Art Gallery at the Orinda Library:Elephants & Owls, Arctic Sled Dogs, Ceramics, Textured & Whimsical

How about starting out the New Year with words from Beyoncé? “In our perfect ways, in the ways we are beautiful, in the ways we are human – we are here. Happy New Year’s. Let’s make it ours.” The Lamorinda Arts Council echoed this sentiment by featuring four artists who have worked hard to make artwork we can all appreciate. Barbara Breashears’ mixed media drawings of elephants and owls, Patrick Brod’s photographs of Arctic husky sled dogs, Olga Larner’s textured ceramic sculptures and the whimsical Wonky Ware ceramics of Sandra Schlink fill the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library until Jan. 31. Meet all four artists at a reception with refreshments from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4. Breashears works in mixed media, and has used watercolor pencils for over 30 years. Vibrant colors and intriguing lines sing in each drawing of owls and elephants. “Mom and Baby Elephants” reminds us of faraway places that are home to exotic animals. For more of her work, visit b3-art.com/. Brod’s theme, “Sled Dogs of the Arctic: Strength, Spirit and Snow,” focuses on photographs highlighting the endurance and beauty of the sled dogs as they navigate the changing Arctic. As a member of NORSLED, a local rescue dedicated to northern breeds, his involvement with sled dogs began in 2015 when he took a sled dog trip in the Arctic Circle via Tromsø, Norway. Leading a team of six dogs across the frozen landscape ignited his lifelong passion for animal welfare. “Arctic Dreams,” his 52” x 38” photograph of husky sled dogs snoozing on snowpack, gives us a glimpse of another world where blue skies and arctic temperatures rule the day. Through this exhibit, he hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for sled dogs and the urgent need to protect the environments in which they thrive. Visit patrickbrod.com to view more of his photographs. Larner has worked in ceramics for 10 years and has a background in design. Her show is themed “Textures” as she likes to bring out texture and organic elements of clay in her ceramic sculptures. Her “Black and White” 6” x 9” charcoal clay, white-glazed vessel makes one want to linger over the finely textured surface she created. Visit larner.com to see more. Schlink is inspired by artists George Edgar Ohr and Rodin. “Wonky Ware is my brand and style,” she said. “I love whimsical artwork.” If whimsy is in your wheelhouse, you’ll appreciate her wonderfully curvy ceramic sculpture “Tea Pot Defy Gravity 3.” __________ Visit the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library to view artwork at 26 Orinda Way. Hours are Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed Sundays and Jan. 15. For more library information, email, call 925.254.2184 or visit http://www.ccclib.org/. For information about the Lamorinda Arts Council’s gallery email info [email protected], call 925.359.4490, or visit lamorindaarts.org/galleries-2. The Art Gallery at Wilder is undergoing restructuring in January.

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