The Lamorinda Arts Council presents artwork from “The Seven” a group of local artists who came together to display their eclectic show in the Art Gallery in the Orinda Library. ).” Light refreshments will be served outdoors on the patio on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 3 – 5 p.m. where local singer-song-writer Bryan Kemler will play acoustic guitar interpretations of his favorite artists. “My music is plain folk, heat-forged and rust covered,” said Kemler. Listen to a selection of his music at Soundcloud Bryan Kemler

Their theme, “What’s Next …” describes their commitment to discover what is hidden within their life experience to share with the world via art. Several have come to this “edge” of discovery preceded by decades of work. Now that they have the time, they are excited to reawaken their creativity. Indeed, their output is prolific – 100 artworks from different genres fill the gallery during September. It can also be seen and purchased from the gallery or online at www.lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries/.

Meet “The Seven,” Cindy Baker, Kath Balamuth, Jules Campbell, Susan Erickson, Christina Finnie, Pam Jameson and Jim Jordan at the reception in their honor. Their moniker, “The Seven,” was inspired by the Algonquin School, a group of Canadian painters dubbed “The Group of Seven (1920 – 1933).”

Baker, of Martinez, loves the hard edges of printmaking, especially the experience of making multiple identical prints. This experience introduced her to the beauty of paper in its many iterations such as art books. Her current art book series, “Thoughtful Thoughts,” is inspired by home and life experiences. These books incorporate the discipline of origami folds and printmaking techniques to extend the concept of what a book can be. Her “Samurai Cornered” 5” x 5” book is a good example of this idea.

Balamuth, curator of the show, likes to create a story with a series of paintings. This way she can delve into the subject matter rather than just scratching the surface. At present she is working on small images inspired by nature. She uses Photoshop to combine photos to make the image she is trying to create; this becomes her model. Her media is acrylic and sometimes collage from her studio in Orinda.  Visit Balamuth’s website at http://www.kathbalamuth.com.

Campbell, who lives in Lafayette, creates map-like compositions using layers of paper, string, rope and other materials. Her favorite tool is the sander. She piles on layers of color and collage on panels,  sands them back, adds more layers, and then sands again until the art pops out. “Alameda Causeway 3,” a 36” x 36” mixed media on panel gives us an artist’s impression from above of that geographical location in the East Bay. The busy urban land mass made of recycled materials in colors and shapes snakes around the waters of the Bay, alive and moving. Visit http://www.julescampbellart.com to peruse her work.

Erickson uses different paints, papers and mediums for her mixed media pieces. Sometimes a word, number or symbol in various sizes and colors add mystery, meaning and maybe a special memory or feeling to her piece. Her collages pull together realistic images with abstract mark- making and exuberant splashes of color. All her pieces have a message. “Careful Wet Paint” needs no explanation, the elements joyfully lead the eye around the 30” x 30” piece. See what she’s up to at http://www.susanericksonartist.com.

Finnie’s new works have taken off with a wild abstract playfulness that bespeaks her resilient personality. Daily nature walks in Vallejo where she lives bring vital energy to her acrylic paintings; color and form are her current study areas. Educated in painting, printmaking and the History of Art at UCB, Christina references art history in her paintings without exactitude.  Her current work references artists David Hockney, Peter Doig, and Joan Mitchell.

Jameson is showing a series of landscapes depicting environments in Northern California. In these urban views and landscapes she finds some quiet beauty that comes alive under her brushwork. Baker, Balamuth, Campbell and Jameson met at Diablo Valley College where they belonged to CC14, a student critique group which exhibited locally. Since 2015 they have worked together creating unique collaborative works displayed at Orinda Books. Look for “Reading is Magic,” a 24” x 24” mixed media on panel, an example a collaborative work by these four artists.

Jordan, who resides in Pleasant Hill, uses the human figure as his primary, but not exclusive, focus for his art. His media includes acrylics on canvas and pastels on paper. The 28” x 22” pastel drawing, “Thinking of You,” depicts the thoughtful pose of a youthful model. “Fantastical Warrior,” a 60” x 48” acrylic on canvas, is Kachina-like in its hovering menace. Jordan said, “Most of all I feel joy when I am in the zone applying color.” He is inspired by Victor Frankel’s assertion that, “You don’t create your mission in life – you detect it.” View more of his work at http://www.jimjordan-art.com..

The mission of the 3is to ignite and sustain artistic expression and appreciation for all ages throughout Lamorinda. If you are interested in visual, performing or literary arts, please join us in keeping the arts alive. We are an engaged group of volunteers and donors who develop and produce events, partner with professional organizations and artists, give financial support and awards, and advocate for a vibrant, local culture of visual, performing, and literary arts.

In addition to curating two galleries in Orinda with new artwork every month (Art Gallery at the Orinda Gallery & Art Gallery at Wilder), here is a sample of other programs we offer: Lamorinda Idol, High School Visual Arts Competition, Art Embraces Words, Artify Orinda, and Lamorinda Super Shorts. If you are interested in exhibiting artwork in one of our galleries please apply online HERE.

To learn more about the Council go to www.lamorindaarts.org. This exhibit runs Sept. 1 through 30 during normal Library hours in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library at 26 Orinda Way. Hours are Mon. – Thur., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Sun. The Library and Gallery are closed all day Mon. Sept. 5  Call 925.254.2184 for more information about the Library or visit www.ccclib.org/. Email the Curators with questions at gallery@lamorindaarts.org or call the Lamorinda Arts Council at 925.359.9940.