MCF's Art Display is Liquid Bliss

Fascinated by water? Transfixed by art? A group art exhibit, “Works on Water,” is on display at the Marin Community Foundation offices in Hamilton through Feb. 5.

The display features the works of almost 30 artists, mostly from the Bay Area, working in painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media.

A reception is set for 4:30 p.m Thursday, Nov. 15, and the public is welcome, according to the Marin Community Foundation, the epicenter of philanthropy in Marin and is one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. 

“Works on Water” explores a variety of water-related issues including consumption, quality, scarcity, reclamation, purity, pollution, transportation of water, rising sea levels and drought. In addition, the works explore the healing and inspiring qualities of water.

Water has been a defining element of cultures — and art — for thousands of years. Whereas in ancient times people migrated to water sources to build villages and cities to survive, modern life focuses on the economics and health aspects of water. These include the movement of water across state lines, the availability of safe drinking water, and concerns about agricultural impacts to aquifers. There is also increased attention to the use of pesticides, the effects of fracking on fresh water supplies, and flooding of fresh-water zones by salt water due to climate change and extreme storms.

Aside from artists residing in the Bay Area, the exhibit's featured talent comes from New York City, Chicago New Mexico, Washington state, the Los Angeles area. The artists include Adam Belt, Aline Mare, Basia Irland, Brandon Ballengee, Billy Curmano, Brooke Singer, Chrysanne Stathacos, David Maisel, Edward Morris, Susannah Sayler, Esmeralda Ruiz, Gregg Schlanger, J.J. L'Heureux, Kathryn Miller, Kim Stringfellow, Linda Gass, Manfred Menz, Mark Brest van Kempen, Robin Lasser, Marguerite Perret, Sant Khalsa, Sukey Bryan, Tiffany Homes, and Victoria Vesna.

Many of these artists have explored water issues in their work for many years — in some cases, over 20.

Never been to the Marin Community Foundation offices? Here's your opportunity. MCF manages the assets of the Leonard and Beryl H. Buck Trust and over 500 funds established by individuals, families, and businesses. It makes significant improvements in communities around the world by spearheading initiatives for long-term, sustainable change in Marin and by distributing grants from donor-advised funds locally, across the U.S., and around the world.

Now in its 25th year, MCF has assets of more than $1.3 billion, with annual grant distributions of approximately $60 million.

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