HEADLANDS CENTER FOR THE ARTS

(Reported by Vanessa Marsh)

10.18.09

Headlands Center for the Arts: Fall Open House.

Artists: Hurvin Anderson, Isola & Norzi, J. Morgan Puett, Michael Robinson, Zbigniew Rogalski, Camille Utterback, Aaron Ximm, Shaun O'Dell, Scott Oliver, Marlene McCarty, Michael Arcega, Patrick Gillespie, Vera Kachouh, Aaron Maietta, Michael Namkung, Joshua Short, Andrew Witrak, Holly Blake, Colette Campbell-Jones, John Casey, Christina Chan, Julie Cloutier, Sandy Florian, David Fought, Christopher Gray, Eric Hongisto, painting Ginelle Hustrulid, Robin Johnston, Julie Lara Kahn, Helen Lee, Pawel Kruk, Justin Limoges, Emily McLeod, Eileen Starr Moderbacher, Danielle Mourning, Megan Pruiett, Sarah Rosenthal, James Sansing, Wayne Smith, Michele Theberge, Emily Wilson.

Review and images by Vanessa Marsh: Headlands Center for the Arts open houses are held three times a year (Spring Summer and Fall) and give the public a chance to experience the studios of over 40 Headlands artists. With so much to see it is impossible to give an accurate representation here-- my advice would be to mark your calendars early for the next open house and get yourself across the bridge early. Be sure to give yourself ample time to explore all five of the studio buildings and bring a little cash to indulge in lunch at the Headlands Mess Hall cafe; you will not be disappointed.

One thing that strikes me about the art I see during this open house is that there's a great amount of work that appeals to me both conceptually and aesthetically.  There are things to think about, but nothing too overt, and craftsmanship and quality are in abundance.  Of particular note is Scott Oliver's piece in the Project Space. Using cast off materials found mostly in the attics of the two main buildings, Oliver creates a topographical map of the Marin Headlands.  Dirty yoga mats, outdated keyboards and old broken furniture are only a few examples of the variety of junk that makes up the hills and valleys in Oliver's piece. A creaky ladder set off to the side gives the viewer a bird's eye view of the miniaturized landscape. Also of note are Wayne Smith's beautiful collages, David Fought's artful installation of discreet wire sculptures and John Casey's studio with abundant and varied forms of his wacky, sometimes grotesque and oddly comical characters.

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