50/50 Opening at Sanchez Art Center

50/50 Opening was packed...

I guess if you have sixty local artists in a show you should expect a big turnout, but this was quite amazing. Cars were parked everywhere and there was a line of cars down Linda Mar Blvd. trying to get in at 7 p.m.

We got there early to see all the pieces in place as rumor had it that as pieces were purchased they would be taken off the wall. Luckily most buyers left pieces in place so visitors could take in the wall installations as a whole that evening.

Artist and 50/50 participant, Peter Foley, made the rounds.

This is he East wing where my work is installed. The news cameras were there interviewing artists (see camera light in above picture).

The work filled two wings and a central gallery. The spots were chosen by lottery--and clearly it was all on the up and up. My old San Francisco Neighbor, Ellen Little, who is in her first exhibition after closing the doors on her design business this year, came on the last day to install and got the #1 position in the West Wing. I was in the back, in the corner, in the dark (remember Geraldine on Flip Wilson). Good news was that people really got around to look at everything.

Two illustrious visitors, David Nelson-Gal and Lisa Tanner.

After seeing everything installed, I have some new favorites. I couldn't get close enough opening night to photograph, so you'll have to wait until I visit the show again. One artist made x-rays of 50 plastic toys, which she printed as a black image on white background. They were quirky, mysterious and mostly recognizable. Another favorite were 50 brightly colored painted chickens by Marsha Heimbecker. these freely painted pieces were titled something like "Free Range Chickens That Look Like People I Know." They were too funny, and beautifully painted.

I have to admit I am already thinking about ideas for next year. This process has been kind of addictive.