This is the the sixth show in our new exhibition space NIAD Windows. NIAD Windows is four white walls in the front window bays of the Art Center. The shows can easily be seen from the sidewalk or from a passing automobile.

About the exhibition

Before the pandemic struck, NIAD Art Center would participate in numerous seasonal craft shows. The holidays were the perfect time to support artists by buying their work and gifting the pieces. Plus, maybe you would meet a few our artists manning the booth.

Now, that we are sheltering in place, NIAD has asked our Jean McElvane – a prolific creator, as you may well know, who works in both crafts and art – to select a NIAD Windows exhibition that has the feel of visiting one of our fair booths.

Jean’s selections definitely show how our community is keeping tightly knit and colorful as we approach the closing of the year. And they might just be perfect for your closely knit community: Aunt Gertrude needs a Jean McElvane sculpture. Uncle Jose can’t live without an Evelyn Davis weaving. Mima will never have a better conversation piece then a Donzell Lewis hand-knitted bag.

Your shopping experience might be a bit different this year, but we are still offering the same amazing works that we always have. (And if you are looking for more gift ideas, please check our Holiday Guides, numbers one and two.)

About the curator

Prior to joining NIAD, Jean McElvane studied art and music at Contra Costa Community College. She also worked as an artist’s assistant.

Her paintings and drawings tend toward realism, but the majority of her work is in the craft field. She creates meticulously built fiber projects or using recycled and found materials to build amazing objects that capture the essence of insects and other creatures.

Jean’s work has been seen recently in exhibitions at ACCI Gallery in Berkeley; Rock, Paper, Scissors Collective in Oakland; and at the Richmond Art Center.

This exhibition is generously sponsored by a NIAD Board Member and a 1:1 Corporate Match.