Support Kala's Fund For the Future!

Summer is going by way too fast and we're moving just as quickly through Kala's milestone 50th year!  We have some exciting 50th anniversary initiatives well underway including building out a new 600 square foot multi-use artmaking space in the Heinz building and purchasing new art-making equipment for all of Kala's spaces. 

We set out this fiscal year to raise $500,000 to support this capacity building and to invest in Kala’s artist residencies, arts education, exhibitions and public programs. We have raised $352,000 to date and have $148,000 to raise before September 30, 2024. 

We're asking each of you to join us this year in making a one-time stretch gift before September 30th to honor Kala's rich 50-year history and ignite future possibilities. If every supporter doubles their annual gift, we'll make our goal of $500,000, improving access to Kala's creative programs and spaces for artists to experiment across media, from the digital to the handmade.

Thank you for your contributions and generosity so far and for supporting Kala's Fund for the Future!

Make the Possibilities Happen! Donate Today

Public Events Series: Where the Tree Grows

Join us for a series of Public Events this September featuring 2023-2024 Fellowship and Media Artists. The artists will come together in conversation to provide context and insights into their artwork on view in Where the Tree Grows at Kala Gallery.

 

Gallery Talk & Walkthrough 

with Amy Elkins, John Yoyogi Fortes, Shantré Pinkney, Helia Pouyanfar

September 5th, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Kala Gallery: FIND OUT MORE! 

Virtual Artist Talk

with Chia Amisola, Alison Chen, Philip Crawford, Charles Lee, Georgina Reskala

September 14th, 2:00-3:30 PM

Online event: REGISTER HERE!

Where the Tree Grows is an exhibition showcasing new work by Chia Amisola, Alison Chen, Philip Crawford, Amy Elkins, John Yoyogi Fortes, Charles Lee, Shantré Pinkney, Helia Pouyanfar, Georgina Reskala, and rhiannon skye tafoya.

Figure Drawing Session

Monday, September 16, 2024 (6pm - 9pm)

$20 - 35 (sliding scale)

Open to all 18 and above

RSVP in advance, space is limited.

Come draw with us in the Kala Gallery & Community Classroom!

We will have a model for the full 3 hours during which participants can practice figure drawing at their own pace, work on incorporating figures into an existing piece, or use this time however they'd like!

Kala staff members - who are also practicing artists - will facilitate the session. Kala will provide drawing boards and standing easels, but recommend that participants bring tools and surfaces of their choice to the session. Kala will have limited basic materials for general use (such as charcoal, graphite, and newsprint). The session will include a series of short poses (30 seconds - 5 min) as well as some longer poses (10 - 20 min). More info

Register Now

Community Workshop: Puppet Making with Puppeteer Risa Lenore

Saturday, September 14th (12-3pm)

Location: Kala Community Classroom

Free! Or suggested donation of $5-$10

Join us for a community art workshop! Make rod puppets with professional puppeteer and educator Risa Lenore. Using a basic sculpting technique, hot glue and fun accessories, each participant will build a character from their imagination. You will take home your creation at the end of the workshop and you too can become a puppeteer!

This community workshop is best for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited so please register ahead of time. Please contact [email protected] with any questions about the workshop.

RSVP on Eventbrite

Adult Art Classes | Highlights

July-December 2024 classes are here! Members receive 10% off. Join the Friends of Kala membership program here. 

Simple Bookbinding with Handprinted Covers

4 Tuesdays: Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 (6:30pm-8:30pm)

Instructor: Jennifer Mazzucco

Location: San Pablo Community Classroom

In this workshop we will explore how to create a simple codex binding out of paper, found objects, and a variety of printmaking techniques to adorn our covers and pages. Participants will learn how to create the book and binding, as well as how to use Gel Plates, stencils, and hand carved stamps to create beautiful printed papers that will be used for the cover, clasp, and decorative elements inside its pages. The finished books can be used as a journal, or stand alone sculptural book art piece. No experience necessary with bookmaking or printmaking – all are welcome!

Animation for Everyone—Stop Motion GIFs

Saturday, Sept 7

(10am-2pm)

Instructor: Annie Wong

Location: San Pablo Community Classroom

Dive into the creative world of stop motion animation with our beginner-friendly one-day workshop. This immersive class covers the basics of a free stop motion app, introduces basic animation principles, and encourages hands-on experimentation with paper, clay, and found objects to create fun, looping animations on your mobile phone. By the end of the class, participants will learn to export their creations as looping GIFs and video, ideal for messages to friends, email attachments, or social media posts. No experience necessary, all are welcome!

Introduction to Lumen Printing

2 Saturdays, September 14 & 21 (10am-2pm)

Instructor: Christine Huhn

Location: Heinz Printmaking Studio

In this class, students will be given an introduction to the camera-less photographic process, lumen printing. Create unique imagery in the photographic darkroom using silver gelatin (black and white) paper, found objects and light. Students will be able to experiment with different light sources and photographic papers. Students may also bring negatives to class to experiment with if they have them.

Introduction to Stab Binding

Saturday, September 21 (10am-4pm)

Instructor: Leah Virsik

Location: San Pablo Community Classroom

Dive into the captivating world of stab bindings in this immersive workshop! Stab bindings, a traditional Japanese bookbinding technique, offer a unique and visually striking way to bind your own books. Throughout this hands-on session, participants will learn the fundamentals of stab bindings, from selecting suitable materials to mastering essential stitching techniques. No experience necessary, all are welcome

Adult Class Proposals - Open Call

We are still accepting class proposals for the January-June 2025 season through September 15th!

We welcome proposals for classes that explore a range of mediums, from relief printing to figure drawing to bookbinding and more! If you are interested in teaching at Kala, please complete this preliminary Google Form by September 15th. Before submitting the form, please read through the Teaching at Kala page on our website for more information. Questions? Reach out to [email protected].

More News... In Brief:

• Gallery Route One is about to open the annual application pipeline for its Fellowship Program! This is a great opportunity for people who love West Marin, love community arts, and have a vibrant art practice. Learn More

• Join a neighbor healing circle arranged by Commons Archive—a creative grassroots history project that builds neighbor relationships—on Tuesday, August 27, 3pm - 5pm at Jasper P. Driver Plaza. Enjoy fellowship with the community over a delicious meal while we celebrate all of the Self Help Hunger Program storytellers. This will be the last time to see ‘We Are Neighbors Together’ on the HEAR HERE Community Billboard. Learn More

• SHOH Gallery presents Connections: A Solo Exhibition of Works by Donna Westerman. Join on Saturday, September 7th from 3-6pm to meet the artist and relish two full floors of artwork celebrating the exquisite artwork. The source of Donna Westerman's work has always been the natural world and her place in it. Inspired by both the mundane and sublime spectacles of nature, she uses traditional and historical mediums; woodcuts, wood engravings and egg tempera, in exciting and non-traditional ways. Learn More