FIREHOUSE ART COLLECTIVE

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

2012-01-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

bazaar vendors in their own words:

Hand made books-original fairy tales

Leather & Denim purses 80% upcycled, no two alike.

Hoola hoops

Handmade skin care products

Handmade freshwater pearl and gemstone jewelry, lavender sachets, button and vintage fabric items

Upcycled hand painted cups and mugs, hand sewn hair bows, a small selection of cards, and a few other odds and ends mostly relating to mustaches, eyeballs, and squids

Handmade Jewelry

Henna temporary (natural) tattoos, Henna products, candles

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, YOU'LL FIND US HERE

2012-01-23T15:36:00.000-08:00

JANUARY OPENING PARTY

2012-01-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

AT GALLERY NORTH!
Thanks to Karen Zullo Sherr and her out of sight painting team, we had a full house art opening party to start the year right. Thank you Karen and all the peeps who put together this lovely show. Looking forward to another successful year of figure painting and plein aire adventures.

GET INVOLVED NOW!

2012-01-16T16:16:00.000-08:00

As the new Firehouse Art Co space is nearing it's completion

we are ready for YOU!

Call for artists who love to paint and create in public, we offer designated 10 x 10 spots for lease. As well as daily freshly set up whimsy local 'diy' craft vendor spots from 11am to 4pm.

If you know the value of a steady daily flow of hundreds of local peeps, you know the value of our new location, so get involved now!

The owners of the Emeryville Public Market woke up one day and decided: "Hey, we have such a cool thing going on, let's invite businesses to match the awesomeness of the east bay community..." which is how Guitar Center came to plan to open their flag ship store on February 2. Yes, that means a big night of live music, see and be seen on the new Emeryville art scene.

The Grand Party is on Thursday, February 2nd, 7pm to Midnight, inside the Emeryville Public Market and outside. We are hosting our popular pop up night bazaar, with the coolest vendors on the planet, live music and sweet surprises all around, in our new space inside!

If you are a vendor and know you fit the shoe,

come and join us here.

Email us: Firehouse.Art.Collective @ gmail.com

Vendors call or text Julia: 510 593 0733

Artists for studio leases call or text Tom: 510 219 8688

although, really, email works best initially

Use the comment section below to tell us about yourself and ask questions

Meanwhile, we continue all the fine work in all our six locations.
Like us on facebook / Firehouse.Art.Collective
Tweet us @23monkeytree

Our thanks go out to all our amazing artists, collaborators, friends and last not least family,

who share the love of a life well lived

through all the arts.

Our friends of Mainstreet property services helped...well, a LOT!.

PLAN TO HAVE YOUR PLACE IN OUR NEW OPEN SPACE!

2011-12-30T21:13:00.001-08:00

SATURDAY BAZAAR KEEPS GOING INTO 2012

2011-12-22T10:23:00.000-08:00

In SOUTH BERKELEY

Our INDOOR / OUTDOOR BAZAAR

On 3192 Adeline street @ MLK Way, CA 94703

Keeping it going into the year 2012. Every Saturday, noon to 6pm.
We LOVE the space and know, that over time, peeps living in the area will come and utilize it for what the possibilities are.

We open the door and set up ever Saturday, Rain or Shine, inviting vendors of all kind, local, handmade, food, art, collectibles, to come and show & sell to the visitors who are catching on to the space and the possibility to find gifts, community connection and inspiration.
Also to spend time with art & artists of the Firehouse Collective.

If there is a better day for everyone, like any other weekday, we would love to hear from you!

Have a swell Holiday week and we will see you Saturday, December 31, at our East Bay Bazaar.

PS: We will be closed Saturday December 24, 2011.

JANUARY 2012 Art show at Gallery North

2011-12-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

"New Places" Four painter's California

Curated by Sue Steel, this show exhibits works of our very own Karen Zullo Sherr and peeps that are part of the "Figure Painting Group" held weekly on Tuesdays at our Gallery North.

Opening Party night is Friday, January 13

from 7 to 9 pm

Firehouse North Gallery

1790 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley CA 94709

"Come and meet the artists, mingle and connect with the members of the Firehouse Art Collective at the Berkeley Art Walk on the second Friday of each month. Serving complementary snacks, hosting a donation based wine, beer & kombucha bar with live music and and a local film and photo crew to capture the colors, sounds, characters and surprises of the evening. Creating community and culture one event at the time"

Exhibit will be up from January 9th to the 31st 2012.

For more information from the curator, please call Sue Steel at 510-528-4291. The artists areaffiliated with the East Bay Landscapes Painters and you can see more of theirwork at www. eblandscape.blogspot.com.

Find the gallery open times calendar here.

GRATEFULLY REMEMBERING 2011

2011-12-14T23:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it's saying good bye to another year, to some very close friends and family who have left to higher grounds and celebrating all the accomplishments as a collective this year 2011.

We had 12 super cool cutting edge art shows and opening parties this year at Gallery North.
Started a new LIVE painting group at Gallery North on Wednesdays...added a second group to Tuesday figure painting.
Jon Merker joined us at Gallery North to teach tiny tots live music on real instruments, we dare say, it's the only such cool thing by the bay!
Firehouse art studios WEST opened on 1000 Gilman street in March. There is still some space for classes and art studio members.
We are signing the lease for our new space at the Emeryville Public Market next week for another 1600 sqft of dedicated art spaces to be used by Firehouse Collective members.
The Firehouse Live Bazaar opened in July and is open every Saturday noon to 6pm on 3192 Adeline street @ MLK way. Anyone can come show and sell their goods. A major neighborhood rejuvenator in south Berkeley.
Two new storefronts opened in the Adeline Arts studios building, "The Tarot Woman" & "Alchemy Collective" with an organic coffee cart offering daily java to the public walking by.
Holiday pop up trunk show at Firehouse Gallery North
Two successful pop up Firehouse South Bazaars at the Oakland Art Murmur in May & November

If I have forgotten something, please write it into the comment section, it can happen...we have had a lot to celebrate be grateful for and share with everyone in this thriving art community.

Thank you each and everyone for giving your time, talent

and craft to this collective.

We are successful because of each member playing their best.

Here is to another Year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

To get involved:

e-mail: firehouse.art.collective @ gmail . com

Call or text: 510 593 0733 for schedules, showing and selling

Call or text: 510 219 8688 for renting art studios, rooms, storefronts
Sign up for monthly newsletter on this blog

EAST BAY ART COLLECTIVE at Gallery North on Friday, December 16

2011-12-07T19:56:00.001-08:00

We are so happy to host the East Bay Art Collective
for a Holiday gifts show at our Gallery North

1790 Shattuck Ave in North Berkeley

The show opens at 6pm and stays open till 10pm.

Mulled hot spiced wine available to guests and visitors.

POP TRUNK SHOW A DELIGHT

2011-12-04T12:05:00.001-08:00

..and fun inspiring event at our gallery North during this holiday events season...if you want to sell please sign up here.

A great time to visit, meet the directors, see the Firehouse Art Collective members show and look for unique cutting edge art makings for super great prices by the folks who make them...i't s a meet and mingle fest every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 6 to 10pm through December 23.

OPENING PARTY, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9TH

2011-11-30T14:53:00.001-08:00

FIREHOUSE GALLERY NORTH
1790 Shattuck Avenue at Delaware in the Berkeley Gourmet Ghetto on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 7 to 9pm

Dan Hodkinson, artists & musician

The December 2011 show exhibits the art of some of our current members.

Come, meet the artists and directors in person, taste unusual kombucha flavors, enjoy the donation based bar, free snacks and treats and see some of the Art Makers who are showing for the first annual holiday pop up trunk show.

Tom Franco, Julia Lazar, Elayne Ryder

Call or text 510 593 0733 for more info
E-mail: Firehouse. Art. Collecttive @ gmail . com

Holiday pop up trunk show at Firehouse Galley North has begun

2011-11-19T11:05:00.001-08:00

Last night we had the premiere of our "Holiday Pop Up Art Makers Trunk Show" at 1790 Shattuck Avenue in the Gourmet Ghetto of North Berkeley. We noticed, that even though it was raining lightly, a steady crowd of peeps were walking up and down Shattuck, noticing our open door and lights on.

We are so happy to be able invite everyone, vendors and visitors alike, it's a super easy space with tons of cool details to delight in.

Open now EVERY Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
6 to 10pm
Through December 19, 2011.

The Etsy Eastbay Art and Crafts Collective will be having a group show December 16th, come check us out!

They have the coolest handmade, creative gifts on earth.

If you would like to be a vendor for any of the dates you can get your donation based ticket here.

NEW YEAR NEW SPACES GREAT NEWZ

2011-11-18T14:09:00.001-08:00

Tom Franco and Julia Lazar, co directors of the Firehouse Art Collective, are in the final meetings to sign a lease with Emeryville Public Market management for a new 2 020 square foot space for new art studios, live events and pop up art makers trunk shows.

Thanks to our friend Steve Mesita and Craig Semmelmeyer his boss, of Main Street property services inc, we are able to call this great new space a new home for artists of all disciplines to bring their craft and skills to the public arena thus co creating community and culture.

We are currently designing the indoor Firehouse banner mural of almost 1000 square feet. Calling on all our artists to submit your ideas, start date for painting will be February 2012. Write about your availability to paint in the comment section below.

Main street proprty services has signed the new Guitar Center flagship store and Urban Outfitters as new tenants at the Emeryville Public market as well.

We are planning a big opening party for March 2012.
Let us know how you want to participate in the comment section below.

EMERYVILLE PUBLIC MARKET REVAMPED & UPDATED NOW

OUR NEW FIREHOUSE ART SPACE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, READY BY FEBRUARY 2012

2011-11-09T21:03:00.001-08:00

By Dan Hodkinson, art by Mark o Yamagato

FIREHOUSE COLLECTIVE ART SHOW OPENING FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

2011-11-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

1790 SHATTUCK AVENUE, BERKELEY, CA

7 to 9pm

Live music

23Monkeytree Kombucha bar

Firehouse Art Collective peeps to meet and greet

Show will run through December 2011

FIREHOUSE ART COLLECTIVE MEMBER SHOW NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2011

Gallery space is available for art & crafts & packaged food vendors November - December
on Sunday, Monday, Friday & Saturday from 6pm to 10pm
sign up online

Call Julia at 510 593 0733 for more info or e-mail us:

firehouse.art.collective @ gmail.com

Live Bazaar in Dan's view

2011-11-06T15:27:00.001-08:00

2011-11-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

FIREHOUSE LIVE BAZAAR & OAKLAND ART MURMUR

in conjunction with "FORREALISMN" ART SHOW OPENING

Uptown Body & Fender graciously provides the space to hold our November 4th, 2011 Live Bazaar which is a fund raiser for the Firehouse Art Collective.

THANK YOU Giovanna Tanzillo, for contributing to the arts and community in such a generous way!

We reinvest the proceeds to keep up with our bills and expenses, thus able to provide affordable spaces for artists of all disciplines, this includes the culinary, healing, horticulture and farming along with the fine arts of all mediums, glass, metal, ceramics, graphic, print making, oil and acrylic etc...

Being part of the Firehouse Art Collective, artists of all disciplines collaborate, co creating the new culture with ancient roots, of which the Live Bazaar is such a great example. An ancient form of meeting, mingling, networking, buying and selling goods that are handmade, locally grown, of lasting value and quality, the Live Bazaar is a space of culture, possibilities and spontaneity. Cutting edge.

We look forward to seeing everyone Friday night!

The main entrance for that night will be the back door which is in the center of 25th street between Braod way and telegraph....can't miss it when you browse the art murmur.

"DEVIL IN THE INK" OCTOBER 2011 AT GALLERY NORTH

2011-09-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

OPENING NIGHT

OCTOBER 14TH

7 TO 9PM

1790 SHATTUCK AVENUE, BERKELEY

TheFirehouse Art Collective gallery North is showing "The Devil In TheInk" during the month of October 2011, curated by Erika Lipkes.

A printmakingshow, featuring alumni from UC Santa Cruz and Pratt Institute, as well as localbay area printmakers.

Thetheme and title is compliments of teacher Paul Rangell at UCSC.

Artists:

AlexTuggle

AlyssaTownsend

BradEwing

ClareSzydlowski

ElizabethMeggs

ErikHougen

ErikaLipkes

EvaRuse

HaileyClarke

IreneNelson

IrisLapalme

JosephMeldrum

KyleHuntress

LeeAnnDiCicco

MarkoYamagata

MelodyLevin

MikeLee

NaemaRay

NicolaBuffa

Sigh-Less

TomFranco

WillMurray

Firehouse Live Bazaar Berkeleyside

2011-09-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

FIREHOUSE BAZAAR BACK AT OAKLAND ART MURMUR IN NOVEMBER

2011-09-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

EXCITING FALL COLLABORATIVESFor Bazaar Vendors and VisitorsCALL FOR VENDORS!FRIDAY,NOVEMBER 4TH 2011@ OAKLAND ART MURMURFIREHOUSE SOUTH BAZAAR
6 to 9pm on 25th Street walk through to 26th

Joaquin Alejandro Newman

THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!Cutting edge food, collectibles,jewelry, handmade artsian goods... Get your Vendor BOOTH ticket here:http://firehousesouth.eventbrite.com/This is a fundraiser for the non profit Firehouse Art Collective in collaboration withJoaquin Alejandro Newman's Art openingCheck him out at http://www.forrealism.comThe creative partnership of Eduardo Pineda and Joaquin Alejandro Newman is dedicated to nurturing community and creativity.

NEW OPERATIONS HOURS FOR THEFIREHOUSE LIVE ART BAZAARIN BERKELEY
3192 Adeline StreetNOON TO 6PM!
After 2 months of operation we found that the flow of visitors picks up after 1pm.

COME AND sET UP AT NOONcLEAN UP AT 6PM Attractive BAZAAR features:Kid's corner: very popular with the neighbors, kids play while the parents shop.Bistro area: creates a congenial atmosphere of meeting and mingling for visitors and vendors.

Call or text 510 593 0733
OR E-MAIL: Firehouse.Art.Collective@gmail.comwith questions and suggestions, we love to hear from you!

ALSO OF NOTEUpcoming EventsUC BERKELEY STUDENT STREET TEAMDJ PARTYDATE & LOCATION to be announcedOur latest addition of interns and members at the Firehouse Art Collective, "The UC Berkeley Students Street Team" is dedicated to get the word out about all Firehouse Art Collective events all over campus.They also plan parties not to be missed by our vendors of all art forms.We will keep you posted on dates, places and themes.

ADREAM LIVE AT THE FAC BAZAAR IN BERKELEY

2011-09-07T22:57:00.001-07:00

UNDERGROUND BRUNCH HOSTED AT THE FAC LIVE BAZAAR SITE

2011-09-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE NOW!

From the guy who brought you the best grilled cheese sandwich in the United States of America comes a new way to dine with your favorite food carts.

Tired of the lines? Tired of having to track down a tweet? Hoping to have a nice food-cart style meal served in a restaurant-style fashion? Well have no fear because Behind the Cart is here.

Behind the Cart is a spin on VH1 Behind the Music. The goal of the event is to host a mobile underground restaurant that serves a multiple course meal that will always end with some stories. As a local popular food cart vendor something I realized early on is that people are interested in the stories behind the carts. We all want to know how the GrilledCheezGuy came to be or what inspired the Creme Brulee cart to hit the streets. This event provides the opportunity to enjoy some of the local food carts best dishes while also sharing stories at the end of the dinner.

This brunch is not your average brunch. This brunch is continental breakfast meets bingo hall meets food cart bonanza! Prepare for a very fun and social Berkeley brunch with the following menu (NOTE: Order of food will be decided by the BINGO balls!)

Location: ?, Berkeley, CA

$45

Tea & Company

Sandwich Tea Trio: Egg & Cress, Marinated Cucumber, & Goat Cheese w/ red pepers & black olives

INNA Jam & Acme Bread

Seascape strawberry, polka raspberry, plenty spice jalapneo, royal blenheim apricot w/ Pain au levain bread

El TacoBike

Torta de huevo enchilado

23 MonkeyTree

Kombucha

Cibe Per Strada

Stone-fruit galette

S + S Gastro Grub

63 degress organic hen egg w/ puree roasted organic cauliflower soup, real bacon bits, torn garlic sage crouton

Blank Tea

Tea for Two Take Home Bag

Schulzie's Bread Pudding

Blissed Out Blueberry & Celestial Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding

Simply Mochi

Bacon wrapped mochi

BINGO Prize:

Bacon Hot Sauce

BYOC: We will provide the organic orange juice you provide the C.....

Towards the end of the brunch I will host a very informal discussion with the food cart(s) to hear some hopefully fun and entertaining stories of life behind the cart. Guests are encouraged to submit questions that will be asked by the moderator (GrilledCheezGuy). Each event will have rotating chefs so make sure to stay tuned and come out and support some of your favorite carts and hear their stories. This event is a private event hosted by Behind the Cart. In order to attend the event you MUST join the mailing list for Behind the Cart by emailing behindthecart@gmail.com with the heading "Join".

I look forward to joining you all at the table!

Sincerely,

Michael "GrilledCheezGuy' Davidson

Note: This event is 21 and older and requires being a member of Behind the Cart. Sorry, no refunds!

Drinks: Water served and BYOB & BYOC.

Questions? contact us at behindthecart@gmail.com

*************************THIS EVENT MIGHT BE TAPED***************************

All menu's are subject to possibly change before event due to unforeseen circumstances. We will do our best to replace the dish with something of equal or lesser taste and value.

SILICONE VALLEY ARTISTS COLLABORATIVE SEPTEMBER 2011 SHOW AT GALLERY NORTH

2011-09-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

Press Release-

August 21st, 2011 - The Silicon Valley Artists Collaborative announces their third annual show of fine art, Momentum 2011 at Firehouse North Gallery in Berkeley at 1790 Shattuck Avenue.

The show will run from September 3rd - 28th. The opening artists' reception party will be on Friday September 9th from 7-10pm. The reception will be free and open to the public.
The Momentum 2011 show will include works by Ally Richter, Andrea Ewald, Archil Pichkhadze, Cristina Velazquez, Deborah Mills Thackrey, Della Calfee, Donald Wright, Elizabeth Unpingco, Jon Kwak, Laura Callin Bennett, Lori Krein, Madlyn Jones, Nancy Hines, Phil Bongiorno, Robert Knight, Yolanda Guerra, Syd Dunton, Tim Ryan and Todd Lyon.
The Silicon Valley Artists' Collaborative formed in 2008 as a group dedicated to increasing the visibility and success of professional artists in the South Bay area. The show will feature paintings, sculpture, photography, fine woodworking, textile arts, encaustic, mixed-media, and installation art from award-winning Silicon Valley artists. Their website is www.SVArtists.org.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Silicon Valley Artists' Collaborative is to support and further the goals of the graduates of the Business of Arts course in becoming self-supporting artists and entrepreneurs.

Our purpose is to create a community that helps artists in all media, genres, and at all career levels to be more successful.

To address these needs, we will provide the members of our group opportunities for art exhibitions, publication, readings, publicity, and networking. Ongoing education is vital to our success; therefore we will pursue opportunities to increase our skills.

Our values include treating each other with respect, dignity, and honesty. We value an open, casual atmosphere that invites questions and contributions from everyone in the group.

"EXQUISITE CORPSE" ART SHOW OPENING PIX

2011-08-26T00:32:00.000-07:00

2011 will mark EXCOR's MIDLIFE. We have just published an 80-page book of our adventure featuring the history of Exquisite Corpse, our EXCOR revival story, and images of all 50 works.

We believe the combination of the fascinating Surrealist history followed by the “new surrealists” similarly rebelling against today's "raging madness" makes an unusual and creatively-intriguing story and event.

$ 30 plus shipping.

Contact: Sherry Parker (707) 528-6176; sherryparker@earthlink.net

Jordan Epcar on guitar, Tom Franco, Steve "Fylmkid" Chillous, special friends visiting

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC-RELATIONS VIDEO SHOOT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2011

2011-08-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

FIREHOUSE LIVE BAZAAR
Saturday, August 20, 2011

10 am to 6pm

3192 Adeline Street / Fairview Street

Public Relations and promo Video shoot schedule begins for the Firehouse Art Collective Live events

What better place to begin, but the newly opened Firehouse Live Bazaar, a weekly party, hosted by FAC director Tom Franco and his team of co creators and Firehouse artists.

Steve Chillous, "Fylmkid", a recent LA transplant will be on site with an assistant, interviewing the Vendors who are all local artisans, chosen for their unique handmade goods, and already part of a growing community in California.

We are so pleased to have on board Jessie Wusthoff, the former "Terminal 22" gallery owner of the Oakland art murmur. Jessie is working with us on spreading the word for this event to Vendors and Visitors all over the bay area. Cool.

Here is the BUZZ on the Bazaar:

The Firehouse Art Collective, directed by Tom Franco, ishosting the Live Bazaar every Saturday in Berkeley. What makes it Live is that Firehouse artists of alldisciplines are present, painting, sculpting, playing music, co creatingculture, stimulating a Live Event Experience as community.

With stellar food vendors and handmade renegade artisanofferings from locals it's a weekly party ...and you are invited! See and meet who is happening on the emerging California art & crafts scene.

EXCOR GROUP AT FAC GALLERY NORTH IN AUGUST

2011-07-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

2011will mark EXCOR's MIDLIFE. We have just published an 80-page book of ouradventure featuring the history of Exquisite Corpse, our EXCOR revival story,and images of all 50 works.

We believe the combination of the fascinatingSurrealist history followed by the “new surrealists” similarly rebelling againsttoday's "raging madness" makes an unusual and creatively-intriguingstory and event.

Contact: Sherry Parker (707) 528-6176; sherryparker@earthlink.net

ART OPENING, FRIDAY AUGUST 12,

7 TO 9PM

Firehouse Art Collective Gallery North

1790 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709

EXCOR: The Art of CHANCE

Revival ofExquisite Corpse

EXCOR, a group of Nor Cal artists, is a revitalization ofthe mid-20's Surrealist game, Exquisite Corpse – one of many games of chance,discovery, and hilarity played as a diversion against the "ragingmadness" of the decade.

This is a blind collaborative visual exercisewhere one artist begins by creating a head (of sorts), conceals it from thenext who completes the torso, and a third player is assigned the bottom of thecreation – none of them having seen the others' work.

Notable artists of thetime, such as Duchamp, Ernst, Tanguy, Man Ray, Picabia, Miro, and Dali producedsome remarkable creations via this game.

Excorartists: Jenny Honnert Abell, Todd Barricklow, Foster Beigler, DonBishop, Katie Black, Mary Black, Deborah Colotti, Pam Dixon, Max DuBois, ConnieGoldman, Harley, Deborah Hayner. Marna Hill, Corey Hitchcock, Kurt Kemp, DinaKuntz, Helena Leifer, Hamlet Mateo, Sherry Parker, Deborah Salomon, MichaelScheurer, Sylvia Seventy, Wil Smith, Karen Sommer, Stan Sommer, Jennifer Sturgill,Sandra Ortiz Taylor, Bunny Tobias, Patti Trimble, Mario Uribe, Sally Weare,Shane Weare, Bob Yagura.

PROMO CARD

AUGUST MARKS OPENING OF FIREHOUSE WEST

2011-07-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

Location location location

Located on Gilman street and Ninth, in West Berkeley, the new location of the Firehouse Art Collective West "Mural Studio" as well as "Nirvana Sudios" are now available to use as art studio space for all disciplines.
In development is the installation of a new floor that allows dance rehearsal, yoga practice and theater rehearsals to take place in the "Mural room", which got it's name for a planned mural on the outside wall of the building framing the large attractive roll up door of the room.

Art of Movement rehearsal class and performance space

Ceramics, mixed media, video, photography, you name and claim it studios

Numbers needed for planning

Great night with "THE BLIGHT"!

2011-07-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

AS NATURAL AS A ...

"THE BLIGHT" shows at the NORTH

2011-07-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

Art Moura is back at the Firehouse gallery North on 1790 Shattuck avenue, opening a group show Friday, July 9 from 7 to 9pm.

"The Blight" is a Sonoma County based art group distinguished from the typical pleasant Sonoma 'wine art'.

"There is a natural attraction to each other's work which drew ustogether to form The Blight. The work is concernedwith dark humor and is often political. It can be raw, or dexterous, either way we aim for the gut."

http://artmouraarts.com/

http://www.williamsmithart.com/

http://judsonkingsmith.com/

http://bltcollective.blogspot.com/

TOKI ART OPENING in pictures and on video

2011-06-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

Letter from John Toki to Tom Franco

Dear Tom:

Thank you to you, Julia, and Firehouse gallery assistants for the exhibition opportunity and extraordinary gala. I was touched by the outpouring of friends, teachers, students, and family.

It was dreamlike, especially with your dance finale.

Can you imagine that much of my help to artists for the past 45 years has been preventing ceramics from blowing up! "Just fire slow has been my motto! Although there have been quite a few other interesting moments, like getting a call from Vaea, Peter Voulkos's assistant searching for Jordan clay on a Sunday, John Roloff needing a bag of Manganese Dioxide powder also on a Sunday, helping a panicked artist Rae Dunn with kiln electrical problems, or DeStaebler needing the Leslie's truck to move a sculpture or two, which actually went on for years.

There was a lot of history in the gallery on gala night with the presence of Shaw, Bailey, Brady, Whittaker, Servis, Selvin, and Nierman etc.

I also enjoying spending time talking with your parents, learning that your Dad is conducting a drawing class at the Firehouse North, on Wednesdays.

The gala was a reminder that it is important to contribute to the community which has me thinking about the final segment of my life! Thank you Tom for your commitment to the arts.

TOKI ART OPENING JUNE 10, 2011 FIREHOUSE ART GALLERY NORTH

BUZZ PREMIERE ON YOUTUBE

2011-06-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE FOR FAC LIVE BAZAAR

2011-06-25T00:18:00.000-07:00

Introducing the "FIREHOUSE ART COLLECTIVE LIVEWeekend BAZAAR", a year round indoor event, taking place on Saturdays,10am to 6pm in Berkeley, on 3192 Adeline street @ Martin Luther King JrBoulevard, CA 94608.

“The purpose of the LIVE Weekend Bazaarcreated by the Firehouse Art Collective under the direction of Tom Franco incollaboration with ‘23Monkeytree-productions’ is to have a space for ourcommunity to come together LIVE and co create a culture of sharing leisure,great food, drink and art of all disciplines one weekend at a time. “

A brand new venue for artists of all disciplines to bringtheir goods directly to the community they live in. This includes fine art, metal works, jewelry,antiques & collectibles, paper works, food, natural beauty and healthproducts, ceramics, magic, photography...really all the things people adore at anindoor bazaar. With live plus DJ music and our stellar food vendors from theformer Underground Food Market of San Francisco, it's a cool party and culturalevent every time, with a Firehouse Art Collective slant.

TomFranco, director: “With the Firehouse Art Collective LIVE Events Bazaars, we arereally pushing the envelope in creating a cutting edge space that is beyond any“arts gallery formalism” on one extreme and the “hippy love fest free for allmusic faire” on the other extreme. We are scheduled to happen everySaturday in Berkeley, fusing basic human values of being seen plus sharingcreative ideas made manifest. Giggling at the paradox, that the cuttingedge art scene of today sports all the elements of ancient traditional culturesof coming together as a community at the market place and sharing leisure, resourcesand the arts.

Oneof the specialties of the Firehouse Art Collective is making the collectivedreams, the shared dreams of the community, actually come true.

Peopleoften come to me and say, "thank you for making this event happen! I hadthe same idea and wanted to do it too." My experience, in thisprocess of putting on events, is that each person is not very far away from a successfulhappening of sorts. The steps between having a community dream and actuallyliving it, maybe only 3 or 4 steps at the most, coupled with the art ofcommitment and endurance. After that, there is such a momentum generated fromsupport and good wishes, that frankly, we as the Firehouse Art Collective, arestrictly hooked on having a good time!”

Julia Lazar, assistant director: “The difference in ourapproach to live events is that each person in the room becomes an active participantin the event. Versus being a consumer, passive bystander or excluded by anexclusive event, everyone is included and prompted to personally contribute tothe experience, by sharing, listening, speaking, mingling, and being introducedto each other. The art of basic social connection is enlivened. This is howculture happens on a community level and we get that distinct feeling that weare part of each other’s lives and share the same world…it’s a way to get abuzz, like Tom said, we live to enjoy!”

http://23monkeytree.blogspot.com/

http://tomfranco.blogspot.com/

BAZAAR UPDATES

2011-06-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

The TACO guys

SUNDAY JUNE 26th iscoming up fast...we are cleaning, building and hanging the setting for thePremiere of the LIVE Weekend Bazaar put on by the Firehouse Art Collectiveleadership team.

We are so proud to havethe best line up of vendors seen at any event of this kind!

Courtesy of Paintbrush Diplomacy
As we are just about maxed out on vendors space,we are also scheduling live music and are offering a sweet free spot for a nonprofit org to offer information on what they do and are all about. The premierebazaar will feature "Paintbrush Diplomacy" agroup that brings art supplies to children in war torn areas and the collectsthe art to show at home and bring awareness into our lives about what ishappening to our children in parts of the world. "Connecting the world one paintbrush at a time.Promoting peace and understanding through the universal language of art."

We will post the lineupof vendors on Saturday and also photos and videos of the actual event nextweek.

For the next step, wewill need Your support, in keeping the bazaar thriving.

Jessica Feinsmith of JFeindesigns.com

We know that this LIVEweekend Bazaar has the potential to bring ripple effects all across theSan Francisco Bay Area as a public, social community and cultural event, whichtranscends all differences in age, sex, race and lifestyle, as it connects usin the spirit of leisure, art and fantastic food.

Berlyn Soul Food

This is a call for Youto use your social networking platforms and resources to let everyoneknow about the ongoing weekly Saturday LIVE Weekend Bazaar in Berkeley broughtto you by the Firehouse Art Collective, directed by Tom Franco and his currentcollaborators.

FAC EAST BAZAAR GOES LIVE IN JULY

2011-06-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

Event registration for FIREHOUSE EAST WEEKEND BAZAAR powered by Eventbrite

JOHN TOKI ART OPENING FRIDAY JUNE 10th

2011-06-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

ART CARD BY ALAN CHIN

The show is set up and you are invited to take a peek. Click on the CALENDAR tab above and find the times the Firehouse Art Collective gallery North is open. Also find out about our events, classes and workshop there.

We are so excited and grateful to be hosting this amazing event. It's so rare that a man is honored in his time while still fully active in mentoring, building community through the arts and being an inspiring friend.

"During the20 years that I have known John, he has been been a great friend and anencouraging mentor. I travel from Menlo Park to Berkeley for my suppliesand always leave with more enhanced creative ideas after talking with John orshowing him my new work. He is generous with his great knowledge andkind and insightful in his critiques.
Mycongratulations to him and my thanks for including me in the list of John'sfriends."
Alfred P.Spivack, MD, Ceramic/Glass Artist and
ClinicalProfessor of Medicine/Cardiology (Emeritus) Stanford Medical School

We still have openings for your food and beverage donations, please go to http://johntoki.blogspot.com/ and let us know what you can bring commenting in the food post on the home page.
You can also call Julia Lazar 510 593 0733 for more information.

MORE ABOUT OUR FAC "EAST" BAZAAR

2011-06-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

The Firehouse Art Collective 'east' Bazaar in Berkeley, is a new venue for artists of all disciplines, to bring their creations directly to the community they live in. This includes jewelry, collectibles, paper goods, food, natural beauty and health products, ceramics, photography...really all the things we love to see in a local bazaar.

...a perfect array of the kind of things people adore at a bazaar...

With live music and our stellar food vendors, whom we met at the underground markets, it's a cool party and cultural community event every time.

The premiere is Sunday, June 26, on 3192 Adeline street, which on that day will also be the area for the "Juneteenth Festival" with thousands of people coming through celebrating.

This Bazaar, will be open every Saturday and is right across from the weekly Berkeley Flea market on Ashby Bart parking lot.

Our venue is a really cool building with a roof, but open air areas, like a covered parking area which is now part of the Firehouse Art Collective "East" art studios. Hence the acronym FACe.

You can directly sign up here to get a booth or e-mail me if you need to know more.

lazar dot julia at gmail dot com

You can also call me anytime 510 593 0733.

Best,

Julia Lazar

online bazaar coordinator

FIREHOUSE ART COLLECTIVE BERKELEY BAZAAR

2011-05-26T23:44:00.000-07:00

Introducing "FIREHOUSE ART COLLECTIVE BERKELEY BAZAAR", a year round indoor market, on Saturdays and Sundays, for purveyors of all kinds of fine community goods featuring live music, stellar street food vendors, DJs, co creating community and culture one weekend at the time.

Premiering SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2011, which happens to be a great celebration day in Berkley: Juneteenth Festival.

Please sign up here, if you know that you would like to be a vendor on Sunday, June 26.
Booths are 10 x 8 sq ft and $ 75 per booth.*

Information on the weekly Saturday & Sunday Bazaar, which happens parallel to the Berkeley Flea market across the street, will be posted here soon and you can let us know if you would like to be invited as a vendor here.

*Call 510 593 0733 or e-mail Julia@23Monkeytree.com to get help with a refund..

GEARING UP FOR JOHN TOKI EXHIBIT IN JUNE

2011-05-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Art card designed by Alan Chin

JOHN TOKI, an icon in the ceramics art world, has his exhibit and opening at the Firehouse North art & events gallery in June, gala party on the second Friday, 10th, 6 to 10pm.

We are so thrilled and proud to host this collection and community of art luminaries next month.
The Firehouse art collective director Tom Franco considers John Toki a teacher and inspiration in ceramics sculpture, as well as building culture and community through the arts.
Leslie Ceramics, has supplied ceramicists in the bay area since 1946.

Please go to http://johntoki.blogspot.com/ and find your way to participate in the preparations to this event.
See you in June!

PS: Special thanks to Alan Chin for creating the gorgeous invitation art card!

FIREHOUSE SOUTH BAZAAR A TRUE SUCCESS

2011-05-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

PREMIERE NIGHT AT THE FIREHOUSE SOUTH...1500 PLUS VISITORS

ANMATION BY OUR ARTIST FRIEND DIONISIO CEBALLOS

2011-05-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT....

2011-05-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

PARTY TONIGHT IN OAKLAND! FIREHOUSE SOUTH BAZAAR...your best bet to see and be seen, to mingle and dance, to buy really cool stuff if you like and most of all, hang out with us:).
24th and Telegraph..follow the light, sound and fragrances

FIREHOUSE SOUTH BAZAAR IS ON!

2011-05-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

This is the best cross section of all the ARTS we have seen in amarket so far. Culinary, healing, textile, fine art, paintings, prints,antiques & collectibles, fashion.....a fine assortment foran exciting Bazaar.

Come see us at the Oakland Art Murmur, Friday May 6, on 474 24th street with a walk through to the galleries on 25th street, this is a main artery in the heart of the murmur.

23Monkeytree will be representing as well, come get a glass of Pomegranate-Lime Kombucha on the house, if you mention this post:)

look for this sign, made by Tom Franco, to find us

MUSIC AND ART MERGE AT THE FIREHOUSE ART COLLECTIVE

2011-04-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

Will Crum "Nothin'"

Whenever you go the Firehouse North these days, you might run into Dan Hodkinson, our musical and visual artist responsible for adding Will Crum to the illustrious art scene around director Tom Franco.

Read about their record release in June 2011 here.

The art work for the vinyl covers are on video and the CD cover art as a still preview...more to come...

A big shout out to our in house music scene - we love you guys!

WILL CRUM ROCKS THE FIRE...HOUSE

2011-04-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

WILL CRUM IN SAN FRANCISCO "Bottom of the hill club"

Latest addition to the Firehouse Art Collective Will Crum made a scene @ the "Bottom of the hill" club in San Francisco last week, and we LOVE it!

Known for his international guerrilla music stints in public locations, Will Crum has joined the Firehouse Art Collective, along with Heather Jean a photographer and journalism student at SF State, introduced to us by his drummer and visual artist friend Dan Hodkinson.

Firehouse Art Collective is proud to announce Will Crum's "Nothin'" album release on June 9th, a special date Will chooses to release all his albums on, in honor of his late father.

We will show Videos of Will Crum shows at the Firehouse North gallery, 1790 Shattuck Avenue, and the secret live music venue location will be announced after.

Will Crum - Macaroni (official video) from Brad Sayeau on Vimeo.

Will Crum - Macaroni (officialvideo) from BradSayeau on Vimeo.

May 2011 art show at the Firehouse Art Collective North gallery on 1790 Shattuck Avenue, North Berkeley

2011-04-21T23:16:00.000-07:00

"TWO ARTISTS, TWO TRADITIONS"

Opening night Friday, 13^th, 7 to 9pm

Show runs through May 6 to 29

"Sylvia Sussman’s work refers to the regional landscape andmore universally to the way in which landscape can affect our emotional statesand uplift us into a wider sense of being in the world."

"Carol Brighton is a papermaker and a printmaker. Herhandmade papers at the Firehouse North Gallery are inspired by herpilgrimage to Mt. Kailash in Tibet. The images are observations ofthe permeability of material space."

More about the artists

http://www.carolbrighton.com/

http://www.sylviasussman.com/

For a private viewing appointment please call 510 843 0370

For gallery open times click on CALENDAR tab above

FIREHOUSE ART COLLECTIVE: FOOD AND ART BAZAAR AT THE OAKLAND ART MURMUR

2011-04-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

FIREHOUSE ART COLLECTIVE: FOOD AND ART BAZAAR AT THE OAKLAND ART MURMUR

FOOD AND ART BAZAAR AT THE OAKLAND ART MURMUR

2011-04-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

CALL FOR ART VENDORS AT THE OAKLAND ART MURMUR FRIDAY MAY 6!

We are looking to round out our excellent group of Vendors for the Firehouse Art, Food and Vintage Bazaar at the next Oakland Art Murmur on May 6, 6 to 10pm.

More about location and to sign up go here: http://firehousesouth.blogspot.com/

We have great food and vintage artisan vendors and think that some artists might want to have a chance at this great opportunity to be in the heart of the Oakland Art Murmur.

With a 12x12ft booth for each vendor in a 10 000sqft indoor arena, two entrances connecting 24 to 25 streets, live DJ, it's a super party and with thousands of visitors each month, a great window to show your art.
Let us know you are interested to be an Art Vendor by clicking HERE and we'll send you the rest of the info and payment link.

LIVE DANCE AND MUSIC AT FIREHOUSE NORTH ART OPENING

2011-04-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

TOM FRANCO'S CO-LAB DOCUMENTARY BY JON HALPERIN

2011-04-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

Tom Franco Co-Lab 2011 is in full swing.

Today Jonathan Halperin with assistance of his son Ben (9) did the second live recording of a Co-Lab session with Joe Halperin and Tom Franco.

Whats cool about all this is the intergenerational aspect as well as the cross disciplines between art forms.
Your's truly here also took some pics...enjoy!

Joe Halperin and Tom Franco Co-Lab April 14th 2011

Johnathan and Ben Halperin documenting a Co-Lab session

TOM FRANCO CO-LAB 2011 OPENING PARTY

2011-04-11T23:39:00.000-07:00

View some photos of the opening party on our facebook page:
TOM FRANCO CO-LAB 2011 (20)

view from the Firehouse North Balcony

music on the balcony of the Firehouse North

TOM FANCO CO-LAB SHOW IN APRIL

2011-03-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

WRITERS WORKSHOP AT THE "NORTH" BLAZING SUCCESS

2011-03-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

WORKSHOP DATES:

APRIL 23 12:30 to 4pm

MAY 21 12:30 TO 4PM

At the Firehouse North, 1790 Shattuck Avenue in North Berkeley

WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO OUR COMMUNITY OF WRITERS WANTING TO BE PUBLISHED

MARCH SHOW AT THE FIREHOUSE NORTH GALLERY

2011-03-06T20:30:00.000-08:00

LAUREN ARI

LAUREN ARI
"My life experiences areexplored and discovered through art. When working, I
do not have a finished piece in mind, but aninterest in seeing where the
process of making will lead. I follow each impulseto the next, allowing the
investigation to unravel and reveal itself. WhenI'm lucky -when I trust the
processes- I experience a flow and receive whatfeels like a gift. Although
my work is personal, I believe it taps into theuniversal, and I am looking
to connect with others and myself more deeply.These are words I associate
with my work: intuitive, awake, unstuffed,humorous, rhythmic, disturbing,
engrossing, sexual, figurative, colorful, uniqueand complex. It is my
hope that you will enjoy experiencing the work asmuch as I enjoy making it."

RONIT HERTZ

RONIT HERTZ
"..all sales of my work inthe junk drawer show
in march,are going to bedonated towards raising
money to free joshfattal and shane bauer.they are the
hikers who have beenunjustly imprisoned in iran since
july 31,2009..."

DONALD TARAHONICH

DANIEL ARI

Daniel Ari is deeply engaged in exploring the possibilities of poetryand performance. He spearheads IMUNURI, an invitational poetryblog http://imunuri.blogspot.com/He unleashes theatrical readings of Yeats in theofficehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOC2XZz6GEAHe mixes performance with pedagogy to compareShakespeare and SkyMall Cataloghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i67U4ZVNnUHe plays original songs on the accordionhttp://www.iceflow.com/doorknobs/readers/DanielAri/DARI-weed.htmlHe used to be lead singer and angry grammarianof Bass Line Dadahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qJds1tHrk0Lately, he’s been playing with Internet-basedpresentations of poemshttp://prezi.com/ccfz6rhadsp-/dear/He also leads poetry and creative writingworkshops at the Richmond Art Center and at his home in Richmond. If you’d liketo participate, you can reach him at efflux@sonic.net

MARCH OPENING PARTY ON THE 11TH, 7 TO 10PM

2011-02-20T22:35:00.000-08:00

More about the artists and this show next week.
Looking forward to seeing you at the party!
Second Friday Art Walk in Berkeley Ya'll!!!
We want to hear from you, so leave us a comment...

CABARET NIGHT AT "THE NORTH"

2011-02-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

EVERY LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH!
Championed by ERIKA LIPKES, who also hosts the weekly Art Jam Sessions at "The North".

All the local musical, poetic, theatrical, comedy, juggling, fashion, rainbow, sparkling, effervescent TALENT you can wish for, same time and place every month. 1790 Shattuck Avenue.

LAST SATURDAY of each month.
Just check any 2011 calendar and you know we will have worked hard to present to you the cutting edge in local "NOW' talent available.

chris hawkin, brendan getz, courtney hartman

berzerklee break dancers

hoops

ART OPENING PARTY SHOULDER TO SHOULDER

2011-02-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

JOSEFINA FLORES, TOM FRANCO, JULIA LAZAR

KAREN ZULLO SHERR

Thanking everybody who made this the fun, inspiring and smooth event creating community on a Friday night in the gourmet ghetto in Berkeley California. Intergenerational and cross cultural...success indeed.

FEBRUARY ROMANTIC & PLEIN AIR

2011-01-26T21:18:00.000-08:00

KAREN ZULLO SHERR & WILL MURRAY are sharing the space for the most romantic of our exhibits so far. Classical and freestyle painting and drawings usher in 2011 at the "North".
We are very much looking forward to this show.

"February has always been my favorite month. The plum and cherry trees in my neighborhood begin to bloom, there is a holiday in honor of chocolate and this year Chinese New Years starts on February 3.

So I am glad to have the opening of a show of new Figure and Landscape paintings on February 11, from 7 to 10 pm at the Firehouse North Gallery, 1790 Shattuck.

The opening reception will feature live music.

Come enjoy the jazz vocals of Stephanie Bruce a Bay Area singer, pianist and songwriter. I would love to see you."

Karen Zullo Sherr

Will Murray of Palo Alto

STELLAR JANUARY SHOW OPENED WITH A BANG

2011-01-21T13:14:00.000-08:00

Hope you make it, and see the show while it's still up, to the end of the month.

Brendan Getz and his partner Courtney Hartman created a show and opening party that will stay in our memory as the perfect mix of artistic expression and community grace coming together in paintings, music and dance.

The Firehouse North is also putting on a talent night on Saturday, January 29, 7 to 9pm, where you can see Brendan Getz and Courtney Hartman do their exquisite performance combo amongst other poets & musicians.

Here are some photographs and a shout out to all the peeps who participated.
Since our open hours are limited, the opening party is your best bet to see what the art, the artist and the community is all about.
These art opening events happen every second Friday of the month at the Firehouse North, on 1790 Shattuck Avenue in the Berkeley Gourmet Ghetto.

Brendan Getz and Tom Franco open the evening

latest FAC artist addition

Tom Franco reads poetry

lots of great talent at this show

Chris Hawkin reads his own poetry

"METAMORPHOSIS" YOUNG PEOPLE'S THEATER PRODUCTION IN PALO ALTO

2011-01-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

1 . 1 . 2011 SHOWING BRENDAN GETZ WORKS

2010-12-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

Food, Wine, Dance, Poetry, Paintingand Live Music.

The Evolution of Meaning is a project 3 years in the making; the most currentseries of work by Brendan Getz.

With painting and live musicperformance working together to express the evolution of meaning throughfigurative deconstruction, this is more of a multimodal experience rather thana typical art opening.

Inspired by deteriorating, brokenand often vandalized figurative sculpture, this show poses questions ofmeaning, and highlights the fact that what is not there can often become moreinteresting than what is.

DECEMBER PARTY, A HAPPY THANK YOU ALL!

2010-12-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

Rounding up and out the year 2010, the opening art party at the Firehouse North Art & Events Gallery was a true success of pleasant crowds mingling, meeting and experiencing the mission of the Firehouse Art Collective mission statement live.

"A space for artists of all disciplines to co create community & culture and collectors and patrons to purchase art of lasting value."

ORIGINAL SHIVA MURAL BY 'DINESH'

At this time, entering a new year, full of promise and possibilities, what takes shape before our visionary eyes is the expanse of what cross disciplinary really means and to what extend everyone is included in this statement.
Mind expanding.
This current show includes a dimension not usually openly apparent, the spiritual side, of art.
The transformational, mediative and inspiring images of Shiva, the "holder of space" THAT which contains all of creation within it's vast void...beyond words, I can see that right now trying to write about it.

A great honor is that Dinesh, a master of the style of Tantric art, painted a mural commissioned by Siddhartha Shah, for which we are deeply grateful and honored to keep on our gallery wall. Framed art by Dinesh is available for purchase at the 'North', art of truly lasting value, for collectors and you & I alike.

The music came together by Brendan Getz and Courtney Hartman, members of the Firehouse East. Their musical meanderings provided the perfect caressing and dynamic sound scape for this eclectic event. Bravo!

Both, Siddhartha Shah, the curator and collector of these prints and original prints, and Chris Hareesh Wallis, a highly dynamic scholar and speaker on the subject of Tantra, are an exciting part of this new dimension. Hearing them talk about what they have learned, sharing their Love and interest in the expanded intellectual awareness of ancient know how, is a true treat...HAPPY HOLIDAYS YA'LL!!!!

Wine served by 'Valley Wine Co'

Live music by Brendan Getz and Courtney Hartman

Hareesh Wallis and Friend

Dinesh and Tom Franco in conversation

Dinesh and Tom Franco with mural of Shiva

Full House

truly intergenerational event

The mural as portrait destination

BhadraKali aspect of Shakti

Kurt and Dipti Anderson

THREE EXCITING TANTRIK EVENTS THIS MONTH

2010-12-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Christopher Hareesh Wallis
If there ever were events not to be missed, that captured both, the creative artistic side of Being as well as touched upon the deeply mysterious and secret part of Being...these are it! JL

Highly trained and deeply entrenched in the lifestyle of Tantrikas, Chris Hareesh Wallis, is a superb speaker who will take you to an experience of the subject just by sharing time and space and the senses.

Saturday December 11 from 7 to 8pm
Sunday, December 19 from 5 to 6pm

With a suggested donation at the door of $ 10 to support the Firehouse Art Collective to continue to be able to bring cutting edge art and community building events as well as the speaker of course.
Your investment of time and money will yield fruit beyond your wildest dreams, as this subject and group has for me.

Siddhartha Shah

On Saturday, December 18 from 7 to 8pm, Siddharta Shah, the curator and collector of these amazing paintings and tankas will give a talk about Tantric Hindu and Buddhist art as tools for a spiritual life, that will take your socks off... guaranteed.
Just spending time with him in the gallery and following his promptings to really look and observe the subtleties of the original paintings as well as prints, is mind expanding and heart opening.

Please let us know what you think and any suggestions right here in the comments area.

BOLLYWOOD FILM NIGHTS AT THE NORTH

2010-12-04T03:19:00.000-08:00

1790 SHATTUCK AVENUE, BERKELEY
$ 3 cover

Sunday 12December 2010, 6pm

Mr. India (1987) with Anil Kapoor and Sridevi

Arun has created ahome for himself by taking in abandoned children with fellow housemate Calendarand newest, prissy roommate Seema. When Arun discovers a formula that canrender a person invisible, he uses it to fight criminals as his alter ego, Mr.India!

Friday 17December 2010, 6pm

Devdas (2002) with Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit

Devdas

Devdas and Parohave a supreme love that began in childhood. In a moment of weakness, Devdas breaks the bond of trust between them.Heartbroken, Paro marries another man and Devdas finds solace in the bottle. ForDevdas, only death can release him from the pain.

Sunday 19December 2010, 6pm

Kama Sutra (1996) with Naveen Andrews and Sarita Choudhury

Born into awealthy and powerful family, Tara is luckier than her lowly servant, Maya, whenit comes to material things. When Tara weds a handsome king, she thinks she'sfound true love. In a cruel twist of fate, however, he takes Maya as hiscourtesan in this 16th century feudal saga.

Kama Sutra

We always like to hear from you....

DECEMBER LIGHTS UP TANTRIC CONTEMPORARY ART AT THE NORTH

2010-11-28T17:05:00.000-08:00

SIDDHARTHA SHAH, a friend of the Firehouse Art Collective, is bringing his astounding Tantric Hindu art collection for sale, to the Firehouse North Art & Events gallery on 1790 Shattuck Avenue in the Berkeley Gourmet Ghetto.

Yogi Shiva

Opening night is on Friday, December 10, from 7 to 10pm.

Something to really look forward to are the talks given by Siddhartha and Christopher Hareesh Wallis, on separate occasions throughout the month.

The times and dates are still to be determined, so please stay tuned, it'll be worth your attention.

We are thinking Saturday evenings, one hour gatherings, great romantic and friendship dates destination.

BOLLYWOOD Film Night is in the plans and we are still looking for the best time and date.

Your comments and input are much appreciated...right here.

TANTRIC ART FOR DECEMBER HOLIDAYS AT THE NORTH

2010-11-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

Firehouse North promotion for December 2010

To celebrate this most auspicious exhibit and season, Firehouse North will be hosting a series of talks in conjunction with this show for those interested in deepening their understanding of Shiva, Hinduism, meditation, and sacred art.

Hosted by curator, Siddhartha V. Shah, and scholar of Tantric Shaivism Christopher Hareesh Wallis, these talks will be held through out the month of December.

Full schedule and details will be updated and posted at www.facebook.com/Firehouse.Art.Collective

as well as right here, our web home.

We'd love to see you at the Party and hear from you...any thoughts and comments?

THANKS TO YOU ALL!!!

2010-11-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for coming to the Firehouse North art opening party and giving everyone a chance to share, enjoy live music, mingle & meet, eat and drink and thus creating community and culture one day at the time.

The Firehouse Art Collective members group show launched beautifully and successfully.
Here are some photos, not everyone made it on here, but Ya'll were there.

ERIKA LIPKES "Space travel"

FIREHOUSE NORTH BALCONY

TOM FRANCO FAC director

Some of you asked me what the mission of the FAC is:

"The Firehouse Art Collective is a space for artists of all disciplines to co create community & culture and art collectors & patrons to find and purchase fresh cutting edge art of lasting value."

Thank you for making it happen this day.

LINDA ABBOTT with family

ELIZABETH DU VAL

LOUISE VALEUR

KAREN ZULLO SHERR

LEO & KEVIN ZUBRITSKY

LINDA ABBOTT, ROBERT A OPPENHEIMER & KAREN Z SHERR

BRENDAN GETZ

JOE HALPERIN

TOM FRANCO & LINDA ABBOTT

MARKO YAMAGATA & ERIKA LIPKES

ALIAS

FIREHOUSE NORTH BALCONY VIEW

FRIENDS FRIENDS FRIENDS

Your thoughts and comments are always welcome here.
See you all at the art opening part next month, Friday December 10, 2010.
It's a super line up not to be missed!

FIREHOUSE NOVEMBER 12, 2010, GROUP SHOW

2010-11-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

ART PARTY
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 7 TO 9+ PM
MEET ALL THE ARTISTS
MEET EACH OTHER, NETWORK & CELEBRATE COMMUNITY
CHEESE, WINE, CRACKERS & KOMBUCHA

MUSIC, POETRY & LIFE'S PLEASANT SURPRISES
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEE YOU!

Firehouse North Art & Events Gallery
1790 Shattuck Avenue, North Berkeley Gourmet Ghetto, CA 94709

WORKSHOP: CALLING ALL ARTISTS!!

2010-10-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Facilitating the Arts Workshop:

A workshop series for visual and performing artists interested in sharing their practice with others

December 5 -- 3 to 6 pm

Workshop Facilitation --- How To Share the Arts ...With Everyone

December 12 -- 3 to 6 pm

Issue-based Workshop Facilitation --- How to Explore Issues through Art in Schools and Communities

Contact:

ERIN MAXON

erin.maxon@gmail.com

or call her at 858 345-0759 for more information and to reserve your spot

Space is limited

$40 for one workshop

$70 for two, 1/2 price for Firehouse members

1790 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley CA 94709

http://www.theatretemoin.com/

Information about the Workshop Series Facilitator:

Erin Maxon is a community arts practitioner and dramafacilitator with contagious enthusiasm for working with all kinds ofpeople. She uses cross-arts methods to engage participants in reflexive,non-hierarchical exchange and feels privileged to train artists and schoolteachers to do the same. Erin has her masters in Applied Drama fromGoldsmiths College and a bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Theater andPerformance Studies from the UC Berkeley.

Please check erintatemaxon.com for more detail

THEATER PERFORMANCE AT THE "NORTH" EVENTS GALLERY

2010-10-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

Showing of

"Nobody's Home"

by Theatre Temoin & Grafted Cede Theatre

Ulysses has survived the war, but the journey home will be hishardest test. Turbulent storms and fantastical monsters stalk him at everyport, and what should be a joyous voyage - his homecoming - becomes a nightmaremore torturous than the conflict he has left behind.

After receiving five-star reviews on their London tour, Grafted Cede Theatreand Theatre Témoin invite you to an informal showing of their highly physical,original piece. 'Nobody's Home' is an exploration of post-war trauma andthe soldier's journey home in a modern retelling of The Odyssey.

WHEN: October 31st, 12pm

WHERE: FirehouseNorth Gallery, 1790 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

HOW MUCH: $ 10 at the door recommended donation

RSVP to info@theatretemoin.com

Or call (858)345-0759 with your name, phone number,and number of guests

All proceeds go to support 'Storytelling ThroughTheatre', a free workshop series offered to local veterans

MORE INFO: http://graftedcede.com

THEATER COMES TO THE FIREHOUSE NORTH

2010-10-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

FREE WORKSHOPS FOR LOCALVETERANS

“Story throughTheatre”

London based Theatre Companies Theatre Témoin and GraftedCede Theatre are offering free theatre workshops to military veterans as partof their California Theatre Tour.

DATES: SUNDAYS– Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14.

TIMES: 11am– 2pm

LOCATION: FirehouseNorth Gallery,

1790Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

CONTACT E-MAIL: workshops@theatretemoin.com

CONTACT PHONE: Erinat (858) 345-0759

MORE INFO: www.theatretemoin.com

OCTOBER OPENING PARTY

2010-10-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

WINE AND CHEESE AND KOMBUCHA

DANCING IS ON THE MENU TOO

PETER HONIG ART

FIREHOUSE NORTH EXHIBIT OCTOBER 2010

TOM FRANCO SCULPTURE "MRS MOPPS"

PETER HONIG AND MERCURY20 MEMBERS

FAC MEMBER BRANDON GETZ AND LOVELY COURTNEY

INTERNATIONAL & INTERGENERATIONAL

KAREN ZULO SHERR AND GUESTS

MUSIC & POETRY ON THE BALCONY

MC & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TOM FRANCO

THERESA PEREZ ROCKS STELLAR

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 7 to 9+pm

2010-09-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER MUSIC & POETRY EVENTS

2010-09-25T21:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday, OCTOBER 1, 7:30 TO 10pm
ANANDA RASA, a local Kirtan music group led by David Estes, a young dynamic musician gathering momentum with a group of passionate singers and instrumentalists. If you have never experienced Kirtan music, it can be a life changing moment, in the way participants connect to the music and each other. In a sense, there is no audience, but a call and response of heartfelt sounds. Often the words are sung in Sanskrit or another Indian language spoken today. A 'must' if you already like Kirtan, this is a group to keep watching, their first CD will be released soon.
There will be a small donation fee at the door to cover costs.

Friday, OCTOBER 29, 7:30 TO 10pm
Come dressed up and ready for open Mic!
Our tribute to all local poets, musicians and performance artists, to have a time and place to contribute their art to the community.
More information will be posted on Facebook, so sign up as a friend.
http://www.facebook.com/Firehouse.Art.Collective?success=1
This is a free event AND there will be an information, snack and beverage table with a donation jar for your generous contributions.

PETER HONIG, A BERKLEY ARTIST

2010-09-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

Opening on Friday, October 8th 2010, at the Firehouse North in the Berkeley Gourmet & Gallery Ghetto.
Peter Honig combines the disciplines of sculpture, story and photography in an exciting art exhibit.
Longtime resident in Berkeley, Peter is uplifting and inspiring, to meet and work with.
He will be present at the opening party and we hope so will you!

When I asked Peter what he would say to a young artist today, he told me that most importantly it is the place you live in and that the community be one that can nurture your creativity.

It takes time to mature as an artist and it is important to be open to cross fertilization of all the fields in art.

Professional commercialization can be a big distraction best avoided.

The East Bay Arts and Culture Review

2010-09-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

Imagine clothed figure drawing and painting from eight artists, many of them using the same models, and it's unlikely you'd envision the diversity of East Bay Figure Painting Group's first show, currently running at Berkeley's Firehouse North Gallery. The surprisingly simple theme of "Work From the Model" brings us everything from Diana Blackwell's life-size, colorful, bold acrylics to Deborah Rogin's small, subtle pencildrawings, highlighting each artist's style and skill. Some models,.....link to whole article

DIANA BLACKWELL

2010-09-09T21:01:00.001-07:00

GEORGIANNA GREENWOOD

2010-09-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

KAREN ZULO SHERR

2010-09-09T20:57:00.001-07:00

RE-EMERGING ARTISTS SHOW WORK FROM THE MODEL

2010-09-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

At the Firehouse North Gallery in Berkeley
Opening Reception
Friday, September 10 from 7 to 10 pm
1790 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley
Show runs until September 30
Admission Free
Eight East Bay artists explore the figure in oil, acrylics, watercolor and graphite. They
are Rebeca Garcia‐Gonzalez, Karen Zullo Sherr, Vicki Salzman, Georgianna Greenwood,
Deborah Rogin, Diana Blackwell, Meredith Steele and Kathleen Flannigan.
The East Bay Figure Painters group was formed by artists who found themselves
returning to art full time after other careers or after raising a family. Some were trying to fit
art into their lives along with day jobs. All were looking for a supportive community.
“Sustaining a lifetime of creative work is an art in itself,” says one of the group’s founders.
“People find that when they finally have the time there’s little extra money for a studio or
supplies, and when they have the money there is not enough time. “ With this challenge, they
hired professional models and found a location run by a local art collective. Along the way
they set out to change the feelings of isolation most artists struggle with. Two years later, the
group is thriving and holding its first show at the Firehouse Gallery in Berkeley. Their
drawings and paintings all revolve around the figure, but there’s a diversity of approaches and
media the viewer will find engaging.

The group will be sharing the gallery with the paintings of Patricia K. Kelly.
The opening reception will feature refreshments, live music, and a slide show of the
artists interacting with models to set, mark, light, and paint the pose.
For more information contact:
Karen Zullo Sherr
510‐526‐1363 rea.rebaren@gmail.com

AUGUST ART PARTY @ THE "NORTH"

2010-08-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

1790 Shattuck Avenue in the Gourmet Ghetto of North Berkeley.

Paintbrush Diplomacy Children's art from around the world and the art of Kelli Hill and Tom Franco.
A synergistic celebration of the creative spirit alive and well in the children all over the world and our own tribe of local artists, dancers, musicians and sculptors.

FRIDAY AUGUST 13

7 TO 9PM

ARTIST RECEPTION & LIVE MUSIC PARTY

Jimmy Dillon will be playing the blues guitar, you are in for a heavenly treat!

Come and meet, mingle, connect and celebrate the child like spirit in you.

KELLI HILL

2010-08-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

"Sambalicious" "If you were to ask me at six yearsold....what i wanted to be when i grow up...I would tell you..a go-go dancer,and an artist!"

"Devyn's Poem” "I see art as a representation of our inner landscapes whichcan tell stories that reveal much about who we are. I feel very honored toshare my art with you. May the blessing of inspiration dance into yourimagination, heart, body, and soul, allowing you to be free and colorful."

- Kelli Hill

"PAINTBRUSH DIPLOMACY" @ THE FIREHOUSE NORTH

2010-08-04T22:53:00.000-07:00

Paintbrush Diplomacy Mission

Connecting the world one paintbrush at a time. Promoting peace and understanding through the universal language of art.

For nearly three decades, Paintbrush Diplomacy has facilitated exchanges of art and personal stories between children across the globe. Children from Poland, Estonia, Russia, El Salvador, China, Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe, Mexico, the United States and many other countries experience the diversity of cultures, seeing at the same time that we have more similarities than differences.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL Friday July 16

2010-07-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

Paintbrush Diplomacy invites everyone to come and get to know each other, more about their global work with children and the arts. At the Firehouse North, 1790 Shattuck ave, at 6pm.
A $ 5 donation at the door, to come and mingle, and enjoy the ice cream offerings included.
23Monkeytree will host a cash bar offering 'Santosha' kombucha, Sangria with a kick and 'Greenies' for the super health conscious.

Come and meet, mingle, refresh your resolutions and co create community and culture on this fine day.
For more information, please e-mail Louise Valeur at , or Julia Lazar at .

If you prefer to call, Julia's number is: 510 593 0733

ANOTHER GREAT PARTY THANK YOU!

2010-07-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

At the Firehouse North, 1790 Shattuck ave in Berkeley, last Friday.
Tom Franco hosted an eclectic group of amazing local artists.

Bill Iaculla, Tom's mentor, friend and fellow 'found-object-sculptor'.
Geoff Hicks, graphics, small worlds and installations.
Devin Oatway, long time friend and painter - writer.
Dylan Morgan, music, poetry and paintings.

There is a DVD available from Dylan, music to the poems of Andras Radnoti, a Hungarian poets who died in a concentration camp and wrote hauntingly beautiful poems, written into a notebook, found on his body in a mass grave.

More on each artist in posts soon to follow.

Sally Rubin and Geoff Hicks, took these photos.

JULY ART PARTY

2010-07-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

With fresh art, break dancers, poetry and tons of guests!
International, intergenerational and interdisciplinary, building community and having FUN one day at the time! Don't miss this evening, come to 1790 Shattuck Avenue in North Berkeley from 7 to 9+pm...we usually stay until later...bring your friends and YOB.