Hayward History—and Art!

“Shine on,” mixed media on wood by Castro Valley artist Claudine Krause on view at the “Arts & Letters Encore Exhibition” in the HAHS Art Gallery.

The Hayward Area Historical Society is the keeper of Hayward Area History.  Founded in 1956, the Society has done its best to keep records and focus on the nearly 150 years of ideas and details that have made up this fine town.

Now, branching out, HAHS has joined with the Hayward Arts Council to add an art gallery, a home for local artists, to its already notable local museum.

Twenty-nine artists, utilizing every skill from oil and acrylic painting, to graphic drawing, to quilting, to poetry, to digital printing, to mixed media, to calligraphy have taken over the HAHS wall space.

More exotic techniques are the frottage collages of  Ruey Syrop, the use of markers on galvanized steel by Tiffany Wan, and several examples of Chinese ink and color on xuan paper by Benjamin Chang and John To.

Also impressive is Khristel Johnson’s quilt titled “Unity,” a concept so needed today in our war-torn and divisive world.   All these fine works of art complement the outstanding historical displays always on exhibit there.   

Now, through January 30, every Saturday from 11 to 3, fans of both ART and HISTORY can enjoy both passions  at the Hayward Area Historical Society, 22380 Foothill Blvd, Hayward, 94541.    (Park behind the building in the lot off of Russell Way.) 

Bruce Roberts is Hayward Arts Council Board Vice President. Please visit www.haywardartscouncil.org for more free exhibitions and programs.