My paintings are inspired by memory of places I have been, loved, lived and worked. These memories are enhanced by interpretation, impression and emotion and are not visual recordings. They attempt to capture a "sense of place" rather than specific details. In addition to solo shows on the Mendocino coast, in Mill Valley, Sacramento and San Francisco, my work is represented in private collections both in the United States and Europe. I have been the recipient of several awards. One painting was selected for inclusion in a group exhibit at the M.H. de Young Museum in San Francisco

Jim Winters has lived in San Francisco since 1992. He works out of his Islais Creek studio in Bayview. Winters holds a BFA from Tyler School of Art of Temple University in Philadelphia where he graduated in 1988. He now works in a variety of media. He is inspired by portrait painting and photography, vintage graphics and ephemera, textile and wallpaper patterns, film stills.

Peter Howells newest work,

Rice and Beans is a collaboration between Geoff Campen and Diana Ruiz. We are artists and architectural designers interested in the interaction between constructed reality, and the natural world. Geoff Campen explores these themes through architectural and construction imagery. He finds and displays inherent order and chaos in both construction and nature. He then contrasts these images with natural materials and colors. Diana Ruiz creates organic forms and surreal botanical creations with found objects, wood and wool in many variations. She is inspired by creatures (real and imagined), and collects a little of everything. Diana Ruiz and Geoff Campen are married and live, work and make art in San Francisco.

Michael J Kruzich

Mosaicist

fine art/ commissions/ workshops

 "I have been a professional ballet dancer for the past 28 years.  Many aspects of my theatrical background present themselves in my mosaic subjects. They are often characterized by  movement, dramatic and subtle color/ light contrasts and a high level of detail. Personally I have an affinity for antiquity, mythology and the heroic, and my natural attractions lean toward classical realism and figurative renderings. I seek to use this ancient art form to also capture and preserve the aspects of contemporary life and nature that I find moving and to inspire and create an experience for the viewer. 

Related to commissions, I try to apply some of the same disciplines I practiced in my dance career. As a dancer I was trained to be as versatile as possible and to cultivate an ability to interpret concepts and styles from the ideas of many different choreographers. I approach a commission with the same blank- canvas idea; inevitably bringing my own style together with the needs of the particular project to create a fusion of artist/client ideas.

I was trained in Ravenna, Italy by Maestra Luciana Notturni and have since been recognized internationally for two consecutive years; winning awards at the annual “Mosaic Arts International” exhibits in 2010 and 2011 as well as work being published in a recent mosaic portraiture book.  I am also a professional level member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists, and teach ancient mosaic techniques out of my studio in San Francisco.

I work with natural stone, and Italian glass, primarily using ancient techniques developed in Italy before and during the Byzantine period. I find the qualities of these materials, combined with the classical methods, convey a sense of timeless strength, importance and elevation to whatever subject is rendered in this meticulous discipline.

Art has been my life’s work. I approach it with great passion, devotion and responsibility.  To create an enveloping experience for the viewer is my goal, and in every discipline I bring together many detailed pieces to make up a grand overall impression. In my current mosaic work I enjoy the challenge of “painting” with tesserae; fusing colors into a wondrous whole creating the illusion of seeing colors and shapes blending together like painted objects. 

Amy Ahlstrom is a contemporary urban quilter creating modern fiber art. Drawing upon her background as a graphic designer and illustrator, Amy digitally photographs the visual details of cities