Going coastal

“Coastal Arts League Gallery is a public exhibition space where local artists come from all points to show their work,” league president Jane Lewis said.

“Starving artists” was my mother’s warning. It’s tough selling paintings, sculptures and handmade jewelry. It’s no easier to find a display venue either. Making art can be a very lonely and frustrating pursuit.

That’s why artists pool their resources into “collectives” to promote the personal touch that artificial intelligence can’t. Something special, something unique, something that embodies genuine feeling, because it was made by human hands.

For 45 years, Coastal Arts League has been supporting local creators, as the designated “public art gallery” in Half Moon Bay. For skilled artists, there is a place to display their work, to share their vision with the public, and to gather.

The Artist Collective is a co-op of painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers and more, who gain skills from the joint experience. Eighteen artists rent display space and volunteer host, opening the gallery for the public. There is also a guest artist program, rotating new artists into the collective periodically.

“This gallery is very different from large commercial galleries. I love meeting the people who select my work for their homes,” painter Rebecca Holland said.

Art isn’t just its passion, it’s the mission as a nonprofit agency. The League’s Art in the Schools program has been providing supplies and assistance to students of Cabrillo Unified District schools from Half Moon Bay through Montara. The yearlong effort culminates in a student show at the gallery open to more than 3,000 kids. The next will run from the end of April through May 2026.

“Teachers have been stopping me in the halls, coming in my room after school, texting and emailing, all about art, their love for their students’ experiences!” Erica said on behalf of the El Granada School staff. “Contagious creativity in the best possible way!”

The league also provides regular art instruction at the Senior Coastsiders Center. “I love this class. I always plan my week around it,” is a frequent participant comment.

For students and the elderly, who are trying the process, it provides mentorship for learning skills and having fun in the bargain.

And what a bargain some of the excellent artwork is at their Annual Members’ Show from December into January, one of the gallery’s varied monthly exhibitions.

Duane Lawrence’s “Thai Woman” is his customary hyper-realistic graphite portraiture. See if you can tell it from a photo.

Mitch Neto’s “Santeria” is an engaging portrait of a cigar smoking curandera in Caribbean sunshine.

John McCormick’s “On the Silverado Trail” is fauvist landscape with depth.

Greg Starnes’ photo “Sunrise” burns through an otherworldly orange fog over a bucolic barn. His “Washed Ashore” is a serene picture of red leaves floating on the foam of a wave against the sand background.

Two of my own paintings depict wow moments: when conquistador Portola came to Pacifica before the Bay; and when biblical Adam first opened his eyes to creation.

Open your eyes. There’s lots more wow in this show.

Coastal Arts League Gallery will host the public at their annual Member Reception on Saturday, Dec. 13, 1-4 p.m. They’ll treat you to a nibble, while you feast your eyes on their handiwork.

Coastal Arts League Gallery, 300 Main St., Half Moon Bay, coastsideartists.com, (650) 889-3000.

Bart Charlow, author and consultant, has been sketching all his life and painting for over 45 years, had a professional photography business, and leads plein air painting groups. Come along as he shares his insights about the local art scene, and bring your sketchbook. His art and story is at: bartsart.weebly.com.