Now on view: “I’d Tell You If I Could” features paintings by U.K-based artist William Brickel.

The figures in William Brickel’s work presented in this exhibition are partly representations of himself, but are also standalone actors that perform emotional distress for us to see. Each figure is absorbed in their two-dimensional world, as the viewer is aware of their emotional intensity. Both intimately personal and emotionally closed off, Brickel projects his face onto his subject matter. For Brickel, these scenes are representations of his lived experience and each canvas is a window into a relatable state of vulnerability. This exhibition will be on display until February 5, 2022.

MARRIN LEE MARTINEZ: TOUCHY TOUCHY

Dec 3, 2021–Feb 28, 2022

Soft kinetic sculpture exploring motherhood

The objects on display in this exhibition are a collection of kinetic creatures that explore a mother’s physical sensitivity to their child’s constant touch. Visitors are invited to interact with the forms, as suggested by adjacent action words. This action is a symbolic provoking of “The Mother,” who in turn reacts dramatically, becoming a spectacle for others to witness. Created by artist Marrin Lee Martinez, each work embodies her feelings in Motherhood; an experience that is both chaotic and magical. She references frenetic energy with bright colors – both attractive and mysterious – giving visuals to some of the most complex emotions a parent feels when caring for their child. Do you dare climb, poke, spin, push, or tug? If you do, please be gentle. We wouldn’t want Mom to freak out!

 While photography has historically been valued for its ability to depict our world objectively, there are some photographers who seek to reveal it to us by abstracting objects and moments they observe. By carefully composing shapes, forms, colors, and textures, they create new ways of seeing our material world.

This exhibition explores examples of abstract photography created by members of The Photo Society.

Artists on display include Bob Canepa, Kathleen Bosch, Erik Olson, Gary Smaby, Pat Brown, Yael Korin, James O’Donnell, Cat Evans, Nic Stover, and Patrick McGinnis

An opening reception will take place on December 2, 2021, from 5–7 PM. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Twelfth Annual San Luis Obispo Jewish Film Festival is coming your way January 9-30, 2022, online at www.slojff.com. The festival, which is noted for celebrating cultural diversity, is doing a deep dive this year into further revealing how Jewish Culture and Jewish Faith are expressed all over the world. “Our Global Mishpachah” is this year’s theme. The term ‘Mishpachah’ means family and friends. Tickets and passes, as well as descriptions and trailers of this year’s films, will be available to view beginning in December. Visit www.slojff.com for the full festival line-up and to purchase tickets. 

A selection of feature narratives, documentaries, and shorts from more than 12 different countries use their rich storytelling to help us find our common humanity. In addition to the films, the festival includes unfiltered, in-depth interviews with the filmmakers that enriches the filmgoing experience.

The Twelfth Annual San Luis Obispo Jewish Film Festival is coming your way January 9-30, 2022, online at www.slojff.com. The festival, which is noted for celebrating cultural diversity, is doing a deep dive this year into further revealing how Jewish Culture and Jewish Faith are expressed all over the world. “Our Global Mishpachah” is this year’s theme. The term ‘Mishpachah’ means family and friends. Tickets and passes, as well as descriptions and trailers of this year’s films, will be available to view beginning in December. Visit www.slojff.com for the full festival line-up and to purchase tickets.

A selection of feature narratives, documentaries, and shorts from more than 12 different countries use their rich storytelling to help us find our common humanity. In addition to the films, the festival includes unfiltered, in-depth interviews with the filmmakers that enriches the filmgoing experience.

“We sought out films from as many different countries as possible, so that we could better understand the personal role of Judaism throughout the world. We gain insight into the differences as well as the traditions and ties that bind us together as a family of believers,” shares Co-Director, Muara C. Johnston. “In a world that is seemingly more fractured than ever, this wonderful inclusive term ‘Mishpachah’ reminds us that we are one big global family. We felt that message was extra important to celebrate this year.”

SLO Jewish Film Festival Co-Director, Bruce Silverberg, noted that the virtual format necessitated by the pandemic has brought unexpected benefits. “Not being tethered to a physical location has given us a truly global reach,” Silverberg said. “We can easily engage with filmmakers near and far to share new stories and perspectives with our audience. Viewers will get to meet more branches of our diverse global mishpacha.”

A Take-Away Dinner for Two for Valentine’s Day!

Reserve today and pick up on February 14th … an Italian take away dinner to share with someone you love!

You will be treated to a beautiful lined picnic basket with two generous helpings of lasagna from Giuseppe’s restaurant , a choice of red or white wine,  a loaf of crusty ciabatta bread,  an antipasto salad in a mason jar and imported dark roasted coffee!

Also included will be extra surprises including a keepsake item, special desserts and a fun activity . . . THAT’S AMORE!

Raffle Tickets are available with your purchase – enter to win a beautiful orchid in a vintage Italian vase or a gift basket of fantastic gourmet foods and wine from Italy!

Visit our THAT’S AMORE EVENT PAGE for more details and a Silent Auction!

Click here for a printable That’s Amore Flyer.

Spanish guitar great and Latin Grammy-winner Diego “Twanguero” Garcia has become internationally known for his unique “Twang” sound that ranges from Spanish guitar to American folk, flamenco, and tango. In riveting solo work and numbers backed by his electric trio, this eclectic evening will feature tunes from his Electric Sunset release, his Spanish Music Award-winning solo CD, Back Roads Vol. I, as well as his soon-to-be-released, Back Roads Vol. II. This “can’t miss” event for guitar lovers of all ages is full of seductive melodies as well as electrifying riffs, performed by the pioneer of “Latin-Twang” himself!

Sponsored by Ann Robinson and La Ley 100.3 FM 

In a cultural landscape filled with endless pundits and talking heads, Fran Lebowitz stands out as one of our most insightful social commentators and cultural satirists. Author, journalist, and social observer, her essays and interviews offer acerbic views on current events and the media, as well as her pet peeves which include tourists, baggage-claim areas, after-shave lotion, adults who roller skate, children who speak French, and anyone who is unduly tan. 

The New York Times Book Review calls Lebowitz “an important humorist in the classic tradition.” Martin Scorsese directed her Emmy-nominated Netflix series, “Pretend It’s a City.” As a purveyor of urban cool, many call her the “heir to Dorothy Parker.” This event will feature a 30-minute moderated conversation and a freewheeling 60-minute audience Q&A. (Ages 13+)  

Sponsored by Tonya & Bob Omdahl, George and Esther Pudlo, 920 AM KVEC, KCBX 90.1 FM and New Times