Please join us on June 8 for an opening reception for new exhibitions and exhibits in all five Bolinas Museum galleries. In the main gallery, Bay Area multidisciplinary artist Arleene Correa Valencia brings us poignant textile portraits that address the hardship of undocumented immigrants, the separation of families, the loss of identities and feelings of invisibility. A native of Michoacán, she has experienced loss and separation in her own life. She earned an M.F.A. at California College of the Arts in San Francisco, and today her art is recognized, exhibited and collected nationally.
The photography gallery exhibition speaks to empowering the creative voices of our local Latino population. For over two decades, Gallery Route One’s Latino Photography Project has engaged members of that community through art. Professional photographers provide technical guidance to participants, who use cameras to explore and share elements of their experience and vision. This selection of works reflects a remarkable creative collaboration and cultural connections that enrich West Marin.
Inverness artist Kim Ford Kitz is featured in the museum’s Coastal Marin Artists gallery. Known for her exuberant use of impressionistic texture and color, she is currently incorporating fabrics and hand stitching into her paintings. The textiles, often aerial views of cities or landscapes, add fresh and surprising elements to her work. Kitz earned her B.F.A. at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
The featured exhibit in the history room tells the fascinating story of the challenges of getting to Bolinas. Created by myself and Dewey Livingston and first presented in 2015, it describes trails through bear country, boats and the first roads and automobiles, all the way to the modern-day missing Bolinas road signs and GPS. There will be a new selection of art in the museum’s permanent collection gallery. The always interesting artist and curator talks start at 3 p.m., followed by a reception from 4 to 5 p.m. The museum is free to all.