Small works, big talent at San Rafael art show

Art Works Downtown is one of Marin County’s best venues for diverse and imaginative visual art. Through Jan. 25, San Rafael’s Fourth Street gallery features “The Small Works Exhibit,” with paintings, photos and sculptures by dozens of artists.

Juried by Paul Mahder, the director of Healdsburg’s Paul Mahder Gallery, the exhibit opened in late November, showcasing artists working in every imaginable style from realistic depiction to extreme abstraction.

The title of the show refers to a size limit — among the biggest pieces on display is Alyssa Channelle’s “Within the Culture,” a depiction of someone adjusting their leopard-pattern head wrap. Measuring 12 inches by 16 inches, the arresting image is one that could fit in most locations. Of similar size is Marin photographer Annie Bates-Winship’s “Road Trip,” a fascinating photograph of the open road from the interior of a car, with a large paper map unfurled under the dashboard. Another great photo is “Blue Heron Beauty” by Marijean Brush.

In keeping with the theme, almost all of the pieces displayed are of an extremely manageable scale — such as Marin artist Gail Caulfield’s little sculpture “Dancers,” with two evocative organic shapes like driftwood, but made of ceramic and stone. Eliza Thomas’ white stoneware “Flower” is another beautiful organic reference.

Portraiture is a popular but sometimes challenging choice for subject matter. This show features some good ones, such as Marin artist Mirto Golino’s quirky acrylic “The Wise Fool” and Kate Knudsen’s contemplative “JuJu Communion.”

Among the most fascinating works from a technical perspective are two oil-on-board paintings by James Marc, including “Autumn,” a compelling view of trees backlit by what is presumably a sunset. Oil paintings usually have a characteristic texture (“impasto”) of thick paint. Marc’s works are delicate and monochromatic, almost like pen-and-ink drawings. Another technically challenging piece is “Nine of Swords” by Steve Ramsey, a “pyro-graphic illustration” of dread or despair, created by burning the image onto a wooden panel. It’s among the most emotionally impactful pieces in the exhibit.

Counterbalancing such seriousness is plenty of whimsy, especially prevalent in the sculptures, arrayed on pedestals throughout the gallery. John Sheridan’s “Kansas!” is a darkly humorous collage of Dorothy and Toto from “The Wizard of Oz,” with Dorothy face-down, flattened by a massive pile of weapons, and Toto looking on helplessly from his picnic basket. Less political but still amusing are “My People” by Susan Press, and Mill Valley artist Beverly Mayeri’s “Linked Together” and “Video Game Man.”

Traditionalists will enjoy pastel landscapes such as Marin artist Karen Gideon’s “Carpenter Valley” and Jenny Blackburn’s “Monterey Pastoral.” The abstract expressionist school has its representatives in this show, too, including Judith Thompson’s “Just One Bird #3” and Elizabeth Gleason’s shadow box assemblage “Nest.” Career artist Linda Mueller never fails — her entry here is a fascinating creation called “En Pointe with Lemons,” whose composition and use of color are superb.

Prices at Art Works Downtown’s current exhibit range from $60 to $4,400. Most are accessibly priced; all are worthy of close examination. One of the best aspects of large group shows such as “The Small Works Exhibit” is the opportunity to compare and contrast the efforts of many talented artists in close proximity to one another.

“I was pleased to have so many fine artworks to choose from for this exhibit,” Mahder wrote in his juror’s statement. “There was a strong element of diversity both in medium and theme.”

Visitors would do well not only to devote a couple of hours to this exhibit, but to wander down the hall and into the catacombs below the street to peek into artists’ studios. Their occupants are usually eager to meet new enthusiasts.

Contact Barry Willis at barry.m.willis@gmail.com

If you go

What: “The Small Works Exhibit”

Where: Art Works Downtown, 1325-1337 Fourth St., San Rafael

When: Through Jan. 25; noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; reception and Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday

Admission: Free

Information: 415-451-8119; artworksdowntown.org