectural icons, motor racing and abstracts.

www.dcfoto.co
IG: .co
FB: .co
Dot Profile: dot.cards/duanemconliffe

.co

Art highlight from Identities • AWD’s Gallery 1337 Art Exhibition

Art Works Downtown invites you to consider selfhood through transformation by experiencing this dynamic exhibition of artworks exploring the concept of identity.

Art highlight: Ancestors by Akemi Osajima, acrylic on canvas, 22" x 29.8"
Akemialchemy.com

See the artwork in person Wednesday–Saturday 12–6pm at Art Works Downtown, San Rafael, CA.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Downtown San Rafael Akemi Kelly Osajima

Art Receptions Tonight: 2nd Friday Art Walk, 5-8pm

• Identities, Gallery 1337
• Tiny Creatures: Our Invisible Sustainers by Salma Arastu, Underground Gallery
• Life Between Us by Alejandra Chavez, Max Thelen Resident, Founders’ Gallery
• Moons, Nature, and Dreams by Julia Baker, Donors’ Gallery
• Discover two levels of art studios & galleries

Enjoy galleries, open studios, art exhibits, and live music as you stroll in downtown San Rafael. Anchored by Art Works Downtown galleries and artist studios, the 2nd Friday Art Walk links venues along downtown Fourth Street the second Friday of each month.

Images: Julia Baker & Cheryl L. Guerrero⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Downtown San Rafael Arts District Downtown San Rafael

TONIGHT: 2nd Friday Art Walk, 5-8pm

Enjoy galleries, open studios, art exhibits, and live music as you stroll in downtown San Rafael. Anchored by Art Works Downtown galleries and artist studios, the art walk connects venues throughout downtown San Rafael the second Friday of each month.

• Identities, Gallery 1337
• Tiny Creatures: Our Invisible Sustainers by Salma Arastu, Underground Gallery
• Life Between Us by Alejandra Chavez, Max Thelen Resident, Founders’ Gallery
• Moons, Nature, and Dreams by Julia Baker, Donors’ Gallery
• Discover two levels of art studios & galleries

Images: Salma Arastu, Alejandra Chavez, Lara Myers, Susan McCormick, Kathy Grey⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
San Rafael Arts District Downtown San Rafael
Salma Arastu Susan McCormick Kathy Gray

TONIGHT: 2nd Friday Art Walk, 5-8pm
Enjoy galleries, open studios, art exhibits, and live music as you stroll in downtown San Rafael.

Anchored by Art Works Downtown galleries and artist studios, the 2nd Friday Art Walk links venues along downtown Fourth Street the second Friday of each month.

• Identities, Gallery 1337
• Tiny Creatures: Our Invisible Sustainers by Salma Arastu, Underground Gallery
• Life Between Us by Alejandra Chavez, Max Thelen Resident, Founders’ Gallery
• Moons, Nature, and Dreams by Julia Baker, Donors’ Gallery
• Discover two levels of art studios & galleries

Images: Tori Berghoff & Sharon Virtue⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Downtown San Rafael Arts District Downtown San Rafael
Sharon Virtue Tori Head Berghoff

Friday night join us for the 2nd Friday Art Walk, 5–8pm

Art Works Downtown, 1325–1337 4th St
• Identities, Gallery 1337
• Tiny Creatures: Our Invisible Sustainers by Salma Arastu, Underground Gallery
• Life Between Us by Alejandra Chavez, Max Thelen Resident, Founders’ Gallery
• Moons, Nature, and Dreams by Julia Baker, Donors’ Gallery
• Discover two levels of art studios & galleries

Marin Jewelers Guild, 1331 4th St
Pat Doherty “My oil paintings are done by applying multiple layers of paint using both brushwork & palette knife, to create rich color & texture.”

McRoskey Mattress Company, 1320 4th St
Boss Ceramics, Brenna Boss is a ceramic artist who is known to tread the line between macabre & organic themes & forms. Her pieces are created with utility in mind while still incorporating playfulness.

McRoskey’s own Cameron Farris is a Bay Area fiber artist, CamCrochetsThings, with a particular passion for crochet. Her work focuses on playful & eclectic, yet functional home goods and garments.

Marin Society of Artists
1515 3rd St, corner of E
CLOSING RECEPTION for "ON THE ROAD", an exhibition of paintings, photographs, sculpture, prints & multi-media artwork produced by MSA artists. Closes Aug 10. See what adventures the MSA artists encountered as they ventured down the twisted and quirky road of art. Prize Juror: the Artist Hines. Also on view: selected artwork from MSA artists in our Flex & Downstairs galleries.



Downtown San Rafael Arts District Salma Arastu Sharon Virtue Downtown San Rafael Marin Jewelers Guild Marin Society of Artists MarinArts McRoskey Mattress Co. San Francisco BOSS Ceramics

Our Mission: To provide an environment for visual arts to thrive for the well-being of community

Since the founding of Art Works Downtown (AWD) in 1996, the core purpose of the organization has been to enrich our community by encouraging artistic activities, educating the public, increasing appreciation of art, and strengthening the relationship between artists, arts organizations and the larger community. AWD provides an environment that is seeded in its historic building on Fourth Street but expands its reach to the broader community in Marin.

More than a physical location, AWD creates a setting that fosters unity, belonging, collaboration, opportunity, and creativity – all elements of a thriving and healthy arts community.

To learn more about our creative and educational programs, or find out how you can support our work, please visit our Link in Bio.

Inspired by what we do?

Your financial support enables us to fill our mission. Please consider a generous, tax-deductible donation to Art Works Downtown to help ensure art programs remain impactful to everyone in our visual arts-centered community.

We also invite you to join the AWD Leadership Circle with a donation of $1,000 or more if you are able.

Every donation is valued and appreciated!

Make a donation: https://www.artworksdowntown.org/donate-now
Link in Bio⁣⁣⁣⁣

Downtown San Rafael

Art highlight from Identities • AWD’s Gallery 1337 Art Exhibition

Art Works Downtown invites you to consider selfhood through transformation by experiencing this dynamic exhibition of artworks exploring the concept of identity.

Art highlight: Study 9 by Joseph Abbati, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 24"
https://josephabbati.art/

See the artwork in person Wednesday–Saturday 12–6pm at Art Works Downtown, San Rafael, CA.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Be the first to see our newest Gallery 1337 exhibition: Identities

August 2–September 14, 2024
August 9, 5–8pm: opening reception and Art Walk
September 13 5–8pm: reception and Art Walk

Art Works Downtown invites you to consider selfhood through transformation by experiencing this dynamic exhibition of artworks exploring the concept of identity.

Exhibiting Artists
Chai A'Lilharder, Joseph Abbati, Irman Arcibal, Tessie Barrera-Scharaga, Barry Beach, Tori Berghoff, Molly Blauvelt, Mason Bondi, Jeffrey Brewer, Shari Bryant, Kimberley Campisano, Harlan Crowder, Christopher Fraser, Carol Fregoso, Cheryl L. Guerrero, Cheryl L. Guerrero, Victoria Heilweil, Jeremy Jones, Joey Jones, Nancie Jordan, Susan R. Kirshenbaum, Andrea Lunetta, Akemi Osajima, Cindy Pavlinac, Susan Press, Paul Ransohoff, Barbara Rockhold, Susan Saunders Bondi, Alex Smith, Mahshid Tabatabaei, Sharon Virtue

Juror:
Jonathan Carver Moore; founder and director, Jonathan Carver Moore Gallery; www.jonathancarvermoore.com

Image: Sharon Virtue, Pioneers, acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, 30" x 24"⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
MarinArts Downtown San Rafael Sharon Virtue

Sneak Peek into the Studio - This is a corner of AWD Studio #3, artist Davis Perkins. The four small paintings on Davis’ easel were all done on location during his recent trip up to northern California and southern Oregon.

Come see Davis’ work in person. AWD is now open to the public Wednesday–Saturday, 12-6pm. www.davisperkins.com
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Davis Perkins

What makes Art Works Downtown unique? Not only do we have 4 art galleries but we have 35 working artist studios in the building.

At any moment, works of art in almost every medium are being dreamed, planned, made, shown, or discussed somewhere in our building – and are inspiring artists and the public to begin the cycle again.

Visit us year-round Wednesday–Saturday, 12–6pm. Talk to our artists, see what they are working on, and get inspired. We hope to see you soon.

Artists: Nini Lion & Stephanie Jucker
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Downtown San Rafael Nini Lion Lion Fine Art Stephanie Jucker Fine Art

Studio 28: Sunila Bajracharya
painting + sculpture

Listening to your inner voice is the art of living.

I was born in Nepal and moved to California in 2006. My dream has been to have a studio at Art Works Downtown since the first time I visited there. Every year I thought about having my own studio so I could become more deeply involved in my art, but time slipped away from me. This year my inner voice became so strong and determined that I applied for the AWD residence.

As a mother of two, a wife, and a full-time curator at Cedars, there are many demands on my time, but my small, inner voice says these elements can be sources for my creativity. “If there is a will, there is way!” Nothing can stop me if I want to start making art again today.

I am continuing on my inner journey of finding myself through art. I am working with many questions concerning space, social boundaries, and time and my own dharma. How does a different country make me different? How does my own mindset, my space, my time, affect me and my artmaking? I am searching for a way to express all of this through art.

I am fascinated by the expressiveness of the human form and their existing. I love working from live models and people I meet every day. That is usually the starting point for my improvisation: I observe carefully and then let my imagination and intuition take over. My main media are acrylics for painting, and wire, wax and clay for sculpting.

I am thankful to AWD for this opportunity to explore myself as an artist more fully. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Sunila Bajracharya

AWD Artist Studio 29: Barry Beach
sculpture - various media (found materials, wood, paper, etc.)

I am compelled by the natural processes of transformation. I use transformational processes in creating my work, including deconstruction, reconstruction, carving, accumulating, covering, and coating.

My processes include using combinations of new, used, natural, and industrial materials for their physical and psychological effects. Recent work explores topography, geology, accumulation, removal, and renewal.

The natural landscape influences my work through the physicality of materials, natural and human-built structures, geology, natural history, and years of experiencing North American mountains through extensive traveling and hiking.

The tension of intersecting human and natural landscapes fascinates me, hybrid areas where the human and non-human worlds intersect: protected land, open spaces, urban areas, and rural areas. Observing the natural world inspires me, helping me see cycles and patterns: surface/form, order/chaos, organic/synthetic, life/death/renewal.

BarryBeach.com
IG


Barry Beach

Thank You William G. Irwin Charity Foundation for the $50,000 grant to help pay for water intrusion repairs and to Tamalpais Pacific for the $35,000 to help pay for the completion of Phase 3 of the Electrical Upgrade!

After the 2023 storms caused significant damage to our historic building, Art Works Downtown (AWD) took swift action by strategically applying for grants to fund the necessary repairs. We're committed to preserving our beloved space and continuing to support the arts community.

In addition to the $50k William G. Irwin Charity Foundation grant for water intrusion repairs, AWD has been awarded $35k from the Tamalpais Pacific to complete Phase 3 of our electrical upgrade. This grant will enable us to connect the new transformer to our new electrical boxes.

Phase 4, upgrading the wiring from the transformer to the housing units, is still needed and is estimated to cost $200k. Small steps, great strides!

Our work is not over — please donate today! https://www.artworksdowntown.org/donate-now

Your support enables AWD to continue to fulfill its mission: to provide an environment for visual arts to thrive for the well-being of community.

To learn more about AWD’s ongoing building challenges and to discuss how you can help support the visual arts, please contact Elisabeth Setten, Executive Director.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Art highlight from Summer Dreaming • AWD’s Gallery 1337 Art Exhibition

Summer Dreaming welcomes viewers to survey the ethereal undercurrents of summertime’s sun-soaked days and warm nights through a collection of expressions, mediums, and narratives by Bay Area visual artists.

Art highlight: Forrest by Elizabeth Gleason, shadow box,10" x 10" x 3"
LizGleasonArtworks.com

See the artwork in person Wednesday–Saturday 12–6pm at Art Works Downtown, San Rafael, CA.

Elizabeth Gleason

Today is the last day to see Freedom by Janey Fritsche • Founders’ Gallery.

There is something about the ocean that transcends our normal reality and touches on a dreamworld. It is a place to do a reset for a fresh view of life; a place we can just be at peace, a place to awaken joy. Being at the seashore combined with my meditation practice helps to cultivate my heart / mind for being present in the moment. Freedom is found in these moments of "being here now" and leading with my heart.

janeyfritsche.com
IG

Janey Fritsche

Congratulations to artist Lorin Santaloci for the recent sale of Trail to Broken Leg Beach an original oil painting on display in Art Works Downtown’s juried exhibition: Summer Dreaming.

AWD’s art galleries are highly curated bringing audiences of Marin quality and usually affordable priced original works. When artwork is purchased through an AWD exhibition it helps support the individual artist who made the work, the local community, and the art center.

AWD is delighted that this beautiful work has found its new forever home with a new art collector.

Come see it in person in Gallery 1337 through July 20.
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Lorin Santaloci Panknin

Last chance to see Summer Dreaming • AWD’s Gallery 1337 Art Exhibition
June 7–July 20, 2024

Summer Dreaming welcomes viewers to survey the ethereal undercurrents of summertime’s sun-soaked days and warm nights through a collection of expressions, mediums, and narratives by Bay Area visual artists.

See the artwork in person Wednesday–Saturday 12–6pm at Art Works Downtown, San Rafael, CA.

Art highlight:
Audrey Herrera, Self-Portrait in Magenta, oil on canvas, 30" x 48" x 1"

Art highlight from Summer Dreaming • AWD’s Gallery 1337 Art Exhibition
June 7–July 20, 2024

Summer Dreaming welcomes viewers to survey the ethereal undercurrents of summertime’s sun-soaked days and warm nights through a collection of expressions, mediums, and narratives by Bay Area visual artists.

Chasing Waterfalls by Barbara Morris, acrylic on canvas, 48" x 48" x 2"
https://www.barbaramorrisart.com/galleries

See the artwork in person Wednesday–Saturday 12–6pm at Art Works Downtown, San Rafael, CA.

Barbara Morris

Art Receptions Tonight: 2nd Friday Art Walk, 5-8pm
• Summer Dreaming, Gallery 1337
• AlieNation by Alexandru Salceanu, Underground Gallery
• Freedom by Janey Fritsche , Founders’ Gallery
• Figments of Imagination by Jeffrey Zalles , Donors’ Gallery
• Discover two levels of art studios and galleries

Enjoy galleries, open studios, art exhibits, and live music as you stroll in downtown San Rafael. Anchored by Art Works Downtown galleries and artist studios, the 2nd Friday Art Walk links venues along downtown Fourth Street the second Friday of each month.

Images: Alexandru Salceanu & Katherine Warinner⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Downtown San Rafael Arts District Downtown San Rafael

TONIGHT: 2nd Friday Art Walk, 5-8pm

Enjoy galleries, open studios, art exhibits, and live music as you stroll in downtown San Rafael. Anchored by Art Works Downtown galleries and artist studios, the art walk connects venues throughout downtown San Rafael the second Friday of each month.

• Summer Dreaming reception, Gallery 1337
• AlieNation by Alexandru Salceanu reception, Underground Gallery
• Freedom by Janey Fritsche reception, Founders’ Gallery
• Figments of Imagination by Jeffrey Zalles reception, Donors’ Gallery
• Discover two levels of art studios and galleries

Images: Jeffrey Zalles, Janey Fritsche, Sue Weil, Sunila Bajracharya, & Barry Beach ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Downtown San Rafael Arts District Downtown San Rafael

Jeffrey Zalles Janey Fritsche Sue Weil Sunila Bajracharya Barry Beach

TONIGHT: 2nd Friday Art Walk, 5-8pm

Enjoy galleries, open studios, art exhibits, and live music as you stroll in downtown San Rafael.

Anchored by Art Works Downtown galleries and artist studios, the 2nd Friday Art Walk links venues along downtown Fourth Street the second Friday of each month.

• Summer Dreaming reception, Gallery 1337
• AlieNation by Alexandru Salceanu reception, Underground Gallery
• Freedom by Janey Fritsche reception, Founders’ Gallery
• Figments of Imagination by Jeffrey Zalles reception, Donors’ Gallery
• Discover two levels of art studios and galleries

Images: Audrey Herrera & Alexandra Bowes⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Downtown San Rafael Arts District Downtown San Rafael

Janey Fritsche Jeffrey Zalles

Friday night join us for the 2nd Friday Art Walk, 5–8pm

Art Works Downtown 1325–1337 4th St
• Summer Dreaming
• AlieNation by Alexandru Salceanu
• Freedom by Janey Fritsche
• Figments of Imagination by Jeffrey Zalles
• Discover two levels of art studios and galleries

Marin Jewelers Guild 1331 4th St
Pat Doherty
“My oil paintings are done by applying multiple layers of paint using both brushwork and palette knife, to create rich color and texture.”

Marelli’s Window Gallery, 1318 4th St
Musings by Judith Morris on display through July 31, 2024.
A collection of musings, stories and quizzical wonderings involving paint, pencil, paper, glue, etc. Patterns, textures, and wonky perspective mixed together that can create possible knowledge, spotty awakening, giddy joyance, curious revelations, nitty exasperations and genuine gladness.

A special "THANK YOU" to Art Works Downtown for inclusion in Second Friday Art Walk. Art Works Downtown is a gift and a magical arena for the community and for the county -- an opportunity for artists to grow and flourish in a fun and supportive environment.

The Marin Society of Artists 1515 3rd St
The Marin Society of Artists announces the CLOSING RECEPTION for "California Mind", a juried exhibition in our Main Gallery featuring artists from all over the Greater Bay Area - painting, photography, sculpture and more. This weekend is the last chance to view this unique show, which closes July 13. Juror: Karen Leoni.

Also on view: selected artwork from MSA artists in our Flex and Downstairs galleries.



Downtown San Rafael Downtown San Rafael Arts District Janey Fritsche Jeffrey Zalles Marin Jewelers Guild Marin Society of Artists MarinArts