Berkeley bursts with fresh and creative energy. And nowhere more so than the sun drenched, light, bright art oasis that is the lovely and gracious Jessica William's Brushstrokes Studio.
Southern Sonoma County creatives collaborated with Bay Area art world women friends for festive Spring book signings, wine tasting and art show upstairs in Brushstrokes, located a few blocks up from the bustling Fourth Street shopping district in Berkeley.
How fun to spend a Thursday evening with such inspiring friends — ceramicist Rae Dunn (holding an increasingly world famous Wilma), artist Tamara Apple (center), lifestyle photographer (and fellow Petaluman) Stephanie Rausser (with sweet Lulu from her children's book Lulu and Pip) and our super hostess Jessica (far right).
Rae's newly released book Wilma's World has hit a home run right off the bat and is about to be released in an overseas edition in Italy, too.
Sonoma County readers are able to buy copies of the delightful Wilma's World at B Street Mercantile Company in downtown Petaluma, where it graces a display of local author offerings, including my own Fog Valley Crush and pal Stephanie's Cameron & Co published Lulu and Pip (featuring renowned SoCo designer Jess Brown doll).
It was my first visit to Brushstrokes. I was instantly enchanted by its simplicity, style and charm.
Jessica has been at the helm of this haven of creativity for the past 18 years. Her talent for reinventing her space is evident in the modern approach to a ceramics studio with up-to-the-minutes hues, tidy shelves of contemporary items to paint and plentiful inspirational pieces on display.
Look at Tamara's gorgeous oyster paintings. Aren't they wonderful in a set like this? Lots of people went home with their favorite ones.
Next time I'm in the area I'm going to stop in and indulge myself in an hour or two's escape and paint myself a teapot just like this!
If you're in the area, stop by yourself.
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