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Saratoga Sampler
Saratoga's Robinson, Davis show work at Gallery House
By Mary Ann Cook
FROM MERMAIDS TO WINGED WOMEN: The holiday show at Gallery House in Palo Alto includes the work of two Saratogans in its lineup--Theresa Robinson and Starr Davis. The two have been part of the art co-op for many years, 30 in Robinson's case.
Robinson uses found objects in her creations. Everyday objects will show up in unusual ways in her figures. She likes to use old wood--driftwood, roof shake or fence board and then sand, carve, stain or burnish it.
Her work, she says, is "an assemblage not only of materials but of thought fragments accumulated daily--scraps found on the pathway as well as in the storage place of my memory." Thus, in her winged women series, a piece called "Madras Woman," is reminiscent of a trip to India.
Another flying female takes its name from the pattern in her skirt, which reflects the geometric design found throughout Oaxaca, Mexico. Robinson's work is witty, earthy, unexpected. It surprises even its creator. Her own appraisal of her work: filled with irony, depth and drollery.
Starr Davis works in watercolor, oils and ceramics. Her ceramic titled "Mermaid" brings forth a young woman's face wrapped in swirling blues of mussel shells, as though emerging from the sea. It's a plaster cast of opera singer Donna Olson, who sings at the Los Gatos Christian Science Church.
Another ceramic face with a whirlwind around it imparts a sense of the celestial. This one was done of a Stanford student from Germany. When Davis is commissioned to create these faces, she makes several and sells those the original buyer doesn't choose.
Davis teaches and published the book Tongues and Totems. "Wild nature, particularly landscapes, inspire new color harmonies that restore my soul," she says. She is especially drawn to and fascinated by mussel shells, with their iridescent interiors and gnarly exteriors. Incredibly, each shell pairing is unique, she notes.
RRR BOOKWORMS: Another book group with Saratogans and Los Gatans aboard is the Remnant Readers Revisited group. The name suggests a scavenger quality--remandered books being those that don't sell--and it's unique. RRR has been around for some 20 years and numbers nearly 20 members.
The original idea was to incorporate as many ages, races and cultures as possible, and there is a smattering of cultural diversity. Geographically, members are spread from Almaden to Pacifica, and ages range from 40s on up to 70s. The RRR emphasis is on women writers, though the group will deign to read a male author from time to time.
Books for the year are chosen in January, when members bring in suggestions. Usually a classic and a nonfiction work receive enough votes to be included on the agenda. Saratoga members include Tessie Young and Carol Levitt. Plus, Pat Jackson worked in Saratoga's Coldwell Banker office. before her retirement.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL ED: Congregation Beth David in Saratoga runs a Community Jewish Religious School Program for youngsters with special needs. Irene Swedroe, learning specialist, is the director/teacher. Her email is Myuchad@aol.com.
A gentle, supportive but stimulating environment is offered. The program is called "M'yuhad," the Hebrew word for "special." The program is tailored to the special learning needs of these children, who might not be successful in a regular religious school program.
Meeting times vary depending upon the grade and ability level of the student. Teaching is done through pictures, movement, repetition, art and laughter.
Swedroe holds an MS in special education and a resource specialist credential. Her undergrad degree is in psychology and education. She also teaches the award-winning Teen Madrikhim Training Program, which trains teens to become M'yuhad, Hebrew and classroom teacher aides.
PEACE CLIMBERS: Lance Trumbull, leader of The 2006 Everest Peace Project, will speak and show his film at the Saratoga Foothill Club Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Trumbull not only organized all aspects of the Peace Project, but also co-produced a documentary about it.
The project involved 10 people--all from different faiths and cultures, including Palestinian and Israeli men--who united to climb the tallest mountain in the world. The event is part of the Foothill Club public lecture series. Cost is $8, $4 for students.
FRIENDLY HOSTEL: Saratoga's Sanborn Park Hostel has hosted 148,397 guests in its 27 years of operation. Overnight guests have come from 99 foreign countries and all the states and territories of the United States. Germans account for the most people visiting from a foreign country at 4,801.
As for the states, California hostelers lead by far--no surprise there. And North Dakota has the least number of visitors at five in 27 years. But then that's not so surprising, either, since North Dakota has plenty of its own "scenic beauty and tranquil peacefulness," as hostel director Sylvia Carroll describes her woodsy setting.
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