NEW TEXTILE GALLERY
Today I went to an art opening at a new textile focused gallery and studio space called Ogaard Textile Work in Oakland. It is located down the street from A Verb for Keeping Warm at 5861 San Pablo Avenue.
The gallery's opening show is currently showcasing new work by artist Ashley Helvey.
Her work features felted wool sculptures, small woven rectangles, ceramics and plants. Altogether, the generating a calm and ethereal mood. The felted wool sculptures seemed to be in suspended animation, giving the sense of movement and grace. She will be teaching felting at he UC Botanical Garden, Sunday, April 14th 1pm - 4pm.
It was great to see lots of people for the opening; textiles are alive in Oakland!
The space was developed by Tessa Watson, a local artist and fellow Mills College alumni. She has an impressive background in textile work and hopes the space will be a place for artist to work and show their art. I'm very excited about the possibilities this new endeavor will bring to Oakland's thriving art and textile scene. Check it out if you can!
Cheers!
Adrienne Rodriguez