Form + Function = Art

Artist's Reception

Saturday, November 3rd 

2 to 5 pm

Many endeavors are classified as a craft. Woodworking and quilt-sewing are examples of crafts. Ceramics is also usually classified as such. Crafts are so designated because they have a purpose - a function. Woodworking will yield a chair that we can sit on, quilts keep us warm and ceramic bowls and cups give us utensils with which to eat. When was the last time you did something useful with a painting? Yet sometimes when form combines with function a unique type of art is created.

The Tosch family has created a collection of beautifully functional pieces of ceramics. However, if you take the time to observe them carefully you will find unique combinations of form that transform the piece. In one case it may be an organic handle attached to a very symmetrical mug. In another it is the flowing lines of a pitcher that mimic each other and the arch of liquid that would pour from it.

Form and Function will be on display at the aRt Cottage from November 1st through the 24th. And don't miss the Reception on Saturday, November 3rd from 2 to 5 pm.

"Our Natural World" Follows "Another World" at the aRt Cottage

"Our Natural World" Photography Exhibition and Competition opens its one month run at the aRt Cottage October 3rd. Sponsored by the Diablo Valley Camera Club "Our Natural World" is a celebration of the world and animals that surround us.

The show consists of 56 photographic prints representing 18 different artists with an astonishing array of subject matter.

The Diablo Valley Camera Club was founded in 1983 as an offshoot of a photography class held at the Diablo Valley Adult School.  In 1986, the Concord Camera Club and Diablo Valley Camera Club merged to form a stronger organization. The Concord Camera Club had been in existence for many years. It had experienced photographers and knowledge about camera club organization but its membership was small and participation was limited. Diablo Valley Camera Club was young and had less experience, but was growing and enthusiastic. The combination of the two now exists as the current Diablo Valley Camera Club which meets on the 2nd and 4th Wed of each month at Pilgrim Hall at The First Congregational Church, 1229 Court Street, Martinez at 7pm.

The show is also a competition with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes worth a total of $100 being handed out. Two Honorable Mention ribbons were also awarded.

Judging was conducted by well known local professional photographer Dick Hixson.

Dick received an AA deg from DVC and then enrolled in the two year trade school photography course at Laney Junior College. He started his own commercial photography business and owned a studio in San Francisco for 16 years where he supplied photography to many advertising agencies in San Francisco and the peninsula. His clients included Apple, HP, AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, Acer , and FedEx. He moved his studio to the Walnut Creek area and continued shooting for another 24 years.

Competition Winners

1^st Place – Betty Prange’s "Yellowstone Morning"

2^nd Place – "Alone on the Mountain" by Jim Ludwig

3^rd Place -  "Winter at Cascade Creek" by Cathy Pemberton

HM – Lori Espinosa’a "Pre-flight"

HM – Lance Guelfo’s "A Delta Plant"

Congratulations to the winners!

 

 
Opening Reception

An opening Reception is planned for Saturday, October 6th from 2 to 5 pm at the aRt Cottage. Come and meet the artists and learn how they created their master works and about their worldly travels. There will be entertainment food and beverage so please come and enjoy this special occasion.

 

Take Better Photographs

Baffled by the world of digital photography? Have a new camera and not quite sure how to use it? Want to take better photos of your kids, dog, vacation? Have a question about how to use Photoshop? Stop by the aRt Cottage from 2 to 4 pm on Saturday October 20^th and meet members of the Diablo Valley Camera Club. DVCCs seasoned photographers will be present to help you out. In addition, you can browse the gallery and enjoy the fabulous photographs on display.