Work of artist
Event

Katharine Kunst: In Gratitude – A Retrospective - Artist Reception - September 26th - 1:00-5:00pm

Kyra Epstein • September 21, 2021

September 26, 2021 - December 05, 2021

at Gallery Commonweal
451 Mesa Road, Bolinas, CA 95446

~Artist Reception September 26, 1:00-5:00pm and December 5, 1:00-5:00pm~
No registration required; vaccines and masks required at Commonweal

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In Gratitude is both an ordinary and an extraordinary exhibition.

It is not unusual for an artist of my age to have a retrospective show. My work of the last 25 years is filled with exuberant color, experimental designs, unabashed copying of favorite artists, and careful attention to technique. It’s very alive and definitely quirky. It’s very much part of the culture that spawned numerous creativity manuals and classes that suggested that anyone could paint or make things or draw—without formal education. I firmly believe this statement and my exhibition demonstrates what happens when creativity is set free. It includes paintings of flowers from my early splashing with watercolors, fruits and veggies from my initial foray into liquid acrylics, tempera self-portraits I painted to show how to create without fear or shame. It also includes many drawings of chairs, some from my 80 Chairs in 80 Days project. And finally: handmade boxes, papier-maché bowls, pop-ups, and books of various sorts. Hundreds of paintings, drawings and objects to delight you and inspire your very own creative spirit.

But here is the extraordinary—maybe even radical— aspect of this exhibition.

I want you to interact with this art.

Look at it all carefully.

Consider your favorite two or three items.

Remove them from the wall or the table.

Take them with you when you leave.

Yes, it’s true. I want to give each of you a gift of my art. For years I have stored it all in my art studio drawers. I am ready to let this work go out into the world, to give it a more expansive and interesting life. I am ready for it to fly freely. It is ready to leap into your arms and be whisked away.

In gratitude and with gratitude.

I am grateful to Commonweal for allowing me to have this exhibition, with all its humor, juiciness, and unpredictability. You can express your thanks to Commonweal by leaving a contribution to support their work.

I am grateful to all of you for participating in this exhibition by choosing your gift and giving it a fine new home.

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Please note: COVID-19 vaccinations and masks are required inside and outside of Commonweal. Visitors are welcome to see the exhibit during business hours; appointments are required (with the exception of the designated artist receptions). Please call 415/868-0970 to make an appointment.