Christiane Lyons Finds Deep Meaning in the Exhibition “Superficial Matters”

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By Noma Faingold       (August 14, 2026)

Mill Valley painter Christiane Lyons has dedicated the last 10 years to her series, which she somewhat facetiously calls, “Some Women: A Total Portrait With No Omissions.” The oil paintings are collage-like, yet more refined. There’s also a double or triple-exposure effect in the depiction of the women. The work is figurative, abstract and surreal. It’s easy to be drawn to the colorful, layered pieces. There’s a soft beauty to them. But a closer, more pensive examination reveals an indictment on the objectification of women in history and in current times.

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Weaving Past and Present Together in “Nenge Omuko: The Gathering”

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By Noma Faingold.                            (July 10, 2026)

You can’t separate the art from the artist. With Nigerian painter and humanitarian Nengi Omuko, that’s a really good thing, as opposed to infamous misogynist Pablo Picasso, pedophile and bigamist Paul Gauguin and murderous pimp Caravaggio (born Michelangelo Merisi).

The Impressionist paintings of up-and-coming Omuko, 39, embrace heritage, revere nature, while grappling with the human condition, in all its struggles and triumphs.

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‘Yo (Love is a Rebellious Bird)’ directors Anna Fitch and Banker White

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by Claire Wu

(May 18, 2026)

Created over the span of 16 years, “Yo (Love is a Rebellious Bird)” is a stunning patchwork of vérité footage, handmade dioramas and puppets, animation sequences and collages. This is not simply a film about grief, but rather a piece of ritual art that continuously meditates on all the highs and lows of Yo’s vibrant life and the integral role she played throughout the filmmaker’s lives as their dear friend.

Photo by Andy Mitchell

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The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy

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By Noma Faingold.     (May 5, 2024)

As far as ancient history, the Romans and the Greeks seem to get all the attention culturally, with respect to architecture, artifacts, precious jewels, inventions, the alphabet, religious ritual and even the Gods.

Until now.

The new exhibition at the Legion of Honor Museum, “The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy,” opened May 2 and continues through September 20. Continue reading →

10 Must-See World Cinema Films

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By Geneva Anderson                                                              (April 24, 2026)

The 69th San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM 69) returns to the Bay Area Friday, April 24, and runs 11 days through Monday, May 4, featuring 79 sharply-curated film programs from 40 countries screening in seven Bay Area theaters.   The world cinema line-up of 32 narratives and 11 docs is phenomenal, with original stories that crystalize into masterful portraits of individuals and place. Continue reading →

Filth Never Looked So Good Thanks to John Waters

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By Noma Faingold.                 (April 8, 2026)

John at the Castro screening of “Serial Mom.” Photo by Noma Faingold.

“Pope of Trash,” “Prince of Puke.” “People’s Pervert,” “King of Sleaze” and “Filth Elder” are all monikers apropos for prolific filmmaker, author, photographer, visual artist, provocateur and true original, John Waters, who turns 80 this month.

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“Monet and Venice” Dives Deep into Venetian Waters

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By Noma Faingold.       (March 18, 2026)

Claude Monet of France (1840-1926), the founder of Impressionism and the movement’s most prolific painter, reluctantly visited Venice in October of 1908. At the time, he had grown disenchanted with the way his “Water Lilies” paintings were progressing. His dealer, Paul Durand-Ruel, rejected the work, leading Monet to cancel the upcoming show at the Paris gallery and to destroy many of the paintings in the series.

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Bouquets to Art

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By Noma Faingold.          (February 8, 2026)

More than 100 of Northern California’s top floral designers are donating their talents, time and materials to the 42nd annual Bouquets to Art exhibition. Approximately 50,000 people will tour the de Young and Legion of Honor museums to encounter the enhanced galleries during the exhibition fundraiser, March 3-8.

Installation view of Bouquets to Art 2025, Legion of Honor. Photograph by Randy Dodson

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The Art of Fingernails with Kristen Valdez-Doherty

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By Noma Faingold.  (December 24, 2025)

Nail artist Kristen Valdez-Doherty is a maximalist in terms of nail design, which is reflected in the kitschy, crowded décor of her Nails of Modern Art Clement Street studio. She’s surrounded by abstract splashes of bright turquoise, chartreuse, hot pink, shades of purple, along with gold and silver metallic accents. Labubu dolls share shelf space with other whimsical pop culture figurines – from Wednesday Addams to Japanese anime characters. Continue reading →

Messages for the Future

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The United Nations Association Film Festival returns to the Bay Area with another urgent, globally expansive lineup. Running from October 16–26, the 28th edition of UNAFF brings 60 documentary films to venues across Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Stanford University. More than just a film festival, UNAFF is a civic forum—a space for dialogue, reflection, and action.

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