April 30, 2008 > Hidden treasures found locally Hidden treasures found locally By Anuja Seith An eclectic mix of art work provides a feast for eyes and senses at Olive Hyde's Hidden Treasures - Local Talent art show. The exhibit showcases a love for art using varied artistic creations that include painting, sculptures, and photography. "I often get submissions from people who may not be a trained or experienced exhibiting artist but are passionate about art," says Sandra Hemsworth, Curator at Olive Hyde Art Gallery. "It is an opportunity to network with the community, to seek out talented artists who have not exhibited much in the art world," explains Hemsworth. The artists in this show range from high schools kids to retired people, all art lovers. While Hidden Treasures is an opportunity for artists to interact with each other and the public, it also offers a chance for show goers to enjoy art works that depict different cultures and styles. Emi Tabuchi a local artist with Japanese heritage incorporates her memories of relocation camp during World War II into her paintings. In this show she displays watercolor collages of flowers and her memories of the interment during WWII including a photo of her family which she recently found in 2006. "The design in my paintings incorporates hand-made paper from Japan and water colors," says Tabuchi. Vinita Munshani, another local artist like Tabuchi, assimilates childhood memories into her paintings. "All paintings depict India and some scenes from Vietnam and China," says Munshani. Growing up in cosmopolitan city of Mumbai in western India, Munshani visited rural parts of the country during school vacations. She brings the vivid colors and simple landscape of bucolic India alive in her acrylic canvases. In his watercolor collages, Dimtry Grudsky depicts a music store which fascinated him as its name Rasputin shares his Russian lineage and its CD logo symbolizes music. He also brings us closer to our local history through his historic painting of the first Niles train station. Peter Langenbach displays six sculptures in pop art style which developed in 1960s and `70s. This is an everyday or ordinary art so he calls his sculptures "People on Pedestal." Langenbach makes all his sculptures with recyclable material which he gets from stuff people put out on the streets. His passion for using recyclable things stems from his upbringing. "My father was typical handyman kind of a person as he always fixed things rather buying new ones," he says. With so much to offer the show is a haven for all art aficionados as it is an artistic expression of many people, not necessarily professional artists, but simply art enthusiasts. Hidden Treasures - Local Talent Opening reception Friday, May 2 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Show Thursday to Sunday May 2 to May 31 Noon to 5 p.m. Olive Hyde Art Gallery 123, Washington Blvd., Fremont (510) 791-4357