Art Exhibits

Tuesday, August 3 through Sunday, September 12

America the Beautiful
Artwork by San Mateo County Students grades K-12

Up-and-coming artists have a chance to shine at Filoli! This exhibit features artworks from San Mateo County students, grades K-12. From collages to fine art, visitors have a chance to learn what inspires these young artists about America and to discover the many ways they interpret our beautiful country.

Filoli is proud to partner with the San Mateo County Office of Education to present this exhibition of student achievement.

Richard L. (Dick) Sperisen, Coordinator Emeritus, Arts Education/School Design, is the exhibition coordinator. Mr. Sperisen is responsible for the formation of the San Mateo County Art Education Committee in 1956. In 1991, he worked to establish the San Mateo County High School Artists’ Hall of Fame. Selected works from the High School Hall of Fame are displayed at Filoli throughout the open season. Two pieces are chosen to be included in each of the Friends of Filoli Art Exhibits. You can view the entire collection at the San Mateo County Office of Education at 101 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City, CA 94065. For hours and directions, please contact them directly by phoning (650) 802-5333.

Student Appreciation Day Is Saturday, August 14, 2010
Filoli will show its appreciation for the many Bay Area students who participated in this exhibit by hosting a Student Appreciation Day. In addition to celebrating the artists, all students, grades K through 12, receive complimentary admission to Filoli. There will be sketching in the Garden, fun art projects, garden explorations and other activities for all young visitors. Reservations are not necessary.

The Peninsula Arts Council supports this special day. For more information about The Peninsula Arts Council visit www.peninsulaartscouncil.org.

Participating on this day is Art in Action. For more information about Art in Action visit www.artinaction.org.

Tuesday, September 14 through Sunday, October 24

Bay Area Wildlife: Beautiful, Vital and Fragile
Fine Art Photography Exhibit

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to an abundance of wildlife throughout its bay, ocean, marshland and woodland environments. This photographic exhibit reflects the beauty, variety, and vitality of that wildlife. The viewer cannot help but be in awe of the marvelous life forms and feel a sense of responsibility to support their preservation.

Meet the Artists
Saturday, October 16, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday, October 17, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Visit Filoli on one of these days and meet the artists featured in this exhibit. Find out what inspires them, learn about their techniques and share stories. There will be additional pieces or artwork displayed for viewing and purchasing along with a collection of other items such as note cards and smaller prints. Reservations are not necessary. Admission is free for members or with paid admission to Filoli.

Tuesday, April 13 through Sunday, June 6

Plein Air in the Garden and Beyond
Original Paintings and Drawings

The term plein air is derived from the French expression “en plein air” which can be translated as “in the open air.” It is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors from life, using direct observation of nature with the intention of catching a sense of natural light on the landscape. Paintings done outside are completed in a relatively short time, as the artist works to capture the scene before the light changes significantly. Artists have long painted outdoors, but in the mid-19th century working in natural light became particularly important in impressionist painting. California has a long tradition of producing great plein air painters. Learn more about this memorable art form and discover what inspires these gifted artists. This exhibit coincides with the Filoli Flower Show, Thursday evening, May 6 through Sunday, May 9, 2010.

Tuesday, February 9 through Sunday, April 11

Patterns and Abstractions of Nature
A Fine Art Mixed Media Exhibit

Patterns and Abstractions of Nature is an exhibit of original fine art drawings, paintings, photographs and other two-dimensional art that illuminate the amazing structures of nature in creative ways. The subjects range from something living, such as the veins of leaves, to something not living, such as ripples on sand dunes, to a combination, such as the patterns of reeds and the ripples on a pond. The depictions vary from sharp literal representations to abstractive interpretations. Additionally, in the Gallery cabinets, an exhibit of unique wood and textile art pieces will be displayed. This exhibit is one of a kind and not to be missed!

Tuesday, June 8 through Sunday, August 1

12th Annual Botanical Art Exhibition
Original Paintings and Drawings

Filoli presents its 12th Annual Botanical Art Exhibit this summer. Botanical art is experiencing a renaissance of growth both in the states and internationally and Filoli has proudly played a prominent roll on the west coast. A collection of beautiful and accurate plant portraits will be on display in the Visitor and Education Center while select pieces from the Filoli Florilegium, prints from the Banks’ and Highrove Florileigums will be displayed in the house.

Artist Reception
Thursday, July 15, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Come to the artist reception for this beautiful exhibition. Artists are on-hand to share their botanical art knowledge and experiences, a collection of prints, matted originals and note cards will be for sale. A visit to the Garden after hours will complete this special evening. While admission is free, reservations are required. Reservation deadline is Monday, July 12.