Plein air artist Cedric Williams invites the public to his art reception, Saturday, February 22, 1-3pm, as the latest artist-in-resident at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road). Award-winning plein-air artist, Williams works mainly in oils, often using a thick paint application with a palette knife to top off his works. He excels in painting hidden spots of beauty in the Bay Area such as Dolores Park. Williams’ enthusiasm for art is infectious and he welcomes the opportunity to talk about his process. If clients have a special request for a painting, he accepts commissions. Williams has been painting since he was six years old, encouraged by his parents and later his public-school teachers. He lives in Hayward with his wife Apple and two children and works at UCSF.