Jerry Ross Barrish: Protagonist

Jerry Ross Barrish: Protagonist (January 22 to March 25) will be a solo show featuring the work of the world-renowned assemblage artist, longtime resident of Pacifica, and creative director of Sanchez Art Center. Barrish’s graceful characters, made of upcycled plastic junk, are humble, exquisite, and deeply imbued with personality. True to his filmmaker roots, every one of Barrish’s pieces is ready for its closeup. Reminiscent of the photography of Diane Arbus, the inner soul of the subject is revealed in cooperation with the artist. Protagonist was curated by art historian Paris Cotz. To learn more about Barrish, read Cotz’s catalog essay and watch the documentary movie Plastic Man: The Artful Life of Jerry Ross Barrish.

The contemporary fine art gallery in Half Moon Bay will feature Bay Area artists whose work evokes the spirit of the West Coast and is in dialogue with contemporary fine art movements. The gallery will curate solo and group exhibitions and also offer receptions and educational events—talks, readings, childrens’ workshops, a book club, ekphrastic writing contests, and more.

(Photos by Wilfred J. Jones.)

M Stark Gallery is open Fridays from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sundays from 11:00 to 4:00 PM, and by appointment.