Arts abound across Davis
The Artery in Davis is hosting “Phenomena and Forecast” an exhibition of Adele Shaw’s new work. The display is open now at the 207 G St. location and runs through Feb. 1.
In 2020, Shaw reevaluated the image making in her paintings. A number of big reveals led her to this new, personal work. By going completely abstract she found a language to project intangible things — the smell of lavender or the sight of sunlight streaming through trees.
An interpretive painting might result from Shaw listening to the wind with closed eyes. She states, “in some ways it’s about everything and nothing at the same time.”
In this series, the painting’s ground is the fabric upon which the artist develops a double reality. In each painting one can see a refusal to sit quietly is possible as Shaw establishes a new language because images fail to convey the contradiction of this past year. By calling the eye toward harmony and chaos of color and form the artworks consider the competing issues that have made us all let go of expectations in the past year.
Through studies in her sketchbooks ( also on display) “Phenomena and Forecast” shows a degree of suspicion toward the past year. Yet the exhibition, as its title suggests, seeks to move past the here and how. Letting go of expectations usually leads to the understanding that things will change. Driven by this, Shaw searches for an artistic language to rebuild a vision and a connection with people from inside to out.
Shaw acknowledges that she has always started her paintings with an abstraction. This beginning would ultimately be painted over as the painting progressed. Her new, completely abstract canvases are high energy with bright color and transparent overlay — a conversation between color and line. Shaw explains, “this exploration into the abstract play of harmony and chaos feels just right, right now.”
For more information, visit theartery. net.
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The Davis Musical Theatre Company is hosting auditions for “HONK! JR.” later this month. It will be a virtual performance.
The auditions are set for Monday, Jan. 18 at 4: 30 p. m. and Tuesday, Jan. 19 also at 4: 30 p. m. Selected callbacks will take place on Thursday, Jan. 21 in that same time slot.
This delightful adaptation of the beloved Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling” fable and the award- winning musical is a heartwarming celebration of what makes us special “Honk! JR.” is a heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit, unique charm and memorable score. Witty and hilarious, but also deeply moving, “Honk! JR.” will garner equal amounts of laughter and tears.
The show will be directed and choreographed by Ron Cisneros, with musical direction by Dave Chan.
“Honk” will play on: Friday, April 9 at 7 p. m.; Saturday, April 10 at 7 p. m.; Sunday, April 11 at 2 p. m.
Sign up genius link to select Zoom audition date and time:
All performances will be presented online, the rehearsals are on Zoom but cast members must come to the theater building — located at 607 Pena Dr. in Davis — for costume fittings and recording sessions. Onsite visits will follow theater COVID- 19 protocol including social distancing and wellness procedures.
For more information, visit dmtc. org.
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Also in Davis, The John Natsoulas Gallery is hosting a Zoom workshop with artist Chester Arnold.
Arnold’s workshop will be a presentation on the evolution of ideas in painting, from sketchbook rough to finished painting — pulling together processes of thinking and technique. Arnold will make a small painting within the 3- hour session and will give insider info on preparation and technique.
The workshop is scheduled for Saturday from 1 to 4 p. m. and costs $ 50.
For more information, visit shop. natsoulas. com.
In this series, the painting’s ground is the fabric upon which the artist develops a double reality. In each painting one can see a refusal to sit quietly is possible as Shaw establishes a new language because images fail to convey the contradiction of this past year.