June 7, 2005 > Vaguely Familiar

Using everything from clay to marble to hair (yes, hair) the artists of "Vaguely Familiar," Olive Hyde Art Gallery's latest exhibit, have created an exhibit that is a sight to behold.

Vaguely Familiar is an "experiment in portraiture" in which artists capture the people around them. Thomas Gracy's portraits of Daddy's Girls, Theme Park and Me Time exhibit extraordinary workmanship causing colorful patterns and textures in the portrait to stand out. Douglas Golightly's beautiful use of colors catch attention, Richard Bennett's work is striking, Colin Barton's work titled "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" exudes peace and "Lotus" is recognized for the emotions that it triggers.

Connie Begg's self-portraits are thought provoking; Rebeca Stanton's Liberty artwork is intense while Sylvia Min's work with hair is uncomplicated and very interesting. Mickey Shanabarger's untitled portrait is an eye-catching work sure to stun, while Stephanie Metz's marble portrait bust of felted wool is remarkable and Michael Demers' "That Man Behind the Curtain" is absolutely intriguing.

The exhibit features the works of Colin Barton (Lotus and Brother Sun, Sister Moon), Connie Begg (Self-Portrait #1, Self-Portrait #2, Self-Portrait #3, Self-Portrait #4), Richard Bennett (Portrait USA, Saltiro), Jeanine Cliffe (Man in Daisies), Michael Demers (The Man Behind the Curtain), Douglas Golightly (Gabrielle and the Goldfinch, Christine, Daylilies, Duccio; The Firedancer, A 1960 Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Billy, Young Man in Green, Eve, The Forbidden Fruit), Thomas Gracy (Daddy's Girls, Theme Park, Me Time), Patti Heimburger (Cat on a Windowsill, Little Bird), P. Kay Hille-Hattten (The Photographer), Mimi Kearns (Big Catch), Saaba MBB Lutzeler (Bearing, Beach Ball, Midori, Self-Portrait with Pomegranates), Stephanie Metz (Marble Portrait Bust), Sylvia Min Hair piece (Sophia), Hair Piece (Sylvia), Brian, Michelle with Baloon), Mickey Shanabarger (Untitled, Momo Bay, CA; Don White, Dayton, NV), Rebeca Stanton (Liberty) and Marilyn Wilder (Summer 1929).

Olive Hyde's newest exhibit is a worthwhile experience and a must for art lovers. Olive Hyde Art Gallery is located at 123 Washington Blvd., Fremont. The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more details, call (510) 791-4357. Vaguely Familiar runs through June 25.