Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University• Splendid Grief: Darren Waterston and the Afterlife of Leland Stanford Jr. (thru July 5) Contemporary artist Waterston interprets and examines the Stanford family’s grief and mourning surrounding the death of their only son, which inspired them to found the university. • Appellations from Antiquity (thru July 26) Drawn from the university’s collections, this exhibition features 19th and 20th-century works, each of which takes its name from a Greco-Roman deity or mythological character. • Pop to Present (thru Aug 16) The museum’s most noted works acquired since reopening in 1999 are on view, chosen for aesthetic strength, historic significance and other qualities. • From the Bronze Age of China to Japan’s Floating World (July 29-Oct 18) This exhibit highlights recent acquisitions of Chinese and Japanese works of art including ritual bronzes from central China and prints focused on urban life in Japan’s Edo period. Wed-Sun, 11-5, Thurs ‘til 8pm. (Stanford: Lomita Dr. & Museum Way; 650/723-4177; www.museum.stanford.edu)
Palo Alto Art Center• Permutations from Nature's Perimeter: Radius 2009 (thru Aug 30) highlights the works of seven regional artists, including Tracy Burk, Sukey Bryan and Dana Harel. • Stephen de Staebler: Continuity (thru Aug 30) celebrates this leading American sculptor and important figure in the California clay movement. • Danae Mattes: Wetlands (thru Aug 30) features surface veneers of clay and pigment on canvas that are reminiscent of geologic formations. Tues-Sat, 10-5 (extended hours on Thurs, 7-9); Sun, 1-5. (Palo Alto: 1313 Newell Rd.; 650/329-2366)
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art• Monotype Marathon (July 1-18) this print exhibition and fundraising auction features the works of the Bay Area’s best and brightest printmakers. • NextNew Green (July 7-Sept 20) presents the work of nine emerging Bay Area artists that explore new perspectives on environmental and conservation issues. Tues-Fri, 10-5; Sat, 12-5. Tues-Fri, 10-5; Sat, 12-5. (San Jose: 560 S. First St.; 408/283-8155; www.sjica.org)
San Jose Museum of Art• A Culture of Spontaneity: San Francisco Abstract Expressionism from the Permanent Collection (thru July 5) Works by pioneers in the Abstract Expressionist field, like Richard Diebenkorn and John Saccaro, are on display. • Women’s Work: Contemporary Women Printmakers (thru Aug 16) This survey examines works from the past 35 years by some of the leading women printmakers at work in the United States. • Variations on a Theme (thru Feb 7 ) explores works by nearly 40 contemporary artists, organized by thematic groupings such as environment/sustainability, the urban landscape and labor-intensive artistic techniques. Tues-Sun, 11-5. (San Jose: 110 S. Market St.; 408/294-2787; www.sjica.org)
San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles • Reservoir: John M. Walsh III Collects and Connections: Small Tapestry International (thru July 26) See an extraordinary collection of water- and nature-inspired contemporary art quilts from private collection of John M. Walsh, an advocate of the art quilt movement; as well as a juried collection of 100-square-inch tapestry works. Tues-Sun, 10-5; open late for South First Fridays. (San Jose: 520 S. First St.; 408/971-0323; www.sjquiltmuseum.org)
Triton Museum• Kelly Detweiler: Marking Time (thru July 12) This artist’s mixed-media works are often inspired by Detweiler’s Colorado childhood and travels as an adult, and reflect an optimistic approach to creating art. • 5 from Korea (thru July 12) This fascinating exhibit explores the culture of Korea through the works of five contemporary artists from Yeongcheon City, South Korea. • Journeys: A Celebration of Artistic Excellence of Silicon Valley (thru July 19) Works by visual arts recipients of Arts Council Silicon Valley’s Artists Fellowship Awards are on view. • Patricia Bengston-Jones (July 18-Sept 27) This notable Bay Area sculptor works in stone, metal, glass and other earth-derived materials to create harmonious monolithic forms and arches. • Aki Mori: Rain (July 25-Oct 4) Photographer Mori captures rain’s aggressive, powerful presence in her thoughtful shots.Tues-Sat, 11-5; Thurs, ’til 9pm. (Santa Clara: 1505 Warburton Ave.; 408/247-3754; www.tritonmuseum.org)
July 3: Palo Alto Art Walk. Downtown Palo Alto galleries stay open until 9pm for this fun, monthly event, offering refreshments, entertainment and education about the arts. Galleries include the Pacific Art League (668 Ramona St.; 650/321-3891); University Art Annex (267 Hamilton Ave.; 650/328-3500); and Bryant Street Gallery (532 Bryant St.; 650/321-8155).
July 11-12: 17th Annual Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival. One of the largest clay and glass festival of its kind in the United States, this open-air event features the works of more than 180 professional clay and glass artists, as well as a wide selection of functional and decorative pieces for sale. 10-5. (Palo Alto: Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd.;650/329-2366; www.acga.net)
