Thank you to all who dropped by the Center during 2014. Your interest in our community, its talent, and its art keep the Frank Bette Center for the Arts open and vibrant.
We ended the year on an upbeat and thank you to all who made this year’s Boutique successful. Visitors and shoppers would agree with the assessment of a Marin County visitor. “This show easily rivals the San Francisco scene.” Our heartfelt thank you goes, also, to all who helped to create the wonderfully colorful backdrop provided by our end of the year shows, In the Cards and Semana Santa.
Thank you to the Davis Family Foundation. In 2013/14, it was instrumental in bringing to Alameda Miguel Diaz Guerrero’s show, “Preserving Indigenous Nahuatl Culture”, sending the Fagos to Mexico to record Santa Semana and returning the spirit of Amelia Earhart to our community. The Davis Family Foundation will start 2015 off at the Bette by sponsoring a free talk, “Tricks of the Trade” - with a wine and cheese reception - by photographer George Olney. It will be held on Sunday February 15 and you are invited (see details below).
Other generous donations for 2014 included those who made possible the purchase of painter Deborah Griffin’s artwork,“Curiouser and Curiouser”, of the Frank Bette Center for the Frank Bette Center. Ask to view it next time you visit the Center.
To all our generous donors - whether it be donations of your time, your passion for the arts, your volunteering, and your funds – thank you. (And, it is never too late - or too early - to donate. The Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that serves the community through your support. Donate online or mail a check to 1601 Paru Street, Alameda, 94501.)
We look forward to 2015 with you as we encourage you to stay engaged with the arts, the artists, the artistry, and the support systems that make all of us thrive.
Déjà vu This year, for 3 days ONLY - or by appointment - we accept items for the Bette's annual silent auction and fundraiser.
Drop off your quality artful and collectables (table books, antiques,jewelry, china, table clothes, collectibles, art supplies, etc) on January 3rd and again from Thursday January 15 through Sunday January 18th or by appointment.
Schedule for 2015 Preview and place your silent bids from Thursday January 22 to 6:30pm to Sunday January 25th. Déjà Vu closing party with final bids (and food and beverages) is Sunday January 25th from 4pm - 6:30pm.
This event is a fund raiser for the Frank Bette and it is always fun. Plan to join us!
Apply now for upcoming events
Alameda on CameraApplications are due on January 25, 5:00pm although late applications will be accepted until February 8, 5:00pm. Learn more and download an application now.
“Driven to Abstraction” - group themed show in the Main Gallery from February 6 to March 29. See details below and appl.
We're looking for art for the February postcard. Submit art of 6.25 inches by 4.25 inches to camillascott@comcast.net by January 14. Theme: Driven to Abstraction. See below for details on the group theme show in the Main Gallery from February 6 to March 29.
Mark your Calendar: You're invited!
“Tricks of the Trade” Free talk by photographer George Olney Date: Sunday February 15th Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm Includes a wine and cheese reception with the speaker. Sponsored by the Davis Family Foundation with a grant to the Frank Bette Center.
George Olney has traveled and taken pictures in many countries around the world. He regularly submits photographs to BBC, National Geographic, My Shot, and stock photo agencies.
George has resided in Mexico for the past 17 years and, for several years, has taught photography at the Art Institute in San Miguel de Allende; he also has a number of private students.
George lives in San Luis Potosi, central Mexico and, in 2013, acted as photography guide for Margaret and Fred Fago during their assignment to document Easter week (Semana Santa) festivities.
When asked to describe how he works, George stated that he resonated with how an English friend in the photographic world described it: “You are just a natural street shooter. You can walk up to a complete stranger and get them to do what you need."
George agrees with this assessment. "I see the street as a gorgeous studio set up; I have to move people and things around until I to get what I want."
George Olney does not yet have a website to showcase his photography although searching the Internet for "George Olney Cuetzalan" brings up a good sample of his work. Also view a few of his photographs on Margaret Fago’s blog (www.mfculturatravels.blogspot.com).
Eyewise Satellite Gallery This show is on display at Eyewise now
through the end of February 2015 during regular office hours.
Bridgeside Shopping Center at 2651 Blanding
Eyewise owner, Dr. Alex Lukens hosts the reception to showcase the artwork of graphic artist, Phillip McPherson and abstract photographer Ginnie Chabre. McPherson uses his camera and his computer to create and manipulate images he transfers to supersized canvases. Chabre creates wonderful abstract photography.
Calls for Entry
The Frank Bette Center for the Arts welcomes new perspectives and interesting artistic voices. All media is welcome including paintings, photo-based art, textile and fiber arts, decorative and wearable arts, sculpture, metal work, jewelry, glass arts, wood, etc.
The majority of our exhibiting artists are from the greater Bay Area and northern California although we welcome applications from farther afield.
Exhibiting artists do not need to be Center members although we encourage membership and our artist members are eligible for many benefits.
2015 themed group exhibits at the Frank Bette Center February/March 2015
“Driven to Abstraction” Group themed Show In Main Gallery Feb 6 –March 29
Wacky, wild, alternate viewpoints, skewed look, abstracted, non-objective, patterns, colors, a journey, travel, writing thoughts, see world in a new light, being different. Receiving artwork: Sunday Feb 1 Opening reception: Friday February 13 Show ends: Saturday March 28 Pick up unsold works: Sunday March 29
"Decay, Emptiness and other Ephemeral Beauty" - photos by Joel Kosed in the Signature Gallery Feb 6-28
Install artwork Feb 2-4
Opening reception: Friday February 13th
Show ends: Sunday March 1
Ceramics by Vicki Newcomer and Flavia K in the signature gallery Mar. 6-29
Show hung March 2-4
Opening reception Friday March 13
April/May 2015
“Alameda on Camera” ~ Main Gallery and Signature Gallery April 3-May 29
Applications available soon. Entry deadline: January 25.
June/July
Wild Life
A crazy life, night life, animals, birds, nature, environmental concerns, being green, living on the wild side, One world & all animals together, monsters under the bed, dreams.
August/September
Plein Air Paintout exhibit and sale
Application available soon. Entry deadline early April.
October/November/December
Comfort and Joy
All the good things in life, food, family, toys, moonlight, sunshine, pets, kids, song, dance, art, snuggling by the fire, gold, health, smiles, a helping hand.
Ways to engage with the arts in 2015...
Made possible by Frank Bette, the Center "is a place for meetings, readings, showings and other creative doings." It is run predominantly by volunteers and we encourage community members to contribute ideas, time, creativity, and innovation.
