In life, we may encounter dark times (deep sea) and feel we are drowning. Yet while in that dark place we can find help (mermaids!) and thus the internal fire is reignited and we give that storm hell! (Phoenix emerging), and enjoy life once again with our family and friends (beach volleyball), post-Covid (calm seas).

These are the themes that inspired this group exhibition “Mystique at Huntington Beach” opening at BAYarts on November 21 in the Sullivan Family Gallery. Curated by mosaic artist and painter Jacques P. Jackson, other artists include Mark Yasnechack, Cinnamon K. Carswell, Kristi Copez, Melissa Harris, and Steven Simmons.

The overall theme is fun and fantasy at the beach, a deliberately upbeat antidote to our current, well sea sickness.