It’s exciting to work with new ideas and new energy, so I was pleased to be asked to help organize, Presence, the premier exhibition for C14 Contemporary Arts, the new gallery space in the up-and-coming Barlow complex in Sebastopol. Gallery owner, DebraLea Comstock and business manager, Martha Channer, have gathered together an initial core group of nine established artists, whose work represents a coherent range of media, styles, and genres.

The inaugural exhibition, Presence, highlights work by the diverse but complementary core group of artists. It was my task, and pleasure, to review and select work by these nine artists that reflects each of their unique styles as well as the vision of the gallery. It was quite exhilarating to design the exhibition in the midst of the gallery’s transformation from its former incarnation to its new beginning—walls were being painted and furnishing were changing as art was being installed. To say the least, a lot took place in a very short time to present a comprehensible and professional exhibition of quality artwork. Many positive things can be said about working with cooperative and professional artists.

While the vision of the gallery leans toward contemporary abstraction, the core group embraces figurative and representational elements as well. The current exhibition, Presence, features Teresa Camozzi’s cast polyester resin designs referencing botanical patterns; Martha Channer’s abstract paintings of lyrical forms imbued with symbols and metaphors; DebraLea Comstock’s sculptured glass organic shapes; Dave Gordon’s moody abstract landscape paintings; Brooke Holve’s mixed-media constructions made of fabric and precisely dissected book covers; Colin Lambert’s cast bronze figures and models for large public artworks; Craig Mitchell’s wood and found object chair-like structure, Fred Vedder’s encaustic and mixed-media textural forms; and Martha Wade’s dramatic figurative paintings that evoke enigmatic narratives.

The gallery’s future exhibition schedule will offer abundant opportunities for other artists to be included in shows and participate in numerous ways. The gallery is located at 6780 Depot St., Suite 100, in the Barlow complex in Sebastopol. With all the new shops, eateries, and beverage tasting (wine, beer, coffee) establishments, the gallery is well situated for success.

If you missed the opening reception, a second reception for the artists will be held on Saturday, June 14, from 5 to 8 p.m.; it’s a great time to meet the artists and talk to them about their work. Due to the growing interest in the gallery, the current exhibition has been extended through July 6.

For more information or to get on their mailing list for regular updates about exhibitions, events, opportunities, and performances, check their website, www.c14contemporaryarts.com, or call 707-827-3020.