Artists Face the Elements: An Introduction to Environmental Art
2022-10-21 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
A virtual lecture with art historian and curator Rina Faletti.
Join Fire Transforms guest curator Rina Faletti, PhD, for an engaging talk and slide presentation about the history of environmental art, and how the voices and visions of artists can open our conversations about environmental crisis and climate change.

Hidden Art Gems in the South Bay
2022-11-12 13:00 - 17:00 | CA
Join us for a Circle and Alliance Trip in South Bay!

Join us for a unique art experience, with lots of connections to Art Center programs, in the South Bay! We’ll start at Santa Clara University, visiting the Edward M. Dowd Art and Art History Building Gallery to see The Great Wave, curated by Ann Trinca (who curated Creative Attention).
Next, we’ll visit NUMU in Los Gatos for a special installation tour with artist Kathy Aoki and a walkthrough of their exhibition Terra Firma with Marianne McGrath (the upcoming curator of Food for Thought at the Art Center). We’ll end the day with a toast at Gali, a local Los Gatos tasting room.

2:00 p.m.—Arrive at Santa Clara University for a tour of the Edward M. Dowd Building Gallery
2:45 p.m.—Depart Santa Clara University
3:15 p.m.—Arrive at NUMU Los Gatos for installation tour with Kathy Aoki and Marianne McGrath
4:00 p.m.— Depart NUMU
4:15 p.m.— Arrive at Gali Tasting room in downtown Los Gatos to cap off the day

Space is limited; masks will be encouraged for indoor activities.
Participants/attendees are encouraged to carpool; we can help make arrangements. Parking info will be shared as the date approaches.
Email Karen Kwan (karen.kwan@cityofpaloalto.org) if you have questions, or require additional information.

Featured Images

Top right: Narsiso Martinez, In The Fresh, 2020 Ink, Gouache, Charcoal and Matte Gel on Produce Box 29.75” x 42.25” Private collection
Bottom right: Kathy Aoki, Buried Bourgeois Bust, 2022, Courtesy of the artist

(Virtual) "Fire Transforms" Artist Panel: Living with Fire
2022-11-18 17:00 - 18:00 | CA
“Fire Transforms” Artist Panel: Living with Fire

Hear from four Fire Transforms artists about their experiences living with fire, and how this has found visual expression in their work. Guest curator Rina Faletti will moderate this lively conversation about the power of art to heal, document, and transform, in our age of environmental crisis and climate change. Featuring artists Gregory Roberts, Felicia Rice, Brian Fies, and Adam Shaw.
This is a virtual event.

Exclusive Members-Only Holiday Sale & Happy Hour
2022-12-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Save the Date for the Members-Only Annual Studio Holiday Sale and Happy Hour!

If you are looking for handmade gifts for the holidays, the Art Center Studio Holiday Sale is your one-stop shop. Our sale showcases unique artwork created by local artists working in the studios at the Palo Alto Art Center. Enjoy some winter drinks and treats.
This is an exclusive members-only preview and sale. Please renew your membership, or secure a new membership at www.paacf.org today!
The free Holiday Sale open to the public is Saturday, December 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Art Center Studio Holiday Sale
2022-12-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Save the Date for the Annual Studio Holiday Sale!

If you are looking for handmade gifts for the holidays, the Art Center Studio Holiday Sale is your one-stop shop. Our sale showcases unique artwork created by local artists working in the studios at the Palo Alto Art Center.
The exclusive members-only preview and sale is Friday, December 2, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Please go to www.paacf.org to join today!
The free Holiday Sale open to the public is Saturday, December 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

(Virtual) "Fire Transforms" Artist Panel: Creating with Fire
2022-12-09 17:00 - 18:00 | CA
“Fire Transforms” Artist Panel: Fire in Artmaking

Join four Fire Transforms artists to learn about how they use fire as an art medium. Guest curator Rina Faletti will moderate this engaging conversation about the ways art transforms our understanding of environmental crisis and climate change through powerful art about fire. Featuring artists Kala Stein, Beth Ames Swartz, Mirang Wonne, and Jonah Ward.
This is a virtual event.

Friday Night at the Art Center—"Under Water" Members’ Preview
2023-01-27 17:00 - 18:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Join us Friday, January 27 from 5-6 p.m. for our first Friday Night at the Art center of 2023! This members’ preview will feature short talks from some of the talented artists exhibiting their works.
Stay for the opening reception from 6-8 p.m. for a chance to meet all the artists, enjoy a specialty Under Water themed cocktail, make art, and enjoy the sounds of Jon Fammiliant, Mike Uhila and Ina Kim of Friendly Island.
Under Water explores the rich undercurrents in the water around us, through work in a wide range of media by a diverse collection of artists. The exhibition addresses diverse topics around water—what is in our water, how much we consume, how climate change has impacted water, how humans have sought to control water sources and to what effect, the symbolic role of water in moving people literally and metaphorically. Ultimately, the artists in the Under Water help to reconnect us with the tremendous beauty and potential of this precious and vital resource

Friday Night at the Art Center—"Under Water" Opening Reception
2023-01-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Join us Friday, January 27 from 6-8 p.m. to celebrate Under Water at our first Friday Night at the Art Center of 2023! Meet the artists, enjoy a specialty cocktail, make art, and enjoy the sounds of Jon Fammiliant, Mike Uhila and Ina Kim of Friendly Island.
Under Water explores the rich undercurrents in the water around us, through work in a wide range of media by a diverse collection of artists. The exhibition addresses diverse topics around water—what is in our water, how much we consume, how climate change has impacted water, how humans have sought to control water sources and to what effect, the symbolic role of water in moving people literally and metaphorically. Ultimately, the artists in the Under Water help to reconnect us with the tremendous beauty and potential of this precious and vital resource.

Artist Talk: John Sabraw and Liz Hickok—Friday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m., FREE
2023-02-24 17:00 - 18:00 | CA
A virtual presentation featuring two artists displaying their work at the “Under Water” exhibition at the Palo Alto Art Center.

Join us for a virtual presentation featuring Ohio-based artist John Sabraw and San Francisco-based artist Liz Hickok. Both artists create artworks addressing water pollution, employing innovative techniques in the process.
The artists work can be viewed at the Palo Alto Art Center’s Under Water exhibition from January 21-April 8, 2023.

Free Meditative Art Workshop, Palo Alto Art Center Auditorium, Saturday, March 18, 2-3:30 p.m.
2023-03-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Join us for a free workshop exploring the meditative power of art!
During this session art and music will be used as tools for meditation, to promote stillness and slowing down.
All materials will be provided, limited to 25 participants.

Viscosity Techniques Monotype Workshop with Katherine Levin-Lau
2023-03-31 13:00 - 2023-04-02 16:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Learn viscosity techniques for monotype printing to layer color with renowned master printmaker Katherine Levin-Lau. All levels welcome!

Join us at the Palo Alto Art Center for a three-day workshop with Katherine Levin-Lau and master using ink viscosity to create stunning, layered, and fully-realized monotype images.
Friday, March 31, 1 – 4:30 p.m.: Lecture and demonstration of viscosity techniques.
Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Practice viscosity techniques used in monotype printmaking to layer color on your plate. We will be using zinc plates and Graphic Chemical Process Inks (magenta, cyan, and yellow) to mix our colors.
Sunday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Demonstration followed by practice of using paper stencils to add layers to your prints.
Katherine Levin-Lau is an internationally exhibiting artist. She has developed her unique techniques for making monotypes over the past 35 years in her studio in San Jose. Learn more about Katherine and see her work on her website: katherinelevinlau.com.
Workshop fee is $450 and includes all materials.

An Art-Filled Day Trip to the Central Valley
2023-04-08 09:00 - 20:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Join the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation for a day-long art experience to Fresno on Saturday, April 8. Hop on a luxurious coach bus in Palo Alto with your fellow Foundation members and art enthusiasts as we journey to the California central valley. We’ll start our day with a picnic at and tour of Sunset Tango Ranch guided by ranch owners and friends to the Art Center, Todd and Megan Lewis. After lunch, we will spend the afternoon at Fresno Art Museum for a special visit with Executive Director & Chief Curator Michele Ellis Pracy and Joe Oliveira, son of Nathan Oliveira—famed San Francisco Bay Area figurative artist and Stanford studio art professor—for a private walkthrough of Nathan Oliveira: Rare Works From the Private Collections of His Children. We will also visit Bruce Beasley: A New Direction Aurai Wall Works and Sculpture. We end our day with a wine reception before going home.
$200 per person includes museum admission, coach bus + gratuity, BBQ lunch & beverages, and wine reception. Itinerary enclosed below (subject to change). Email Karen Kwan at karen.kwan@cityofpaloalto.org if you have any questions or require additional information.

9 a.m. Leave Palo Alto
11:30 a.m. Arrive at Sunset Tango Ranch
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Picnic + Ranch tour
1:30-2:15 p.m. Chowchilla to Fresno
2:15-4 p.m. Fresno Art Museum tour
4-5 p.m. Happy Hour reception
5-7:30 p.m. Fresno to Palo Alto

Featured Image: (Left) Sunset Tango Ranch images courtesy of Megan O’Reilly-Lewis; (Right) Oliveira exhibition images courtesy of John Seed (Art Writer) and Michelle Ellis Pracy ( FAM Executive Director and Chief Curator)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Exhibition: Cultural Kaleidoscope and Youth Art
2023-04-29 10:00 - 17:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
April 29-May 20, 2023
Our annual showcase of youth creativity features artwork by students of all ages in Palo Alto Unified School District as well as artwork created in the Art Center’s artist-in-the-schools program, Cultural Kaleidoscope.
Youth Art celebrates the imaginative spirit of the students from the Palo Alto Unified School District, featuring a selection of artwork from students in grades K-12. The exhibition theme, “How Does Art Sustain Us?” will allow students to show how creative realization is discovered through artistic risk taking, fortitude, and personal expression.
Cultural Kaleidoscope represents the culminating exhibition of the Palo Alto Art Center’s artists-in-the-schools program, which brings multidisciplinary, arts-integrated lessons to K-5 students in Ravenswood City School District in East Palo Alto and Palo Alto Unified School District.
Image credits from left to right: Anya L., 12th grade, “Enchanted,” ceramic, Henry M. Gunn High School; Melina C., Kindergarten, “Bear Party,” watercolor, Los Robles—Ronald McNair Academy, Ravenswood City School District.

Climate Connections Exhibition Series: "Earth"
2023-06-23 10:00 - 17:00 | CA
June 23 – August 19, 2023
This summer, Earth at The Palo Alto Art Center marks the latest chapter of Climate Connections, a year-long series of exhibitions and public programs that explore the role of art, creativity, and cultural leadership in inspiring and instantiating meaningful climate action. For centuries, California’s natural terrain has provided fertile conceptual ground for artists and creative thinkers of all stripes. As the effects of climate change grow increasingly obvious, the insights of our region’s artists appear more vital and necessary than ever. This show will be juried by Jodi Roberts, Co-founder and Managing Director at Art + Climate Action (A+CA) and co-founder of Partners for Arts Climate Targets (PACT).
Art Center hours are from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Friday Night at the Art Center—"Earth" Members’ Preview
2023-06-23 17:00 - 18:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Join us Friday, June 23 from 5-6 p.m. to preview Earth, the final installment of the Climate Connections series. This members’ preview takes members on a guided gallery walkthrough with juror Jodi Roberts.
Stay for the opening reception from 6-8 p.m. for a chance to meet the artists, enjoy specialty Earth themed cocktails, make art, and engage with our close-knit community members on a warm summer evening.
This summer, Earth, at The Palo Alto Art Center marks the latest chapter of Climate Connections, a year-long series of exhibitions and public programs that explore the role of art, creativity, and cultural leadership in inspiring and instantiating meaningful climate action. For centuries, California’s natural terrain has provided fertile conceptual ground for artists and creative thinkers of all stripes. As the effects of climate change grow increasingly obvious, the insights of our region’s artists appear more vital and necessary than ever. This show will be juried by Jodi Roberts, Co-founder and Managing Director at Art + Climate Action (A+CA) and co-founder of Partners for Arts Climate Targets (PACT).

Learn More.

Friday Night at the Art Center—"Earth" Opening Reception
2023-06-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Join us Friday, June 23 from 6-8 p.m. to celebrate Earth, the final installment of the Climate Connections series. Meet the artists, enjoy specialty Earth themed cocktails, make art, and enjoy a warm summer evening with Palo Alto Art Center community members and friends.
This summer, Earth, at The Palo Alto Art Center marks the latest chapter of Climate Connections, a year-long series of exhibitions and public programs that explore the role of art, creativity, and cultural leadership in inspiring and instantiating meaningful climate action. For centuries, California’s natural terrain has provided fertile conceptual ground for artists and creative thinkers of all stripes. As the effects of climate change grow increasingly obvious, the insights of our region’s artists appear more vital and necessary than ever. This show will be juried by Jodi Roberts, Co-founder and Managing Director at Art + Climate Action (A+CA) and co-founder of Partners for Arts Climate Targets (PACT).
Learn More

The ACGA Palo Alto Clay and Glass Festival Returns this July!
2023-07-15 10:00 - 17:00, 2023-07-16 10:00 - 17:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
The ACGA Clay and Glass Festival turns 30 this year and returns to the Art Center on July 15 and 16!
Over 100 juried clay and glass artists will bring their finest works to the Art Center- including many of the Palo Alto Art Center’s teaching artists, including Miki Shim, as well as former artist-in-residence, Malia Landis and former Palo Alto Art Center board member (and Emeritus Council member) Jan Schachter.
Free admission, paid valet parking, food trucks, and more. See the list of Participating Artists and learn more here!

Public Format for Creative Roots: Art, Trees, and Environmental Stewardship
2023-07-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Join the Palo Alto Art Center, the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, and Canopy at the Palo Alto Art Center Auditorium on July 26 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm for a special program that explores the connections between art, trees, and environmental stewardship. Presented in conjunction with the Palo Alto Art Center exhibition EARTH, the panel will feature artist Claire Dunn, juror and Art+Climate Action co-founder Jodi Roberts, and Canopy board member and arborist Uriel Hernandez.
RSVP for this free event on Eventbrite here!

28th Annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
2023-09-30 10:00 - 17:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Who doesn’t love a pumpkin patch? Especially one made of thousands of hand-crafted glass pumpkins!

The 28th annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch returns to Palo Alto from Sept. 30 – Oct. 1, 2023 from 10am to 5pm. Benefitting the Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI), the Palo Alto Art Center, the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, and the participating glass artists, this pumpkin patch features more than 10,000 unique glass pumpkins, gourds, and autumnal keepsakes for sale, glass demonstrations, food trucks, and more!
DETAILS:
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 30 – Oct. 1, 2023
WHERE: Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
ADMISSION: Free
DIRECTIONS: The Palo Alto Art Center is at the corner of Embarcadero and Newell roads in Palo Alto.
PARKING: Plenty of free street parking is available at the Palo Alto Art Center.

28th Annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
2023-10-01 10:00 - 17:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Who doesn’t love a pumpkin patch? Especially one made of thousands of hand-crafted glass pumpkins!

The 28th annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch returns to Palo Alto Sept. 30 & Oct. 1, 2023 from 10am to 5pm. Benefitting the Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI), the Palo Alto Art Center, the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, and the participating glass artists, this pumpkin patch features more than 10,000 unique glass pumpkins, gourds, and autumnal keepsakes for sale, glass demonstrations, food trucks, and more!
DETAILS:
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 30 & Oct. 1, 2023
WHERE: Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
ADMISSION: Free
DIRECTIONS: The Palo Alto Art Center is at the corner of Embarcadero and Newell roads in Palo Alto.
PARKING: Plenty of free street parking is available at the Palo Alto Art Center.

The 29th Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
2024-09-28 10:00 - 2024-09-29 17:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States

Friday Night at the Art Center—"CFTSC " Members-Only Preview
2025-01-24 17:00 - 18:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Celebrate “Cut from the Same Cloth: Textile & Technology” with the curator & artists! Enjoy artmaking, a cash bar, & food!

Friday Night at the Art Center
Members-Only Preview
Friday, January 24, 5-6 p.m.
Palo Alto Art Center

Join us for a special celebration of the exhibition Cut from the Same Cloth: Textile & Technology.

Members of the Foundation enjoy an exclusive opportunity to join a special welcome and introduction by guest curator Christine Duval, gaining behind-the-scenes insights into the exhibition. Plus, savor complimentary cocktails as part of your membership! Invite your friends to join as members and share these amazing perks together!
Stay for the public opening to make art, enjoy scrumptious empanadas provided by Ada’s. Meet artists, make art, and savor cocktails at a cash bar provided by the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation!

Friday Night at the Art Center—"Cut from the Same Cloth " Opening Reception
2025-01-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Celebrate “Cut from the Same Cloth: Textile & Technology” alongside the curator & artists! Enjoy artmaking, a cash bar, & food!

Friday Night at the Art Center Opening Celebration
Friday, January 24, 6-8 p.m., FREE
Palo Alto Art Center

Join us for a free special celebration of the exhibition Cut from the Same Cloth: Textile & Technology.
Showcasing the fusion of craft and technology, this exhibition, explores the connections between textiles and innovation. From the jacquard machine inspiring early computing to modern AI-integrated fabrics, this exhibition celebrates weaving and tapestry as vital art practices of the 21st century. Curated by Christine Duval, it highlights how textiles continue to shape creativity and the future.
Make art and enjoy a specialty cocktail at a cash bar provided by the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation and enjoy empanadas for purchase from Ada’s Cafe!
Become a member of the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation and unlock exclusive perks! Enjoy early access to the Members Preview, where you’ll meet the curator and artists, dive into behind-the-scenes insights about the exhibition, and savor complimentary cocktails. Plus, your membership includes free drinks at every Friday Night at the Art Center event and more. All this for as little as $6.25/month—join today and experience art like never before!

Apparel Swap Party
2025-02-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Sort through your clothing, shoes and accessories. We will share clothes, repurposing ideas and fashion advice with each other!

Apparel Swap Party—Sunday, February 16, 2024, 1-4 p.m., FREE

Sort through your clothing, shoes and accessories. Ask yourself—is this bringing me joy? Make a pile, big or small, and bring it with you and make secondhand your first choice! We will share clothes, repurposing ideas and fashion advice with each other.
Join the movement to reuse and recycle previously loved clothing and accessories instead of shopping new at this fun and festive community event. Bring up to 10 clothing or accessory items you no longer need that you know someone else would love, and look for some new-to-you items for yourself in the process! Clothing items should be for adults and be clean; mendable items are welcome. We will not accept child or youth clothing, socks or undergarments, swimsuits, or lingerie. Swappable clothing should be on hangers.

Drop-off items in advance at the Art Center front desk Wednesday, February 12, Thursday, February 13, and Friday, February 14 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. or on Saturday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. Receive tokens that will allow you to return to “shop” the event on Sunday.
Drop-off items the day of the party. You will be required to display your items before you “shop.”

Photo credit – James Mak.

Talking Textile and Technology: A Panel Discussion
2025-03-22 15:00 - 16:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Join us for a vibrant dialogue around the connections between textile and technology featuring artists in the exhibition.

Talking Textile and Technology: A Panel Discussion—Saturday, March 22, 3 p.m.
Join us for a vibrant dialogue around the connections between textile and technology featuring artists in the exhibition moderated by Dr. Sarah Mills, Assistant Professor of Design History at San Jose State University.

Pattern and Code Workshop with Ahree Lee
2025-03-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Artist Ahree Lee shows interconnections between fiber-related arts and computing by guiding participants in making their own weavings.

Pattern and Code with New media and textile artist, Ahree Lee

Sunday, March 23, 2025 | 11a.m. -1 p.m.
In Studio A at the Palo Alto Art Center
All materials are provided.

Pattern and Code
Pattern and Code: A Workshop with Artist Ahree Lee–Sunday, March 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The first computer program was written by a woman and the design of the first computers was inspired by the jacquard weaving loom — historical facts that are little-known today. New media and textile artist Ahree Lee will share her recent body of work which explores the interconnections between weaving and computing, and the often-overlooked but essential role of women and textiles in the development of coding, while demonstrating the interconnections between fiber-related arts and computing by guiding participants in making their own weavings. All materials provided; no experience required.

Circle & Alliance PAACF Day Trip to San Francisco: Black Gold and More!
2025-09-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Private: Fort Point National Historic Site, 201 Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA, 94129, United States
Circle & Alliance Members Event:

Join us for a special day trip to San Francisco anchored by the site-specific exhibition Black Gold: Stories Untold at historic Fort Point. Organized by FOR-SITE Foundation, this unique presentation showcases 17 contemporary artist and collectives responding to the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans who lived in California from the Gold Rush to the post-Civil War era through newly commissioned and recent artworks.
We’ll hear from one of the artists in the exhibition, Demetri Broxton, who is also the guest curator for our fall Pushing Boundaries exhibition. After lunch at Colibri Mexican Bistro in the historic Presidio, we will then head to the Mission District to visit the studios of artists Andy Diaz Hope and Laurel Roth Hope (who had work in past Art Center exhibition) and Chelsea Wong (whose work was included in the In Feast or Famine show).
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn more about California history and our region’s historic sites through a uniquely contemporary lens, and get acquainted with some stellar contemporary artists in the process.

Friday Night at the Art Center—"Pushing Boundaries" Members-Only Preview
2025-09-19 17:00 - 18:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Celebrate “Pushing Boundaries: Ceramic Artists and Identity” alongside the curator & artists! Enjoy artmaking, a cash bar, & food!

Friday Night at the Art Center: Members-Only Preview
🗓️ Friday, June 20 | 🕕 5–6 PM | 📍 Palo Alto Art Center

Join us for an exclusive Members-Only Preview of Forming Function: Pushing Boundaries: Ceramic Artists and Identity and the debut of Ashwini Bhat: Being, Longing…
Enjoy a special welcome and introduction from guest curator Demetri Broxton, along with the opportunity to hear from some of the featured artists themselves. You’ll get behind-the-scenes insights into the exhibition’s contemporary California-based artists who use clay to explore identity, value, place, and the body. You’ll also get a first look at Ashwini Bhat’s striking installation — blending sculpture, unfired clay, neon, and performance to reflect on belonging, transformation, and sustainability.
🍸 Enjoy complimentary drink tickets as part of your membership!
Want to share the experience? Invite a friend to join as a member and enjoy the perks together!

✨ What to Expect
🎨 Art Activity (FREE)
🕺💃Performances by Mosaic America
🍹 Specialty Cocktails + More at Our Cash Bar (2 Free Drink Tickets Included!)
Each membership entails to two complimentary drink tickets to enjoy at the bar. Choose from speciality cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options
Sip for a cause—additional drink sales support the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation!

Friday Night at the Art Center—"Pushing Boundaries" Opening Reception
2025-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, United States
Celebrate “Pushing Boundaries: Ceramic Artists and Identity” alongside the curator & artists! Enjoy artmaking, a cash bar, & food!

Friday Night at the Art Center Opening Celebration
🗓️ Friday, Sept 19 | 🕕 6–8 PM | 📍 Palo Alto Art Center
🎟️ FREE & open to all!
Join us for a free opening celebration of the exhibition Forming Function: Pushing Boundaries: Ceramic Artists and Identity and the debut of Ashwini Bhat: Being, Longing…
Across cultures and centuries, clay has been seen as the material from which humanity is formed — a powerful symbol of our connection to the earth and to each other. Pushing Boundaries: Ceramic Artists and Identity brings together contemporary California-based artists who use clay to explore themes of value, place, and corporeality. From the body and race to gender, sexuality, and the environment, these artists push the medium’s potential as a tool for artistic and social inquiry.
This evening also debuts Ashwini Bhat: Being, Longing…, a site-specific installation by Bay Area artist Ashwini Bhat. Coming from a background in literature and classical Indian dance, Bhat works across sculpture, installation, ceramics, video, text, and performance to create a unique visual language exploring the intersections of body and nature, self and other. The installation features a performance video projected on unfired clay, a neon installation, and a large-scale ceramic mandala created with public participation, speaking to themes of belonging, transformation, and sustainability.

✨ What to Expect
🎨 Art Activity (FREE)
🕺💃Performances by Mosaic America
🍹 Specialty Cocktails + More at Our Cash Bar ($ – Sip for a cause! Proceeds benefit the the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation) Drinks available for purchase, including: beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options
—
💛 Want FREE Drinks?
Become a Palo Alto Art Center Foundation member! Members enjoy:

Early access to the opening, where you’ll meet the curator and artists & get behind-the-scenes insights
Complimentary cocktails at Friday Night events
Exclusive experiences year-roundMemberships start at just $6.25/month. Join today →
