50/50? No compromise

“It shows the incredible variety of human creativity,” Cindy Abbott, executive director of the center, said.

Indeed it’s all the product of real people painstakingly and lovingly making a concept solid for your enjoyment; there is no artificial intelligence here.

With so many of these little gems, you’re going to have a hard time choosing your favorites. But rest assured they are all for sale for a good cause, supporting the nonprofit center, so do take some of them home. (Be nice and pay for them first and leave a donation, will you?)

There’s plenty to see and admire. Actually, 53 artists, 2,650 6-inch square pieces, and not a dud among them. So many mediums: glass, acrylics, oils, watercolors, photos, ceramics, metal, paper, collage, multimedia, fabric, encaustics — paper folded so intricately that origami would be jealous. The subjects and treatment span the gamut of art, from realism to abstract, portraits, landscapes, people, animals, trees, flowers, fruit, furniture, maps, you name it. Some even have a message, but you won’t be put off by this because the pieces themselves are all aesthetically stunning.

I was struck right at the start by Margaret Norman’s “The 50 States’ Birds as Whistles,” a 3D set of lushly recreated birds as actually playable whistles.

Several depict the theme variously of “emotions”, but I can promise that the emotion you will feel will be wonder.

“This is part of our vision of creating community through art, not solely for our local community,” Abbott said.

Artists apply with their own themes from all over California. A jury of gallerists chose the select group, who then receive 6x6 Masonite panels to work with, though they can do anything that fits in that size on their own. Then they work them for 50 days.

“But everyone who goes through this laborious process becomes part of a statewide community of artists long before they install their works,” Abbott said.

Oil painter Farah Travis Buck had a confession.

“It grounded me in a way that I didn’t know I needed, but I did,” Buck said.

The challenge is serious for the artists; the results will be fun for you. Most visitors comment about how restful the exhibit is, how it helps them escape from this turbulent world for a bit.

Sanchez Art Center’s fame since 1996 is due to a collaboration between the city of Pacifica, Arts Guild of Pacifica, Sanchez Studio Artists and Pacifica Performances to ensure that there’s always something to see, hear and enjoy on the North County Coast year round. The center itself is a funky creation, built in an old school, with mosaic murals. Its three main galleries host varied exhibitions by local to internationally renowned artists. It also houses a set of artists’ studios, often open for public visiting. Artists who are happy to share their work with you.

It’s a peaceful spot in the Pacifica Sun Belt, surrounded by playgrounds and woods down to San Pedro Creek, close to the historic Sanchez Adobe and not far from San Pedro Valley Park trails. You can hang out and picnic if you like, or tootle to the beach for the famous Taco Bell with the gorgeous view. Take your time here, it’s well worth the visit.

Just don’t miss this show! It’s not 50-50, it’s 100%.

You Can Create Too: The center runs hands-on “Crafter-Noons,” creative activities on the second Sundays in September through December. Learn a new skill tutored by the center’s artists and take home your own artwork.

Sanchez Art Center, 1220-B Linda Mar Blvd., Pacifica; sanchezartcenter.org; (650) 355-1894.

Bart A. Charlow is an author and consultant, painting more than 45 years, had a professional photography business, and leads plein air painting groups. He brings you insights from our local art scene. Come along for the ride, and bring your sketchbook. View his artistic journey at bartsart.weebly.com.