By Rebecca Wallace
About this blog: I grew up in Menlo Park and have long been involved with both local journalism and local theater. After starting my career as an editorial intern with The Almanac, I was a staff reporter for the Almanac and the San Mateo County Ti...
(More)About this blog: I grew up in Menlo Park and have long been involved with both local journalism and local theater. After starting my career as an editorial intern with The Almanac, I was a staff reporter for the Almanac and the San Mateo County Times, covering local government, cops, health/science and many other beats. In 2005 I made the move to the arts desk at the Palo Alto Weekly. A&E is close to my heart because of my experience in the performing arts. I've been acting and singing in Bay Area theater productions for years, and have played everything from a sassy French boy to a Texas cheerleader. In Ad Libs, I blog about the exhibitions I see, the artists I meet and the intriguing new projects and trends I see in the arts world.
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Classes at the Palo Alto institution known as the Pacific Art League are being held 'round the corner at 227 Forest Ave. while the building undergoes major renovations. Exhibits are there, too. During this time, it's strange to peer into the venerable old Ramona Street building and see a wide open space instead of a gallery, folks painting and framed art. Space busy with construction workers and equipment, that is.
I strolled 'round the corner this morning and visited animal-themed art in the big group exhibit. Instead of being a dedicated gallery, the large room was displaying its shows on the walls while housing an ongoing art class in the middle of the room. The ambiance was noisier than at a gallery, but cheerful. I like an exhibit with a creative buzz.
In the adjacent foyer gallery the artist Duan Zhaonan is displaying portraits of Chinese opera singers, heavy on the reds, with swift-looking brushstrokes.
Construction is scheduled to finish next April.
Pictured: The Ramona Street facade of the Pacific Art League, currently under construction. Photo by Rebecca Wallace.
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