As someone who’s dabbled in artistic endeavors (aka used to make those animal bead keychains and collages from old magazines as a kid), I’m always fascinated to hear how professional artists found their niche and what inspires them. We’ve profiled people making everything from stained-glass pieces and screen-printed designs to quilts. It’s interesting (and inspiring) to discover that many of these artists learned their particular craft relatively recently and turned it into a career.
Redwood City artist and Sunnyvale native Jason Newblanc grew up trying out different forms of art and spent many years building for Burning Man, but he never tried selling his artwork until he was laid off from his tech job last January. The layoff was “a little bit traumatic,” Jason said, and he was seeking an artistic outlet to help him move on.
He discovered a new laser cutter at the Redwood City Library’s makerspace and took a workshop to learn how to use it. Now he’s making art full time with a laser cutter purchased through a GoFundMe campaign and developing cityscape sculptures with found objects. Read Karla Kane’s profile to learn more about Jason (aka Gadget) and how you can buy his intricate artwork.
Still scrolling through aurora borealis pics,
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
[email protected]
How a layoff, a library and a laser cutter led one Redwood City artist down a new path
Redwood City artist Jason Newblanc never tried to market his creative wares until a recent twist of fate: After a long career in tech, he was laid off last January and decided to dedicate himself to his art full time.
It’s wine time: Elleary Wine opens in Los Altos and a² debuts in San Mateo
Here are the stories behind two new wine bars along the Peninsula that aim to foster conversations and introduce you to your new favorite wines.
Congrats to Katie S. of Palo Alto, who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s Stanford University!).
The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win swag from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!
Redwood City Mural Ride: May 18 Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition and the Redwood City Arts Commission present the second annual Redwood City Mural Ride, featuring an inclusive group bike ride to check out local murals, meet artists and encourage the joy of biking.
Ozomatli: May 18 Long-running band Ozomatli brings its high-energy and rock-fusion sounds to Menlo Park.
Mental Health Matters 5K and Wellness Fair: May 18 Walk or run a 5K at Ryder Park in San Mateo, then stick around for a wellness fair with yoga sessions, food trucks, crafts and more. The event is part of May Mental Health Month in San Mateo County.
Terra Nova Car Show: May 18 Check out the swap meet and browse classic cars, trucks and other vehicles while eating barbecue.
Bead Bar Workshop: May 19 Local artist Natalie of Salayi Designs leads a jewelry-making workshop, with all materials included.
Kevin Kwan: May 22 Kevin Kwan, bestselling author of the “Crazy Rich Asians” trilogy, presents his new book, “Lies and Weddings.”
From Farouk to Fusion: May 24 Egyptian ensemble Music in-Takht performs a concert of instrumental Egyptian music from the time of King Farouk to modern-day sounds.
Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band: May 24 The beloved Beatles drummer (and longtime solo artist and band leader in his own right) gets by with a little help from his friends when he and his All Starr band rock the Mountain Winery.
Expressions: Multicultural Artists Showcase: May 24-Sept. 15 Los Altos History Museum is home to an exhibition celebrating the cultural diversity of artists in the community.
Plan Ahead
Avril Lavigne: May 28 Catch the Canadian pop-punk musician Avril Lavigne when she brings her greatest hits tour to Shoreline Amphitheatre, with special guests All Time Low and Royal & the Serpent.
Joan Baez: May 31 Renowned musician and local (and international) legend Joan Baez shares from her autobiographical poetry collection “When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance” in a discussion with Angie Coiro.
Dragtopia: May 31 Filoli hosts a glam and campy evening featuring drag performers, a DJ, an art show and a “Dynasty” look-alike contest, followed by an after-party.
PV Palooza: June 1 Portola Valley’s third annual all-day music festival on multiple stages also includes art exhibits and activities for kids.
Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival: June 1 Taste a selection from California wineries while listening to live jazz in downtown Half Moon Bay.
Redwood Symphony: June 1 Redwood Symphony’s “Catch It Tonight!” concert features a program of American classics, including a selection from “West Side Story.”
San Mateo County Fair: June 1-9 Time to get your annual funnel cake fix as the county fair returns (and celebrates its 90th birthday).
Family Night Hike: June 8 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District leads a guided night hike for families.
Alfred Hitchcock Festival: Through June 9 Stanford Theatre is paying tribute to the master of suspense, filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock.
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