Bedford Gallery, a program of the City of Walnut Creek, also receives substantial support from the Diablo Regional Arts Association.

The Art of Diorama
March 26 - June 8, 2008

Lothar Schmitz, Ecotwist artifical turf and trees, wood, polyester resin, 2007

The Bedford’s exhibition The Art of Diorama, presents twenty-two artists who transform an enclosed area—ranging in size from a matchbox to a small room—using sculpture, painting, video, and photography. The artists construct life-like environments or habitats blending real and imagined elements to capture a single and arrested moment in time. The Art of Diorama is a diverse show that will encourage people to interact with and in their surroundings, or simply peer into captivating miniature worlds. Many artists in The Art of Diorama revealed that at a very early age they were captivated by the enchanting allure of the diorama—from a cherished dollhouse or prized train set, to visits to a natural history museum. We humans have an instinctual need to re-create our lives, our environment, our dreams—combining fact and fiction, art and science—and the diorama is a perfect playing field at any age. When peering into the magical realm of a diorama, time stops, sounds diminish, and the viewer enters a surreal record of reality. Carrie Lederer, Curator of Exhibitions and Programs

Artists Joy Broom • Helen Cohen • John Colle Rogers • Lauren Davies • Davis + Davis • Yolanda Garfias Woo • Danielle Giudici Wallis • Randall Heath • Don Hughes • Misako Inaoka • Milton Komisar • Michael McMillen • Jeremy Mora • Kelsey Nicholson • Lothar Osterburg • Sasha Petrenko • James Pridham • Nadim Sabella • Lothar Schmitz • Tim Sharman • Tracey Snelling • Stephanie Syjuco Bedford Gallery would like to thank the Lindsay Wildlife Museum for the loan of specimens for an installation by artist Kelsey Nicholson and the Diablo Regional Arts Association (DRAA) for their support as Season Partners. This exhibition has also been generously funded by a grant from The Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation which consistently supports the arts and enhances the quality of life in Contra Costa County.

Davis + Davis, Planet X (#8) digital print, 2006

 

Community Exhibition Bedford Gallery Learning Center will feature artwork by 4th and 5th graders from Eagle Peak Montessori and Ygnacio Valley Christian School made in workshops with artist John Colle Rogers. March 26 - June 6, 2008 Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Opening Reception Wednesday, March 26, 6:00-8:00 pm, Admission: $3 Free for Friends of the Bedford and members of DRAA. Enjoy live music and refreshments hosted by the Bedford Gallery Guild. Bg Art Morning Wednesday, April 30, 10:00 a.m.   Admission FREE Join us for coffee, pastries, and a talk with several artists in the exhibition. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please call 925/295-1423. Family Day-O-Rama Sunday, May 4, Noon - 3:00 p.m.   Admission FREE An afternon of inventive art activites for kids such as Cinco de Mayo nichos, fort-building, and pop-up environments. Kids and parents can view films such as "Calder's Circus" or eat at the "Play with Your Food" station. Bg Culture + Cocktails Thursday, June 5, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.   Admission $7, includes drink ticket Come to the Bedford for after-work art, cocktails, and conversation in the gallery.

Lauren Davies, Bird Diorama mixed media, 2005

BEDFORD gallery    1601 civic drive    walnut creek, ca 94596    925/295-1417     contact us