July 5, 2005 > Members Only

by Susana Nuñez

With the close of their "Vaguely Familiar" exhibit, the Olive Hyde Art Gallery has made haste to lure art-lovers back for another round. This Friday, July 8, the gallery will be hosting a reception to introduce the exclusive "Members Only" exhibit, entirely composed of artwork by Olive Hyde Guild members. The public is especially encouraged to attend since this juried exhibit is held only once every other year.

Artists include: Tanuja Bahal, Margaret Chavigny, Lorant Chovan, Mari Chovan-Upton,
Moitreyee Chowdhury, Pralay Dakua, Dmitry Grudsky, Cathy Lyn Harrison, P. Kay Hille-Hatten, Donna Lerew, Harriet McGuire, Miranda Miller, Eileen Morrison, Hiroko Muramatsu, Maura Parent, Dan Ruskin, Jan Schafir, Kathleen Schwab, Mickey Shanabarger, Rebeca Stanton and Robin Worthington.

The fine pieces chosen for the exhibit were judged strictly on originality and quality by three artists uninvolved with the Guild. One of the judges, Eline Kristopherson, is a teacher at the California College of the Arts as well as San Francisco State University, and enjoys the art of glass blowing. Photographer Marvin Wax is also a judge and teaches at San Jose State. Cathy Kimblle, the executive director of San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, is also a judge.

The trio had the difficult task of choosing 31 pieces from around 90 entries for this exhibit, as well as awarding those especially eye-catching creations. For Best in Show, the judges chose Dan Ruskin's "The Captives;" second place was awarded to Kathleen Schwab's piece "Of Lace and Moon;" third place went to Tanuja Bahal for her "Slice of the Earth" entry. One award, however, is still up for grabs - the People's Choice Award. Reception attendees will choose this award.

Kathleen Schwab, publicity director for the Guild, states that the exhibit "shows the diversity [among Guild members] because there's jewelry, sculptures, paintings, drawings and photography," adding that it is "a nice reflection of the visual arts among Guild members, as well as a reflection of who's in Fremont." Schwab also expresses her pride in forming a part of this association of artists, which she finds to be a "very noble and fine organization." The Guild currently has about 250 members, but new members are always welcome and encouraged to join.

The reception is open to the public and will be held on July 8 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information on how to become a member of the Olive Hyde Art Guild, call (510) 490-5352 or write to Olive Hyde Art Guild, PO Box 3037, Fremont, CA 94539.

Members Only Juried Exhibit
July 8 - Aug. 13
Thursday through Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357