Rhythmix Cultural Works and K Gallery present Alameda as Arcadia, an exhibit featuring the work of Alameda artist, Ginny Parsons. The opening reception features an evening of additional work from artists Eric Kos, Marc Ribaud, Pons Maar, Donna Layburn, Ed Holmes, Janet Koike and Modern Collective Dance Company.
About Alameda as Arcadia
In a solo show at the K Gallery, local artist, Ginny Parsons, presents her view and reflections on the notion of Alameda as Arcadia.
For generations, people have come to Alameda seeking Arcadia, “a vision of pastoralism and harmony with nature,” looking for an island of innocence and contentment. Charmed by the beach, the quiet, safe streets and mild weather, people continue to hold on to this vision of Arcadia, maintained and protected within Alameda’s shores. Combining fairytale watercolors with images of bedraggled shorebirds, Parsons questions this very notion in her work: “What about rising seas levels and housing prices? Is this island really a paradise?”
Opening Reception Details
During the Opening Reception on Saturday, July 13th from 4:00 – 7:00pm, guests can experience “Alameda as Arcadia” in every corner of Rhythmix, with installations in the theatre, green room and gallery, a history talk, and a live performance in the gallery and lobby.
In the Gallery…
4:00pm – 7:00pm – Artwork by Ginny Parsons
5:30pm – 6:15pm – Living Statues by Modern Collective Dance Company
Alameda Marketplace Rooftop Honey from Donna Layburn
In the Theater…
4:00pm – 5:00pm – Join Alameda Historian, Eric J. Kos, on a pictorial exploration of the concept of “Alameda as Arcadia.” Through fine art and historic photographs, Eric examines how each era of history in Alameda has exemplified a kind of paradise. Includes readings of Eric’s original Alameda historic fiction. Cost: $10
5:00pm – 7:00pm – Experience a multimedia projection installation featuring artists Pons Maar, Ed Holmes and Janet Koike.
In the Green Room…
4:00pm – 7:00pm – From 1822-1881, Marc Ribaud was Chief Archaeologist on an expedition to Alameda’s remote Tommy’s Point. He suffered a Fever of the Brain whilst pursuing excavations there. It has since been debated whether his findings reflect actuality or delirium. You may be the judge: Excerpts from his journal as well as artifacts from the expedition will be on display.
About the Artists
Ginny Parsons
Ginny is interested in dripping, pouring, and splashing paint. Intrigued by chance, Parsons works intuitively, using a variety of common household ingredients like bacon grease, borax and castoff house paint. This series is motivated by the natural world of Alameda, the abundant growth and bird activity mixed with the concern for rising seas. Parsons is a local artist and has curated for years at Rhythmix, shows at Gray Loft Gallery and runs an Art Camp for kids out of her studio near Lincoln Park.
Eric Kos
Alameda residents know Eric J. Kos as the Publisher of the Alameda Sun. He is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and the co-founder of the paper Alameda has loved for the past 18 years. He has contributed as publisher or co-author of 13 local history books, including “Alameda, An Architectural Treasure Chest”, “San Francisco Then & Now” and “Lost Ballparks”. Eric is a past president of the Greater Alameda Business Association and currently serves on the Rhythmix Cultural Works Community Advisory Board. In his spare time, he plays bass guitar in a garage rock band.
Marc Ribaud (1822-1881)
Marc Ribaud was Chief Archaeologist on an expedition to Alameda’s remote Tommy’s Point. He suffered a Fever of the Brain whilst pursuing excavations there; It has since been debated whether his findings reflect actuality or delirium.
Pons Maar
Pons Maar trained as a visual artist in Florida, then studied performance disciplines in the SF Bay Area thru the mid-80’s. He pursued a career in film and television appearing in; Return to Oz, Golden Child, Masters of the Universe, George of the Jungle, Monkeybone, and Team America: World Police. On “Dinosaurs”, the TV show, he played next door neighbor, Roy, for all 65 episodes. Pons currently resides in Rhythmix Cultural Works live/work artist lofts, editing video and making photo collage pieces.
Ed Holmes
Ed has been doodling with photos, films, video, and slapstickers since way back. His EXTREME !! amateur approach has shown up on the walls of the Modem Gallery in Crockett, Men’s Art Show in Sausalito, SF Car Art Show, Oakland Library and Art Motel in SF. Ed has curated Veterans Art shows at K Gallery and Bridgehead in Alameda and JAS in Jingletown. His contribution to public art has been slapstuck from here to just about everywhere.
Janet Koike
Janet graduated with a BA in Art in 1976. In the 80’s she created Koike Textiles, a hand printed fabric fashion design business. Janet turned to tap dance then taiko in the 90’s, joining San Jose Taiko. In 1999, she formed the Rhythmix Ensemble and in 2007 she opened Rhythmix Cultural Works. She has spent the last 10 years trying to figure out how to engage people in the arts. With her presentations of Island City Waterways in 2016 and 2018, Koike created a multidisciplinary art journey, as a vehicle for the community to experience art together. “For me Alameda really is an Arcadia. I am grateful to enjoy its splendor.”
Modern Collective Dance Company
Led by dancer/choreographer Mercedes Johnson, Modern Collective Dance Company is a group of Monterey Bay, East Bay and San Francisco Bay Area artists. Their unique, approachable and interactive “artistry in motion” is informed by modern and contemporary movement, interactive theatre and circus arts.
Banner image: Beach with Grandkids, Acrylic over landscape photos with borax and peanut butter, 2016, Ginny Parsons.