Midwinter magic

“A Gift from the Sea” photo by Lynnette Vega will have you thinking of Wicked, a hand ceremoniously holding a glowing shell against a dark velvety background. Her “Fractal Vegetal” shows creamy Romanesco cauliflower looking like knitted lace.

“El Cuervo Sabio” by Delma Soult paints the iconic magical crow with a haunting face in his feathers, while her “La Virgen de la Soledad” is a tribute to classic Mexican imagery — think Frida Kahlo.

Susan Grabowski is known for how she captures raking light in vibrant colors. Her “Purple Curtain” is a still life bowl of fruit and garlic lit by daylight sneaking under the eponymous curtain. “Summer” captures the peace of a living room corner in seasonal light. Not spiritual in the classic sense, but having the magic of a moment frozen in time.

“Kissing the Surface” by Kim Hussey is how she imagined the sea looks to a whale from below.

Hussey’s “Starched Elegance” is an indigo floor-length gown streaked with cream, part of the simultaneous show, “A Festive Affair.”

Yes, you will get more than one show at a time here.

Madrone Arts is an artist collective dedicated to serving the South San Mateo County Coast. Madrone’s “Art in Community” series is designed for adult residents of Pescadero, La Honda, San Gregorio and Loma Mar interested in exploring their creative potential.

Along with senior art programs this month, they’re also having a celebratory event with a mystical ring. How about singing bowls, gongs and bells for ringing? It would be a corny pun to add ringing in the New Year, but that evening of Dec. 20 is dedicated to the winter solstice, the sacramental year turning event in many societies.

In ancient times, whether from Bronze Age monuments like Stonehenge to lots of early cultures in the Northern Hemisphere, “Midwinter” was the time to bring back the light. That shortest day of the year is the turning point at which the days start lengthening again. A magical date in the old calendars.

But you won’t need a Druid to find a midwinter celebration.

“Soul Sound Bath” is a meditative experience. For a $60 charge join them for a cleansing event during the Winter Solstice Dec. 20 at Madrone Arts Annex; an evening of reflection and renewal.

Jaimie Maher will lead the group through guided meditation, playing a variety of crystal bowls, gongs and bells to create a room-filling sound bath. Herbal tea will be served, crafted to rejuvenate bodies and souls to celebrate this sacred seasonal shift. A time for dreams, stillness, inward exploration and connection with the cycles of nature.

“As the longest night of the year gives way to the promise of longer days, we are called to reflect, rest, and nurture the seeds of growth for the year ahead,” he said.

Is it the ceaseless rhythm of the waves, the wind waving reeds in the Pescadero Marsh, or just the splendid isolation of the coast that fits the season so well? You decide, but do catch the spirit of the exhibit.

Not exactly lead into gold, but a bit of artistic alchemy nonetheless.

You Can Create Too: Madrone Arts provides free art classes for South Coast Adults with hands-on instruction.  With guidance from experienced artists, they are an opportunity to learn about different materials and techniques with step-by-step instruction in a relaxed and friendly environment. Classes take place the third Friday of each month. Only local residents please, and you will need to register to participate.

Madrone Arts, 216 Stage Road, Pescadero, www.madronearts.com, (650) 440-4302.

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.