Strangely Familiar Spotlight

A few artists from our exhibit Strangely Familiar July – August 2026.

Sarah Gates

Sarah Gates ABSOLUTE FACTS: THE ARTIST SERIES, FROM 1985

How does your artwork relate to the theme of the show?
My artwork is best related to the theme of the exhibition by first siting a little bit of history: from 1985 to 2004 ABSOLUT Vodka commissioned 550 artists to create, “limited edition artist bottles”. Images of the bottles were ubiquitous in print media of the time. Most everyone, vodka drinkers or not, would have been familiar with the now-collectible artworks by the likes of Warhol, Haring, Basquigt and Bourgeois. Today, in the 21st c, I thought the familiar 19th c phrase, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” lent itself to the current political climate and could be featured effectively on an ABSOLUT bottle.

What was the first artwork you created that really mattered to you?
The first artwork that comes to mind is a tiny basket I made using plant material growing on the beach. This would’ve been in the early 60’s – I was 6 or 7 – and my determination – and frustration – had my non art-inclined mother frantically looking up basket-making techniques at the local library.

What is a little known fact about yourself that you would like to share?
Working in clay is new to me as is sculpture and political activism.

 

Dwight Long

Dwight Long DRIVE-IN oil on cradled panel

How does your artwork relate to the theme of the show?
I love painting scenes from vintage photographs of everyday people, especially those that include old cars.  I like to source images that tell stories that evoke memories in viewers that they can relate to and engage with.  In that sense Strangely Familiar felt like a perfect fit for my current work.
What was the first artwork you created that really mattered to you?
Probably creating a drawing that was posted for a parent’s open house on the homeroom door in middle school.  I guess I thought that was pretty special, LOL.
What is a little known fact about yourself that you would like to share?
My first ever paintings were produced 3 years ago for the AGP 50/50 show! I was really proud of accomplishing that.

 

Sara Woodhull

Sara Woodhull CRAIG oil on canvas

How does your artwork relate to the theme of the show?
This artwork relates to the theme of the show because Craig is my husband, and very (oddly) familiar to me, but particularly because he’s getting fairly well known around the Fassler and Crespi area for walking our dogs all the time. He came with me to the opening reception last week. So when people saw the artwork, and they later saw him wandering around, he looked oddly familiar to them!

What is the most important artist tool that you use in your practice?
It’s not an artist tool, exactly, but I think Skyline College is probably the most important contribution to my practice! I’ve been taking art classes there for 3 years now, and besides everything I’ve learned (a lot!), Skyline classes also provide me with a place and schedule to do my artwork as well as friends and classmates who provide me with companionship and critiques as necessary!
What is a little known fact about yourself that you would like to share?
I spent over 20 years painting scenery for musicals, primarily as part of the Stanford Savoyards Gilbert and Sullivan group.