The Moraga Art Gallery announces a new show entitled “Beauty and the Feast”, highlighting paintings by resident artist Josie Osolin, and ceramics by resident artist Elayne Isaacs. The show runs from June 5 through August 10, 2013. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, June 8 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and the public is invited to attend.
The gallery is located at 522 Center Street, Rheem Shopping Center, in Moraga. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. For more information, explore this website, call 925-376-5407 or email moragaartgallery@gmail.com.
Josie Osolin’s abstract paintings incorporate broad brush strokes and a myriad of high energy color and textures to create a brilliant moment in time. While individual works are distinct and unique, each reflects a common style incorporating the use of vibrant colors and abstract designs. Specializing in abstract and nonobjective painting, the East Bay painter applies paint generously, using colors vividly; with lines that give a sense of movement that is filled with emotion.
Under dominate broad strokes of color, subtleties and complexities reveal themselves as layers of hidden color, textures, shadows and form. Also, a painting’s open spaces are just as important as the areas of thickest paint because they create energy that makes the painting thrive as a whole. Ever present is a sense of movement and vitality that adds an aura of vibrancy and sophistication to any setting, from avant-garde to traditional.
Ms. Osolin has studied painting with a variety of instructors, but has focused her development on improvements in technique rather than acquisition of style. Her intent is to create individually inspired works, permitting a personal expression that is free from the influence of either instructors or other artists. She has exhibited at Los Lagos Estates, Granite Bay, Art Affaire El Dorado Hills, Sonoma Cheese Factory, KVIE (Public TV Station) Art Auction and the studio of Donald Joseph, Inc Architect and Interior Design. She also does extensive commission work with clients, satisfying their preferences for canvas size and colors to compliment their décor, and has work in collections throughout California and Central Oregon.
Elayne Isaac feel in love with clay in Berkeley in the 70’s and her passion for the craft continues to this day. The whole process of turning a lump of clay into a beautiful and useful object totally enamored her. Ms. Isaacs, a Berkeley resident, took classes and joined the Potter’s Studio where she explored color glazes and learned to fire in huge high fire brick kilns. For 15 years, she worked there, and at the, now defunct, Front Yard Pottery. During that period, she had and raised her two sons, and sold her work at crafts fairs throughout Northern California, at the ACCI in Berkeley and several other shops in the Bay Area, and directly to collectors.
Eventually she went out on her own, purchasing her own kiln and 
learned how to work with a lower firing range. She now creates, almost exclusively, functional ware in subtle shades of blue, green and white with a loosely brushed floral motif. Her work, in addition to the Moraga Art Gallery, is available at the Firehouse North Gallery, the First Fridays Art Murmur Oakland, and directly from her home studio.
The show will also include works by the gallery’s 14 resident artists and several guest artists. New guest artist, ceramicist Daniel Oliver, will be showing his small elaborate ceramic boxes and other works.
