Art and Craft For All

Without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to the other artisans in the ArtFirst! Holiday Show and Sale, as promised in my previous post and the one before that. 

Beka Brayer is  a mixed media assemblage artist. Beka says that her goal "is to breathe new life into intriguing old or found objects." Beka has also published a limited edition hand embellished book entitled "Art of Whimsey". She has contributed works for a wide range of fundraising benefits and has shown at ArtSpan, City Art Cooperative, Mission Artists United, and Studio 333.

Glass blower Holly Wallace, formerly of Ruby Glass Works, is currently an exhibiting member of Berkeley's oldest art cooperative, ACCI Gallery on Shattuck Avenue. Her work has been shown and sold at SFMOMA, Gumps, Celebration of Craftswomen, and many other galleries, shows and museums.  Holly describes glass blowing as "the whirling dervish of the art world. It is a juggling act with fire and form." 

Victoria Veedell paints vibrant and colorful abstract landscapes. In her words, she "captures the essence of nature by examining the effects of light on form in the natural world." Victoria's paintings have been exhibited nationally and internationally in galleries and art centers, and are in many private and corporate collections.

Julie Long Gallegos creates hand beaded jewelry and accessories, including purses. Julie finds inspiration for her designs in Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts, California Decorative Style, Art Deco, the Wiener Werkstatte, African art and Native American beadwork. Her Klimt “Kiss” cuff bracelet and “Coral Snake” lariat appeared in Lark Publications’ Showcase 500 Beaded Jewelry book (2012).

The ArtFirst! Show continues this Wednesday through Sunday (November 28 through December 2) at the Village Shops and Galleries, 10330 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito (cross streets Eureka and Stockton), from noon to 6:00 pm.

This is my original blog post with all of the information about the show. Click here to visit the ArtFirst! website.