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Since its beginnings
in 1997, just a year after artists and community members began developing
the dilapidated Sanchez Elementary School building into the Sanchez
Art Center, Arts on Fire has become a well-loved community
tradition in Pacifica. In the past, the annual Arts on Fire
juried exhibitions were scheduled to coincide with Valentine's Day,
February 14, and hearts were featured prominently in the poster
designs for Arts on Fire. However, as the celebratory aspect
of the event grew, Sanchez Art Center began scheduling Arts
on Fire in the spring for the warmer weather. The annual opening
reception is now attended by over 600 people each year, and is a
gala event replete with wonderful art, music, food, and entertainment
for the whole family.
Arts
on Fire XIV, opening Friday, April 9, 6–9 pm, promises to be
no exception. Our distinguished juror, Philip E. Linhares, Chief
Curator of Art at the Oakland Museum of California, selected 58
artworks from a record 457 pieces submitted by 136 artists from
all over the state of California. Arts on Fire XIV will
fill the Main and West Galleries. The 54 artists in the exhibition
are named on the postcard design above. Philip Linhares will give
a juror's talk and present this year's awards on Sunday, May 9,
at 4 pm. Past jurors have included noted art historian, author,
and founder of the Berkeley Art Museum, Peter Selz; Whitney Museum
adjunct curator and California College of Art Dean Larry Rinder;
and Chief Curator of the Crocker Art Museum, Scott Shields.
For
information about Ryan Bush and Sandra Ortiz Taylor in the East
Gallery's Arts on Fire XIII Awards Exhibition, click on
the East Gallery link below.
Gala Opening
Reception
For the gala celebration
of opening night, renowned pianist Billy Philadelphia will play
in the East Gallery foyer. Billy Philadelphia plays solo piano like
no one else. Whether it's a standard from the 1930s, something by
the Beatles, or a rockin' boogie woogie, Billy covers it all. For
a change of pace, Celtic harpist Emma Meritt Cuneo will play in
our Main Gallery.
Come early for barbecue,
beverages, and gourmet desserts at family-friendly prices. An "Art
Boutique" sale of posters, art books, and other mystery goodies
will take place throughout the evening. In our classroom, a.k.a.
the Mary Harris Art Education Room, kids of any age may come and
get some art painted on their cheeks, foreheads, or hands.
Last but certainly
not least, Asia & Arabesque Belly Dance troupe will lead a procession
into the Mildred Owen Concert Hall, where they will give a special
performance for Arts on Fire visitors, and the evening
will end with a spectacular fire dance performance by Starphire
in the courtyard outside. Arts on Fire provides a free
evening of art, music, and dance for the entire family, and is Sanchez
Art Center’s gift to the community, with support from our sponsors,
Art Guild of Pacifica, Bleyle Elevator, First National Bank of Northern
California, and Pacifica Performances.
Gallery Hours
Arts on Fire
XIV and Arts on Fire XIII Awards Exhibition will be
on display through May 9. Gallery hours are Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. |
