OAKLAND ART MURMUR
HATCH - FORT - BUZZ - Reported by John Casey01.02.09

Hatch Gallery: Preview 09

Review by John Casey: Hatch Gallery starts the new year off with a selection of artists who will be featured in upcoming shows over the course of 2009. The mediums are varied, as are the concepts and the majority of the work is strong and compelling. This show bodes well for the months to come at this former Ego Park location.

Artists: Tim Brown, Ross Campbell, Nate Crane, Michael Deane, Jason Tyler Grace, Evan Holme, Stephani Martinez, Nathaniel Russell, Peter St. Lawrence, Mark Inglis Taylor, Jamie Spinello, Derek Weisberg and David Wilson.

Fort Gallery: Scope

Review by John Casey: Fort Gallery features a group show with each artist's work occupying one of several rooms in this catacomb-like venue. Formally the home of Esteban Sabar Gallery, Fort kicks it up several notches with art that is both fresh and energetic.

Artists: Christopher Wilson, Billy Sprague, Katherine Montalato, Rob Rachine, Laura Garzon, and Chris Dennis.

Buzz Gallery: Crystal, Clouds, and Castles: New work by Obi Kaufmann

Review by John Casey: Oakland art icon and Swee(t)art Magazine publisher Obi Kaufman adorns the walls of the Buzz Gallery (aka Mama Buzz Cafe) with painted skateboard decks and works on paper. Although painted skate decks are a tried and true format in the Bay Area, Kaufmann's sci-fi creatures and and alien fantasies transform these simple modes of transportation into something a bit more intergalactic. Curated by Lisa Calderon.

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