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May 15, 2002 "SPIRITUALITY AND THE SACRED IN ART" AT CITY ART IN JUNE SAN FRANCISCO - Local artists will explore the relationship between art and spirituality in a month-long exhibit at CITY ART in June. "Spirituality and the Sacred in Art" is the theme of the gallery's backroom exhibit in June. More than a dozen emerging artists will be exhibiting artwork that will explore their relationship between art and spirituality and their creative expression as a path to spirituality. The June exhibit will open with a reception, Friday, June 7, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the 828 Valencia Street gallery. Artists will be on hand at the opening to discuss their work with patrons. The "Spirituality and the Sacred in Art" exhibit was the brainchild of CITY ART member artist Bill Wallage. "My interest in sacred art goes back to studies in art history and theory classes in art school," Wallage said. "I was fortunate to be exposed to the whole spectrum of the arts of the world. I remember early on being very moved by art that was done for ritual and healing, notably the Dine ceremonies where sand paintings are created to help bring back harmony to the person out of balance. "Some of my favorite art is done through religious traditions, from Pueblo Katchinas to Christian folk art," Wallage said. The artist working alone in a secular manner can also have a deep connection to the sacred." The CITY ART exhibit will include a diverse look at spirituality and will not be limited to any one particular spiritual perspective. "My own work is becoming an extension of my meditation practice," Wallage said. "I am practicing mindfulness as I carve, paint, and play with creating. I feel that the artist that is seriously working and can truly except the call to create will open him or herself to the depths within and ever expanding mystery that is our commonality." Art exhibited during the "Spirituality and the Sacred in Art" will be available for sale at moderate prices. Local art buyers are encouraged to attend the June 7 exhibit opening reception. "Many of us have built small displays or altars in our homes or apartments which we use as a focal point to meditate or pray," said Katie Gilmartin, CITY ART core member. "Many of the spiritual pieces on display in June would be appropriate for these types of places." Owned and managed by local artists, CITY ART is a cooperative gallery of artists who strive to promote creative awareness and expression in the community. In addition to the "Spirituality and the Sacred in Art" exhibit, local artists at CITY ART in June will be displaying many new pieces of new artwork, priced at between $100 and $500. "Our objective at CITY ART is to make it possible for anyone to purchase original art by local artists," Gilmartin said. "At CITY ART you can pay affordable prices, get original art to hang on your walls, and support San Francisco's art community." The "Spirituality and the Sacred in Art" exhibit will run through June 30. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from Noon to 9 p.m. CITY ART is located at 828 Valencia Street between 19th and 20th streets and easily accessible by the BART and MUNI. Public parking is available two blocks away on 21st Street between Valencia and Mission streets. The CITY ART gallery can be reached at 415-970-9900. Also, currently showing at the CITY ART Annex is member artist David Benesh who is exhibit more than a dozen of his abstract, graphic paintings. The CITY ART Annex is located at The Oxygen Bar, 795 Valencia St. at 19th Street. For more information call 415-864-6884. |