Art is the Flower

Featuring the Art of Cindy Podren and Sally Petru
On display: January 8 to February 28, 2021

Artist Reception at Gallery: Sunday, January 31, 1-3pm
Please follow all safety protocols during your visit: Wear a mask at all times, and practice
social distancing
Capacity limited to 8 people inside at one time

Virtual Exhibit: Click Here
The Covid pandemic has had a profound effect on us all. We have each found different ways to cope and reshape our activities. Cindy Podren found herself spending more time in her garden, motivating her to paint the world around her as she sheltered in place. Sally Petru has been exploring botanical subjects for over 20 years, bringing accurate detail into each of her paintings. Cindy suggested that the two approaches would make for a good exhibition.

As the two began to develop the content for the show, Cindy shared the inspiration behind the title, “Art is the Flower”, a reference to a quote from Charles Rennie Mackintosh. A favorite artist of Sally’s, there was no doubt that this should be the title of the exhibition. Here is the excerpt they’d like to share with you.

Life is the Green Leaf. Let every artist strive to make his flower a beautiful living thing, something that will convince the world that there may be, there are, things more precious more beautifumore lasting than life itself ... you must offer real, living—beautifully coloured flowers—flowers that grow from, but above, the green leaf- flowers that are not dead—are not dying—not artificial—real flowers springing from your own soul—not even cut flowers-- You must offer the flowers of the art that is in you—the symbols of all that is noble—and beautiful and inspiring—flowers that will often change a colourless leaf into an established and thoughtful thing.
— Charles Rennie Mackintosh

An exhibition featuring new work by Cindy Podren and Sally Petru. We hope their selections will bring you inspiration. Take a moment to observe the flowers around you. Be thoughtful, look closely, and enjoy their beauty. Enjoy the exhibition as well as viewing the workspace and display of 18 other local artists in the 4th Street Fine Art collective. Our gallery features several artists’ work spaces, so you can see the tools of the trade. We’re conveniently located right off the University exit in Berkeley, two blocks from the Apple Store. 4th Street is dog and child friendly, you can visit us along with the other fine shops of 4th Street. See you soon!