‘Fragments’ An Exhibition Reception

Hayward Arts Council presents "Fragments" at Hayward City Hall John O'Lague Galleria showcasing the fantastic works of the group 7+1 Collective composed of local artists Elinor Cheung, Deborah Dodge, Deanna Gibbons, Renee Kelly, Judith Kneeter, Katheryn Page, Ruey Lin Syrop, and Yu Yan Wee. The exhibition runs until January 19. An artists' reception to meet and greet the artists open to the public will be held on Thursday, December 15 from 5:30-7:30pm.

The title of "Fragments" was created by 7+1 Collective, a multicultural, multigenerational group of eight female artists dedicated to examining the beauty and fractures in modern society through artistic dialogues. They  are Bay Area artists hailing from Malaysia, Taiwan, the

American Midwest and California who originally connected through studies in the Visual Arts Program at University of California Berkeley Extension.
Somehow, through sheer perseverance and virtual meetings, they have continued to make art, discuss art and share art despite being cloistered for the last three years during the pandemic. This exhibition, "Fragments," is the outcome of their  various explorations. Just as their lives became fragmented by the isolation from usual cultural and social outlets, so, too, have their art practices been rearranged, changed. The collective has been their anchor as they struggle to find
new directions.
"Fragments" is a testimonial to the irrepressible urge to create in the face of grim circumstances, to repurpose forgotten bits and pieces into something new, exciting and worthy of your attention.

Meet and greet the artists on Thursday, December 15 from 5:30-7:30pm at Hayward City Hall John O'Lague Galleria, 777 B street in downtown.