Hosted by PAL
PAL’s Pals 2023
Youth Art Show and Competition
By popular demand, PAL is bringing back PAL’s Pals Youth art show for Middle and High School students, this time in-person and online!
Know a budding young artist in your family, circle of friends or neighborhood?
This show is open to all Middle School and High School student artists. Artwork must be original and created wholly by the student and completed between January 2022 and present. First 150 submissions will be accepted and displayed at Pleasanton’s Stoneridge Shopping Center on April 29 & 30 and published on PAL’s online gallery here at www.pal-art.com.
- EXHIBIT DATES: Saturday April 29 and Sunday 30, 2023
- REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 15
- DELIVERY of ART DATE: Friday April 28
- DELIVERY of ART LOCATION: Stoneridge Shopping Center, 1 Stoneridge Mall Road, Pleasanton
- RECEPTION DATE: Sunday April 30, 4:00 to 5:00pm (student to be accompanied by parent/guardian/chaperone)
- PICK UP ART DATE: After reception on April 30, 5:00pm to 6:00pm
- SUGGESTED DONATION: $10 or more greatly appreciated (methods of payment: cash or check at drop-off, or pay by PayPal, credit card online)
- JUDGES: See below.
- RECEPTION & AWARDS announcement on Sunday, April 30 at 4:00pm. Judges will award Best of Show, three Merit Awards, three Honorable mentions in each group.
- ONLINE SUBMISSIONS will be accepted from February 1 to April 15.
- FOR QUESTIONS, please feel free to reach out to – Rekha Joshi, PAL’s Pals 2023 Chair Email: rekhaj2014@gmail.com , cell: (408) 781-2835
View and Print Exhibit Prospectus HERE.
Online Entry HERE.
Print Exhibit Labels HERE.
PAL’s Pals Judges
Middle School entries will be judged by:
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Jen Huber – Art by bike is Jen Huber’s motto. Whether painting in her studio at the Bothwell Art Center or capturing the rolling hills of the tri valley area, Jen Huber travels on her orange eBike, The Muse. She paints landscapes along the bike trails when she can; portraits and figures in her studio during inclement weather, and whimsical pen drawings at home. Classically trained in Fine Art at University of Santa Cruz, she brings her experience and education to new artists of all ages and abilities through uniquely designed art camps during the holidays and creative art classes in the evenings. Check out both her paintings and classes at www.JenHuberArtist.com.
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Ranjini Venkatachari – Ranjini is a fine artist working primarily in the medium of colored pencil. She has been working with this medium for more than 12 years and draws inspiration from her rich cultural heritage. She works out of her home studio in San Ramon, California. She also teaches colored pencil classes locally and all across the US. Her colored pencil art has been juried into several National and International shows across the US & UK, like the Salmagundi Annual non-member exhibition, Leading masters of Contemporary Realism (International guild of Realism), California State Fair, Women Painters of Washington and Colored Pencil Society of America’s International shows and UK color pencil society International show. Ranjini’s works has also been published in the Strokes of Genius 4&5, American Artist, International Artist, American Art Collector, Southwest arts magazine, Ann Kullberg’s COLOR Magazine & Art Guide Northwest. http://vividpencils.com/
High School entries will be judged by:
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Usha Shukla – A PAL Board member, Usha is a full-time professional artist who works out of her studio in Pleasanton. She creates vibrant, nature-inspired abstract paintings. Usha also serves as the Treasurer of the National League of American Pen Women, Diablo/Alameda Branch. For the last two years, she has served as a juror for the National Congressional High School Art Competition for Congressional District 15, represented by Eric Swalwell. In 2019, Usha started a new Pleasanton chapter of Dining For Women, a global charitable organization and is the Co-Chapter Leader. Her artwork has been featured in solo and group shows at various locations. Her work is collected nationally including at Sutter Hospital in San Francisco and at Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA. She is a member of San Francisco Women Artists, and Global Art Project, an international art collaborative across sixteen countries. She was an invitational artist at the “East on West ” Art Exhibit at the Office of State Senator Scott Weiner, San Francisco. https://www.ushashuklaart.com/ George Garbarino – A PAL Board member, George Garbarino is a multi-disciplinary artist who creates watercolors, drawings, pastel paintings, and photography. George majored in art at the California College of the Arts in Oakland, California and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Art and his Teaching Credential from California University East Bay. George taught Fine Arts, Black & White Photography, and Digital Imaging in the Fremont Unified School District in Fremont, California, for 35 years. Additionally, he teaches the Marshall System of hand color tinting of black and white photography throughout Northern California. George’s artwork is an exploration of various styles and techniques from Realism, Impressionism, and Surrealism. He has won numerous awards and has been featured in several galleries and venues in the region, including the Firehouse Art Center, Olive Hyde Art Gallery, BoaVentura Vineyard, and Charles R Vineyards.
PAL JMH Exhibit 2023
Presented by Pleasanton Art League & John Muir Health
Monday, May 22 to Thursday, July 13
We’re excited to announce that PAL has been asked back to the “John Muir Health Auxiliary Gallery” in Walnut Creek for a return engagement. Last year’s show was a great success having been viewed by hundreds (if not thousands) of John Muir Health patients. The opportunity to bring a few moments of respite to so many people, in what is sometimes a stressful and challenging environment, is a true blessing to us as artists.
In keeping with the intended audience, the title of our show will remain: “Healing Spaces.”
Artworks promoting a sense of well-being are what we are looking for. Animals, landscapes, nature, abstract works, portraits are accepted, but not of a political or controversial content.
Now for the nuts and bolts.
This show is for 2D only and will be juried and judged. The John Muir facility can accommodate a total of 33 (depending on size of art works) that the juror will select.
- EXHIBIT DATES: Monday, May 22 – Thursday, July 13
- REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, May 1
- ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION: Friday, May 12
- DELIVERY of ART DATE & LOCATION: Saturday, May 20 deliver to the Aspen Surgery Center, 133 La Casa Via, Walnut Creek 10:00 – 10:30 am – *No art will be accepted after 10:30 am. Plan to arrive on time! If assistance with delivery is needed, help will be available, see contact information below.
- ZOOM RECEPTION: Thursday May 25, at which Juror and Judge Randall Sexton will announce winners and share comments about the winning pieces. PAL members and participating artists will be sent the zoom link before the event, It will also be available here the week before.
- PICK UP ART DATE: Friday, July 14. 11:30am – 12:00 pm only.
- REGISTRATION FEE: $30 (non-refundable) includes up to 3 entries. In support of JMH community initiatives, PAL will donate $200 on behalf of their artists. The maximum number of pieces in this show will be 33 (depending on size of art works).
- THIS IS A JURIED SHOW: Note that submission of pieces does not guarantee acceptance into the JMH show. Digital images of each entry must be submitted online with entry.
- JUROR & JUDGE: See below.
- AWARDS: Best of Show: $150, Merit Award: $100 (2), Honorable Mention: $50 (4)
- CONTACT: Show Chair John DeVilliers, johndevilliers22@yahoo.com
We hope all of you are as excited as we are to once again be able to bring our own form of Healing to so many people.
Sincerely,
Your PAL Board
View and Print Exhibit Prospectus HERE.
Online Entry HERE.
Print Exhibit Labels HERE.
Healing Spaces Juror and Judge
California based fine artist and instructor, Randall Sexton, is nationally known for the color and expressive brushwork in his oil paintings of “everyday” scenes. He is described as a “painters’ painter” by Jean Stern (Director for The Irvine Museum of Art). In his words, “As one of the premier contemporary painters of the California landscape, Randall paints still-lifes, figures, and portraits with equal mastery…His work evokes deep feelings, whether it’s the solitude of a deserted street at night or the exultation of a beautiful landscape, each speaks softly to the viewer.”
PAL Art Day Out at the Chateau
Dreaming of getting back to nature without actually making any real effort? Or maybe painting on the grounds of a magnificent French chateau, surrounded by quaint potting sheds and dazzling pots of vibrant flowers as wildlife (well, maybe a friendly dog or cat) meander along the paths of stately oak trees. YOUR PAL TEAM IS ON IT!
Join us at Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore on Thursday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a day of FREE “Arting” Bring your sketchbooks, canvases watercolors, pastels, or any other art supply that helps you capture a lovely spring day. (I hear there’s even going to be little goodie bags). Space is limited as we do not want to interfere with the workings of this beautiful nursery. To reserve a spot contact Jan Loomis at sugargardens@comcast.net or call/text 925-519-1229.
You can also enroll through Sign up Genius at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A5AC2EA4F5CF8-palartdayout
PAL events to check back here for:
- Paint Pleasanton – September 9 & 10
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PAL’s 16th Annual Fall Members’ Show at the Firehouse Arts Center – November 4 to December 16 , 2023
Other Opportunities
The LAA Spring Art Show will be April 1 & 2 at The Bothwell Center for the Arts in Livermore. This is LAA’s biggest show of the year, and it’s a fun one! This friendly event encourages new artists to enter a show for the first time. Years ago this was my very first show; it was a wonderful and educational experience. Artists can enter up to 5 artworks in any visual medium except video. Entrants can also display other items in the Gift Shop. The Sunday reception is 2:30-4:00 and there will be food, music, and presentation of awards. We always need volunteers, so if you want to help, we can find you a job that suits your talents! We are particularly looking for a Volunteer Coordinator. If you have any questions please email me at christine@christinemccall.com 925 606-1088. Questions about the Gift Shop go to Helen Harrison (h_h_designs@yahoo.com 209 914-3774). The entry deadline is March 22.
Keep an eye out for the show entry form at the end of February portfolio (page 10). And for those who have been unhappy with the tiny print of the traditional entry form, we are offering online registration on our website.
See Entry Form on February portfolio page 10 or at https://livermoreartassociation.org/spring-art-show-2023
Mural Project: The San Mateo County Office of Arts & Culture invites local professional and emerging artists to transform the pedestrian walkway on both sides of the 5th Avenue underpass, North Fair Oaks, into a vibrant work of art highlighting the theme of “Healthy Community”. Visit https://www.ccnfo.org/mural/ The underpass is a well- travelled pedestrian and bicycle path used by residents and visitors. Interested artists are encouraged to visit the North Fair Oaks community and the mural site for this project.
Painting Group at Charles R. Vineyards: Bonnie Bartlette of Charles R Vineyards hosts an informal painting group every other Tuesday at 10:00 in the tasting room garden. New painters are welcome. (This is the winery where the LAA/PAL potluck was held.) Email Bonnie to find out when the next meeting is (in case they have to skip a week). bonnie@charlesrvineyards.com.
Castro Valley Marketplace Art Walks Wednesday evenings, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm outside on the Paseo. See brochure on www.CastroValleyMarketplace.com. Contact Austin Walker, Event Coordinator, 3295 Castro Valley Blvd. Suite 200, Castro Valley, CA 94546, 925-444-3154.
Alliance for the Visual Arts is welcoming every artist of the Tri-Valley to become a member of AVA. Membership is free and gives you several benefits. First, you can add your name and images to the Artist Gallery and be seen amongst all the other artists of the Tri-Valley in one location, on one website. You can have your own page and full control of how you wish to represent yourself, free of charge. If you are unfamiliar with developing a website page, I can send you how-to videos or we have someone who can do it for you extremely cheaply. Also… I wish to place on the website, again for free, a listing of all art teachers in the Tri-Valley and all folks who have a specialty, like painting murals. We are putting out a newsletter to inform the public about goings-on in the visual arts and this is sent to all members of AVA. The website is up-to-date on visual art happenings and loaded with local, regional and national calls for artists. Please email me at dennis@dennisbakerart.net and let me know if you’re interested. The website is Allianceforthevisualarts.org.
Art Space Open House during the third week of each month. Livermore Art Association sponsors this. Would you like to host this type of thing? You don’t have to have a real studio; the actual point is to show people how they can fix an art corner, a garage, a dining room, or wherever you do your thing. You will be encouraged to invite friends and neighbors as well as the L A A membership. L A A will promote the event through social media, the LAA web page and Portfolio. Refreshments will be provided as well as signage. To sign up, contact Georgia Jacobs at 925 321-9488 or hospitalithy@livermoreart.org.
2023 Alameda County Fair Competitions: The annual summer Fair is your chance to show off your creativity from baking, crafts, flowers, jewlery, painting, photgraphry to quilting and more. All submissions will be displayed during the Fair from June 16 through July 9, 2023. https://annual.alamedacountyfair.com/competitions/
Plein Air
Contra Costa Plein Air is a friendly group of artists who get together to paint at scenic locations all around the Bay Area and beyond. Our schedule is random, usually weekdays, with dates and locations inspired by the weather. New artists are always welcome! There is no fee to participate. Find us on Facebook at Contra Costa Plein Air, or to receive paint-out invitations by e-mail contact Nancy Roberts at nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net.

JADE FON PLEIN AIR PAINTERS …is a group continuing in the tradition of Jade Fon Woo (1911-1983), a nationally recognized watercolor artist who taught locally at Diablo Valley College and many other locations. He was known across the country for his very popular Watercolor Workshops at Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, California.
This group is free, casual, non-instructional and open to everyone. Just show up! Our annual calendar and information is available by contacting Becky Davies at: beccamae30@yahoo.com or on Facebook as member of our group.
Jade Fon (1911-1983): The founder of a well-known watercolor workshop in Asilomar, California, Jade Fon became a California plein-air painter whose work combined Oriental influences and regionalism called “California Style.” His subjects range from cityscapes to wildlife in natural surroundings. He initiated plein-air painting classes and groups wherever he lived, and we are the lucky recipients of his tradition in our area. He was born in San Jose, California, was raised in Winslow, Arizona, and attended the University of Arizona at Flagstaff before continuing his higher education at the University of New Mexico. In the 1930s, he moved back to California where he attended the Art Students League in Los Angeles and exhibited with the California Water Color Society. In the art world, he was called “Jade Fon”, although his full name was Jade Fon Woo.