Special guest artist - Spike Mills

Goomee Planter  (California Redwood, 16x10")

Acclaimed artist Spike Mills is visiting from Canada - and we're so delighted to feature some of his work here at the aRt Cottage during the month of May!

Spike carves and paints unique sculptures and masks from fallen trees and reclaimed wood.

Chupcan Queen  (White Cedar, 34x10")

Mt. Diablo Goomee  (California Redwood, 48x14")

Growing up in Wawa, Ontario, Spike spent much of his boyhood outdoors, exploring the woods, climbing the hills and scavenging the beaches of nearby Lake Superior.

Spike saw faces everywhere...shimmering on the lake, lurking in the woods, etched onto the rocks. The images "freaked me out," says Spike, because he knew they existed only in his mind. His parents dismissed their son's visions as fanciful daydreams, but the faces were very real to Spike, and seemed to emanate from a parallel world that both frightened him and beckoned to him. He wondered if he could unite with the faces...and now that boyhood curiosity has morphed into an obsessive life's calling. "I knew then that I could manifest what I was seeing and bring these faces to life," he says. "I'm still at it."  

Click here to read Spike's full bio.

Mark Jezierny and his students return

Mark Jezierny has been passionate about art since childhood and in 1990, he received an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. He has been teaching in the Bay Area for many years. We're delighted to have Mark and his students, past and present, back for another show in May. 

Lafayette Reservoir

"Mark's paintings of Northern California landscapes, buildings and industrial scenes are done with both brush and/or palette knife. He creates an impressionistic style with an approach that is unconventional. yet boldly realistic. He uses color to convey mood, atmosphere and perspective with an energy that depicts the overall spirit of the subject matter. Texture and shading are effectively used to emphasize the form, density and richness of natural and man made objects."  - Walter Mast

Old Borges Ranch Barn

When art students come together, great things happen!

Leafscape by Walter Crew

Our local community college DVC (Diablo Valley College) has a wonderful art program. In 2001, a group of 14 art students decided to gather outside of class for critique sessions to help improve their skills. After a while the group became known as CC14 (CC for our county of Contra Costa) and has grown to well beyond 14 members, including current DVC students and former alumni.

CC14 members' work is featured for the month of April and you're sure to find something you'll want to bring home!

Join us for the CC14 Artist Reception on Saturday, April 6th, 2-4pm.

Landscapes of the Mind - March Show

By River Huston

In our March show, Landscapes of the Mind, you'll take a wild ride from the natural world to the exciting, abstract world of fantasy. Nearly 30 members from the Concord Art Association are showing their visions of landscapes through paintings, photography, collage and more.

Inspiration surrounds us in February

Underwater II by Colleen Gianatiempo, mixed media

Inspiration Surrounds Us

In this energetic mixed media art show that runs through the month of February, Concord Art Association members explore the concept that inspiration can be found anywhere. From the smallest bug to the largest building, artists are inspired by color, light, form, shadows, geometry, texture, people, nature and so much more. Inspiration knows no bounds!

Budding Corruption by Pat Calabro, acrylic

Take an art class with us!

Join one of our talented local artists for an exciting class - learn a new technique, play with different mediums, take home a creative work of art!

Click here to register for your desired class(es) - seating is limited to 6-8 students per class. Make your payment by mail or bring it in person ONLY (cash or check) to the aRt Cottage - 2238 Mt. Diablo Street, Concord CA 94520.

Saturday 1/12/19: 1-3pm  $45

Paint Pouring with Pat Calabro

Learn the basics of this exciting painting trend! $25 extra for supplies if needed.

Sunday 1/13/19:  1-4pm  $30

Art Crayon Techniques with Lisa Fulmer

Learn 5 different ways to work with Marabu Art Crayons. All supplies included.

Friday 1/18/19:  6-8pm  $25

Floral Study 1 with Deena Sheranko

Learn to quickly sketch and color flowers with watercolor and ink. All supplies included.

Saturday 1/19/19:  1-4pm  $55

Gel Plate Printing with Pat Viera

Learn the basics of making gel prints on paper. Most supplies included; bring your own gel plate or buy one from Pat for an extra $25.

Saturday 1/19/19:  6-8pm  $25

Floral Study 2 with Deena Sheranko

Learn to quickly sketch and color flowers with watercolor and ink. All supplies included.

Thursday 1/24/19:  6-8pm  $40

Make Your Own Font with Alex Savakis

Develop your own handwriting into creative digital lettering. Supplies and digi-conversion included.

Friday 1/25/19:  6-9pm  $40

Sip & Uncork Your Creativity with Cheryl Jones

Make an adorable serving tray with wine corks. All supplies (and wine!)  included.

Saturday 1/26/19:  1-3pm  $45

The Magic of Alcohol Inks with Laurie Mansur

Learn how to paint a landscape, a floral or an abstract composition. All supplies included.

Click here to download our class flyer. Waiting lists for additional classes will be created as needed.

Holiday Boutique

Shop right here in Concord for original art and handmade gifts this holiday season and support dozens of talented local artists. Our Holiday Boutique runs through November and December.

Join us on Saturday, November 10th (2-4pm) for our Open House and Artist Reception. Roy Gonzalez will be playing live music and refreshments (wine!) will be served.