What seeds are you planting for the future? Seed patterns contain code for life to come. The sprouting seed is a powerful metaphor for new beginnings, the fragility of life, the magic of embryonic growth and more. When we plant a seed in our back yard gardens we are placing enormous trust in a process we understand only partly. We trust that the seed will respond to its calling. It is either supported on its journey in life or not depending on the environment. A healthy environment the seed will grow, blossom and bear fruit for a new generation. An unhealthy environment the seed will languish, falter and die. Are you planting seeds in a healthy environment?

Just thinking out loud. V

Holiday Exhibition and Doll Making Workshops for young and old.

Nadera Doll

The Painted Door Gallery will be hosting a fun and unusual exhibit of hand made folk dolls from around the world and unusual local artist made dolls. Come browse the gallery for unusual gifts.

OPEN HOUSE Saturday Dec 12th – 11 to 4pm

Featuring:
 The Nadera Doll – An Afgan Women’s Empowerment Project and other hand crafted items by women in impoverished areas of developed nations, and, globally, in developing nations. Rising Internationl
FREE Tsunamika Dolls from Auroville Tsunami Relief Work Livelyhood project

Tsunamika

‘Workshop dates will be anounced.
Call Virginia if you are interested in participating or facilitating a workshop.
707-762-3296

Cave Mandala

March 3 to March 30 2009
Bodyworks Yoga
490 2nd St, Petaluma CA 94952

I began making these paintings when I was pregnant with my 1^st child 26 years ago.
They still resonate ….
An earthly connection from my center to the universe…..
Shields that protect my vulnerable belly….
Mandalas that express Self…..
The ground of my being.

Touching the Land
Contemporary Aboriginal Paintings from Australia

In honor of the traditional owners of the land curator Virginia May presents the stunning and original talent of the Aboriginal Artists

Exhibition: March 23 to May  22, 2009
Reception and Lecture: Sunday April 19, 2009
4 to 6 pm by Virginia May: “Land and Spirit are One”

Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology Galleria
2301 Vine St
Berkeley, CA 94708

Aboriginal art has been called the most important art movement since abstract expressionism. Many of the artists in this exhibit are internationally recognized, with work in American, European and Australian collections.

“The uniqueness of this art is that it is produced by people who until recently lived in the Stone Age.” (Cecilia Alfonso, Warlukurlangu Aboriginal Artist Association)

Sponsored by:
Faith in Human Rights: Promoting Human Dignity, Working for Justice, Building Peace

Women, Land, Identity: Contemporary Aboriginal Painting 
January– March 22, 2009

Mahoney Library Gallery,SRJC Petaluma Campus located at
680 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma, CA
Admission is free; the Library is open Monday through Thursday from 8am-9pm; Fridays from 9am-1pm and Saturdays from 10am-3pm.

Gabariella Possum

Acrylic paintings and artifacts from the Central Australian Desert
Sponsored by Friends of the Petaluma Campus

Virginia May

Aboriginal art has been called the most important art movement since abstract expressionism. Many of the artists in this exhibit are internationally recognized, with work in American, European and Australian collections. The brilliant color, bold strokes, fine patterns, and complex symbolic expression of a 40,000 year old civilization penetrate the soul and soothe the spirit.”Ancient ways meet 21st century life in bold, timeless, tribal images” SF Chronicle 

 Wednesday, March 4, 7pm – Reception and Lecture
In honor of Women’s History month Virginia May will lecture on women’s identity with the land in contemporary Australian Aboriginal painting. May received an MA in Visual Art in 2005 from the Queensland Institute of Technology and owns a small gallery in Petaluma (The Painted Door) that showcases contemporary Aboriginal art, an art movement that began in the 1970s with the introduction of modern acrylic paints and canvas to the remote outback area of the Northern Territory in Australia.

 Wednesday, March 18, 7p.m
Call of the Land: a performance by master didjeridu artist Stephen Kent

Stephen Kent

Composer and musician Kent has been playing the didgeridoo, a traditional aboriginal instrument, for more than 25 years. He has recorded three solo albums as well as collaborated with other artists, and he has toured internationally. He also hosts the radio show, “Music of the World,” on KPFA from 10am-noon every Thursday.

“If you’re skeptical about being swept away by someone blowing down a hollowed out log, you’re in for a big surprise” SF Weekly