If you've biked Mt. Diablo or other roads in this area, you've probably crossed paths with this cyclist/artist, Kevin Davidson. His  experience in the biking world has put him front and center not only with the joys of cycling but with tragedy and  ghastly biking injuries.  He has a few "war wounds" himself. These experiences are the subject of his latest series of paintings. I'm fortunate to share studio space with him, but looking at his easel these days makes my "knees turn to water". These paintings are far from delicate. They are  dark, bloody and capture the risk-taking side of an avid cyclist and artist.

"I am in charge of costumes and props for The Matchmaker opening this Friday at the Village Theatre in Danville. Tickets are available for purchase (www.RolePlayersEnsemble.com). I like to build things. I built a silver back ape costume for Eugene O'Neill's The Hairy Ape from scratch out of a leather coat and a furry "something or other" ".

Lisa Danz
Resident Costume Designer
Role Players Ensemble
Danville, CA

"I was in the New York production of Hair. I played Berger, one of the principles.When I started directing, I got into set and sound design . I got interested in the technical side."

Robert Bo Golden
Set Design
The Matchmaker
Role Players Ensemble
Danville, CA

"While creating the star on the Epiphany Banner, the cross just evolved.  I was laying the sticks in the center to see where to cut them and the cross became apparent.  To me this piece symbolizes the light of Christ, and both the birth and resurrection of Christ.   I hope that you will have your own interpretation and that this work of art will enhance your experience of worship during the holy season.  

The background flat fabric banner, 92" x 166", was first created in 2008.  This year a three dimensional star was added to the painted banner.  The glittering twigs and mirrors were necessary to get some dynamic sparkle when viewed from such a long distance and with the low light in the church.  The piece took about 22 hours to complete and took over my studio/dining room.  There is still glitter in every room in my house."

Leslie Firth

Liturgical Artist & Designer

I am working on landscapes right now. They are a combination of personal experience and my imagination. I may use what I see as a starting point (i.e. valleys, trees, structures, waterways) for my composition, but then the "wheels" start to turn and imagination takes over. I like to take what I see and change it by rearranging the landscape or changing the shape and color of things to put my own stamp on it.  My ideas may start from a sketch or from doing a plein aire paint out with friends. From this point I usually go back to my studio put my music on and start "changing things". I have fun.   Gregg Skuce

"Why are you in a bookstore"?
"I wrote and illustrated this children's book Smelling Sunshine. It just came out in October and I was at the Depot Bookstore in Mill Valley for a book signing."
Constance Anderson

"We just bought pan de muertos for the opening of Dia de los Muertos at The aRt Cottage. Want some?"
Sisters Kasia and Connie

"Bainting  at the Danville Arts Fair. A blended word combining biking and painting, bainting is a component of trAction Painting (traction-painting.com), a performance/process/gestural genre in which I apply paint by employing wheeled conveyances such as bikes and roller skates."
John Barry

I recently ran across a Facebook page that deals with people in a specific location and their story told in one or two lines...maybe more. Recently, I've participated in discussions regarding art (or the lack of it) in my community. So I thought I might try to look for those people in my area who make art, who promote it or teach it. This isn't about me and my art, but about others who try to make it happen, enjoy the views and show up for the celebrations.