Floral Photography Show Debuts On PAL Wall At Firehouse

The Firehouse is currently hosting an exhibition of 2D works on the Nancy Thompson Memorial Wall titled ?Colors Inside? which showcases the photography of Vanessa Lee Thomas, a Bay Area artist known for her striking floral images. Vanessa is also an avid supporter of, and advocate for the visual arts and was the recipient of the Alameda County Arts Leadership Award in 2021.

Sydney Tang, curator for the Firehouse Arts Center, organizes and executes the three rotating exhibitions throughout the facility. Group shows are arranged within the Harrington Gallery in collaboration with organizations such as the Pleasanton Art League and California Watercolor Association, and there are plans underway to bring back the annual ?Fresh Works? group exhibition in 2023.

For the Firehouse lobby, Sydney?s curatorial approach is to invite local artists from the greater Bay Area to hold solo exhibitions and she seeks out creatives whose work inspires and makes a connection with the many visitors to the historic building. The Firehouse Lobby features work by Charlotte Severin for the month of August.

The Nancy Thompson Memorial Wall, located on the second floor, is where Sydney regularly works alongside local artists from the Tri-Valley. ?This exhibition space is particularly notable as we are able to showcase the many brilliant artists from our community.? said Sydney, ? As it is next to the classrooms we have upstairs, it is always delightful to see the glimmer of curiosity in the eyes of the future generation of artists.?

Prior to working at the Firehouse Arts Center, Sydney Tang was a scholar in East Asian art history and completed her undergraduate degree in Tokyo, Japan. Upon working in the contemporary art scene there, she returned to the United States to complete her master?s degree in Art & Public Policy at New York University.

The Nancy Thompson Memorial Wall was named after the watercolor and pastel artist who was also a former President of the Pleasanton Art League.

Current coordinator for the PAL wall is Lynda Briggs, who is an artist herself and has been volunteering to draw attention to the work of local artists for about 8 years. Lynda describes her paintings as ? born from a place of free spirit, celebrating life and positive energy. My work is influenced by my passion for hiking. Being surrounded by nature cultivates an emotional connection that sparks my creativity and curiosity for free flowing, harmonious design.? When asked what drives her to support other artists she responded ?Helping other artists fosters community and frankly, nobody understands the struggles of an artist like an artist. As a working independent painter, I find that the long hours in my home studio can be isolating at times. Playing a small part in another person?s creative journey is a fun way to stay balanced, meet inspiring friends, like Vanessa, and connect to something bigger than myself.?

An informal in-person reception for ?Colors Inside? will be held on Saturday, July 30th from 1-3pm. The Firehouse Arts Center is open for visitors during normal operating hours of Wednesday ? Friday, 10 am to 5 pm; Saturdays 11 am to 3 pm.