Art Out of Balance

The national crisis over baby formula is reflected in a dress made entirely of baby bottle nipples titled "Transitional Ware" by Lynn Dau.

In 1972, in New York City,  a women’s art organization was formed.  Now, 50 years and hundreds of achievement awards later, the California Peninsula Chapter of Women’s Caucus for Art, has set up a terrific display of talent at the John O’Lague Gallery at the Hayward City Hall.

Interesting art in twelve different mediums makes up this widely varied show.   Oils are very familiar,  but oil mixed with pastels?  Resin?  Cold Wax?

Watercolors are common,  but watercolor on Yupo Paper?   What about “encaustic,” the mixing of paint with hot wax?  Acrylics, Black and White Photography,  Ceramics, Collages,  and a variety of Mixed Media—all make up this amazing show.

And the art itself is just as varied,  some of it quite timely.   Christine Cianci’s ceramic—“Cal Summer”—shows a lady hugging her pet, as wildfire flames streak behind them.    The national crisis over baby formula is reflected in a dress made entirely of baby bottle nipples titled "Transitional Ware" by Lynn Dau.

And these are just two examples of world class art—beautiful and brilliant—now appearing in Hayward’s O’Lague Gallery, until June 23. 

John O'Lague Galleria at Hayward City Hall, 777 B Street,  is open to the public until 5:30 pm, M-F, with a reception on Friday, June 3,  from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, all art fans invited.

Bruce Roberts is Hayward Arts Council Vice President of the board of directors and Hayward Poet Laureate. Visit haywardartscouncil.org for more exhibitions and programs.