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California State University East Bay

The Pioneer

California State University East Bay

The Pioneer

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Local Artists’ Gallery Opens in Downtown Hayward

The Gallery features the work of CSU
East Bay alumna Kimberley Rowe

The Gallery, located on B Street in downtown Hayward, is a 5,000 square foot studio.

B Street got a little more colorful on Friday after the Hayward Arts Council opened its new Cinema Place Art Gallery.

The Gallery opened its doors to nearly 200 people on opening night, with plenty of foot traffic from the movie theater next door. The Gallery has an industrial, edgy look that mimics an art studio, with a concrete floor and a large open space, which is about 5,000 square feet, or three retail spaces.

The Gallery, according to management, took nearly two years of planning to accomplish. All of the work featured in the Gallery comes from local artists.

“We really wanted people to see how talented Hayward’s citizens are,” said Gail Landholm, the Gallery Manager. “Our Gallery is always going to feature the work of local artists.”

The Gallery features the work of Berkeley artist Kimberley Rowe, who received a B.A. in studio art from CSU East Bay in 1999 and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Art in 2006.

Rowe’s three displayed works are large fiberglass canvasses self-described as “a hybrid of delicate handy-work and tough construction.” One striking peace named “Fortress” is listed for sale at $82,312.50, making it more than a mere over-sized window shade.

Diane Ghostly of Hayward, who had just seen a movie at the theater next door, was found admiring the artwork. When asked why she dropped by the gallery, Ghostly replied, “We were intrigued. I think that the venue is fabulous.”

The guest book from opening night was filled with email addresses of those wanting gallery updates and positive comments. “I was so thrilled to see how many people came, and that not one negative comment was made,” said Landholm.

Valerie Snart, artistic coordinator of the gallery and an active member of the Hayward Arts Council, is hoping the large turnout will continue. Snart believes that it will increase the visibility of Hayward’s art scene as well as the foot traffic along B Street.

The Gallery will also feature artists at work during exhibition hours. Painters and sculptors will set up a small work station in front of the large picture window, where people inside the gallery can comfortably watch them work, and those passing by will notice, too.

In continuing their support of local artists, Cinema Place’s next exhibit in March will feature the work of Hayward’s students from CSU East Bay and Chabot College.

“We had a mission to bring the arts to Hayward,” said Snart. “Our goal is to keep it for all local people.”

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Local Artists’ Gallery Opens in Downtown Hayward