Last Saturday was the opening of the community Art Show I have a piece in at Gallery 2905 in San Jose.  The theme is:

Keep Living, Keep Feeling, Keep DancingArt Show at Gallery 2095 in San Jose

The last community show I had participated in was UpRoar 2009.  That was FIVE years ago.  It doesn't feel like that long ago, but I guess time flies when you're getting married and having kids.

Walking into the gallery space, which is in the common area of the former KSJO radio station, was awesome.  The above sign was on the right side of the lobby and my piece hung on the left!

"I dance..." Natalia"I dance..." Natalia

"I dance..." Natalia 2"I dance..." Natalia with artist statement

I was excited and honored to see my 20x24" piece displayed prominently at the front of the show!  There were sculpture/castings, mixed media, digital, conventional, photographs, and performance art.  All of the artists are very talented in their respective fields.  A new art show experience for me was presenting ourselves and our art to the room.  A microphone was passed from artist to artist for us to introduce ourselves and talk about our work and our pieces.  I went last.  Although my mind went blank as soon as I was handed the microphone, I felt I did pretty well presenting myself and talking about my piece and the project it's part of. 

Selfie with my piece.The photographer and her art.

After the artist statements, the performances began.  We were first treated to a delightful Argentine Tango demonstration performed by Ivan Shvarts and Julia Sharova.  Before their performance, I never knew that an Argentine Tango can be slow and sensual.  It was wonderful.

Argentine Tango 1Julia Zharova and Ivan Shvarts	Argentine Tango 2Julia Zharova and Ivan Shvarts
Argentine Tango 3Julia Zharova and Ivan Shvarts

After the Tango demonstration, it was time for performance art.  Susan Rippberger performed a piece representing the weaving together of the lives of people she has met through the years between her time in Mexico and in the US.  It was a very interesting piece.

Next we returned to see Julia perform a stunning solo ballet piece.  She is a truly elegant dancer.

Ballet Solo 1Julia Zharova's ballet solo.	Ballet Solo 2Julia Zharova's ballet solo.
Ballet Solo 3Julia Zharova's ballet solo.	Ballet Solo 4Julia Zharova's ballet solo.

The reception wrapped up with some more mingling, conversation, and a little music by two men who's names I, unfortunately, missed.

I really enjoyed the experience of being part of art show.  I'm very inspired to host a solo show next year. I LOVE seeing my work displayed and it's been almost, if not, ten years since I last did a solo exhibition.  I know that I will invite my performer friends to share their talents during the opening reception.  Watch for details...this will happen!

Special thanks to curator Lourdes Morante-Mieses for all of her hard work putting on this show.  I am glad to have met her and look forward to future opportunities.