HOSFELT - GEORGE KREVSKY - GALLERY AT A.C.T.
RUBY'S CLAY STUDIO - SOAP - LUKAS STAINED GLASS
SHOOTING GALLERY - WHITE WALLS - GALLERY THREE
05.09.09

Hosfelt Gallery: Marco Maggi - Cubic Drops.

Comment by AB: According to the prospectus, Marco Maggi's art would purport to circumscribe a language or lexicon with its diagrammatic components, adherent to some predefined set of perameters. But then said prospectus pulls the cognitive carpet right out from under you stating that there is no such dealie bob going on. So if there isn't, why bring it up in the first place? In any event, it's good art, especially on the zoom-in, dense with detail, the consequence of consummate craftsmanship. Plus the show is superbly laid out. I like it; go see. Wait. Almost forgot-- don't miss the illusionary Jim Campbell LED (light emitting diode) escalator escapade in the rear gallery. Nice.

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George Krevsky Gallery: The 12th Annual Art of Baseball Exhibition.

Comment by AB: It's art about baseball. So according to the Transitive Property of Equality, if you like art and you like baseball, then you'll like this show. In related news, I think it might be curated by Achenbach Curator Emeritus Robert Flynn Johnson 'cuz his name is mentioned in conjunction with the show, but not in what capacity. Plus there's mini corndogs.

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Gallery at A.C.T. (American Conservatory Theater): Tom Mogensen - Paintings and Drawings.

Comment by AB: Art by Tom Mogensen ranges from portrait and figural works to several rather captivating pieces that at a cursory glance appear to be landscape compositions, but then quickly dissolve into fields of abstract forms.

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Ruby's Clay Studio: Kinetic Transformations.

Artists: Ryan Gordon, Pati Hayes, Mitsu Kimura, Nina Robin, Cody Meeks, Liz Worthy.

Comment by AB: Ruby O'Burke, a graduate of Mills College founded Ruby's Clay Studio in 1962 and it's been at its current Noe Street location since 1967. She passed away in 1983 at the age of 86, but her legacy lives on. The Studio combines a large workshop area in the back with a small gallery up front. Tonight's whimsical display, much of it suspended from the ceiling, includes ceramic clothes pinned to a clothes line, ceramic "plants," and several slender vertical composite constructions.

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Soap Gallery: Scott MacLeod - Helter Shelter.

Comment by AB: In two and three-dimensional works, Scott MacLeod probes the concept of shelter from a plurality of perspectives-- intellectual, psychological, physical, as sanctuaries, as sources of worry or insecurity, etc. Plus this-- plenty available for under $200, nothing over $600.

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Lukas Stained Glass Studios, 152 Helena St, San Francisco, CA 94124: Iconic Interpretations.

Artists: Prairie Prince, Pete the Painter, Nick Lukas, Amandalynn, Sharon Collins, Stan Peskett, Lucien Shapiro, Marcus Pacheco, Stormie Mills, Margaretta Jo, Megan Shaffer, Aunia Kahn, Matt Gil, Tim Wallingher, Michael Holman, George Mead, Wythe Bowart, Robin Grass, Cyril Jordan, Paul Knotter, Charlie O¹Hanlon, Catherine Murty, Moira Lukas, Sue Grazier, Nikki Lukas, Dela Longfish, Holly Ellis, Erin Ashford, Lango, Bob Carrau, Jamai Lowell, Jon Weis, Lingam, Yoni.

Comment by AB: Major wingding here at a cherry venue. Organized by Amandalynn, the art is intended to incite lively discourse around the concept of the icon. The setting, Lukas Stained Glass Studio, cannot be more atmospheric, perched on the side of a steep hill almost directly beneath a freeway, and looking out onto San Francisco and the Bay. Plus guests get shuttled up the hill in an electric golf cart. Plus there's live harp music and a sumptuous spread. So beat that, my artful darlings.

The first floor of the building is crammed to the rafters with sheets of stained glass, a good deal of which is not even manufactured anymore according to principal Nick Lukas, grandson of the founder. Speaking of deals, Nick goes on to say that he's selling the entire stock of glass for $80K-- below wholesale he adds. Interested parties please contact him at 415.468.2147.

Meanwhile back at the show, highlights include Pete the Painter's fine rendition of the Madonna and Child, executed entirely in super gloss automobile enamel and gold leaf, Amandalynn's portrait of her sister in Carmen Miranda attire and holding her head on a plate, a sweet Jesus on a motorcycle gas tank, and Wythe Bowart's iconic representation of none other than... Wythe Bowart. And a mighty fine time is had by all. Double yo!

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The Shooting Gallery: Isabel Samaras - Into The Woodz.

Comment by AB: Isabel Samaras taps into the collective unconscious for this one, answering that intensely burning question that surely everyone has contemplated at one time or another in their lives-- "What if our furry and feathered forest friends thugged up?" Well, wonder no more my lovelies. Now we know. Yep. There's boom boxes, dookie chains, knuckle rings, 'fro pics, body art, and mo'. Like it.

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White Walls Gallery: Ian Johnson. 

Comment by AB: Tributes in portraiture of notable Jazz musicians by Ian Johnson. Johnson's got the knack for making the greats look even greater. As good as it gets. Go see.

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Gallery Three: Dustin Olson - Fantastic in the Sack.

Comment by AB: Dustin Olson paints bags over the heads of eight nudes. Bag-art afficionados manifest solidarity with Olson's antics by doing the same. (FYI, Gallery Three has relocated to the upstairs of White Walls.)

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Addendum:

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