Healdsburg
Let There Be Light
Healdsburg artist Jake Messing turns his attention to the narrow sliver of the electromagnetic spectrum humans can actually see in “Visible Light,” a new exhibition of paintings exploring color, perception and the mysteries hiding in plain sight. Flowers, birds, bubbles, crystals and reflective surfaces become vehicles for studying how light transforms the natural world, with Messing drawing inspiration from the Dutch Masters’ use of illumination to suggest deeper emotional and spiritual meanings. A Parsons School of Design graduate and former NYU instructor, Messing has exhibited internationally and created work for clients ranging from Tiffany & Co. to Nike. The opening reception includes light hors d’oeuvres and wine available from Grapeseed. 5-7pm, Friday, Aug. 21. ‘Visible Light’ runs Aug. 21-Oct. 4 at Paul Mahder Gallery, 222 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. paulmahdergallery.com.
San Rafael
Queerly Spoken
Poetry gets personal at “Queerly Spoken,” an evening celebrating LGBTQ+ identity through verse at the Marin LGBTQ Center. The lineup features Shelley Wong, whose As She Appears won the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Poetry; poet, attorney and librettist Karen Poppy; and Marin Poetry Center Youth Poet Laureate Ambassadors Ezra Buell and Frances Sveinson. Poppy will also honor the late Marin County Poet Laureate Joseph Zaccardi with a photo presentation and readings of selected poems. An open mic invites attendees to share their own LGBTQ+ poetry, making the evening as much community gathering as literary showcase. The free event includes light snacks and beverages. 6-8pm, Saturday, Aug. 29, at Marin LGBTQ Center, 709 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. Free. marinlgbtqcenter.org
Ross
Stone Stories
The gardens become a gallery at Marin Art and Garden Center, where a collection of contemporary Zimbabwean sculpture brings the work of 10 artists into the landscape. At the heart of the exhibition is Dominic Benhura, one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated sculptors and a mentor to a new generation of artists. Each piece is carved by hand from Zimbabwean stone, with works ranging from intimate sculptures tucked throughout the gardens to monumental pieces. Presented by the nonprofit House of Stone in collaboration with Slab of Africa, the exhibition also supports efforts to sustain artistic communities in rural Zimbabwe. On Aug. 25 House of Stone founder and Executive Director Arnd Herz leads a free Art Walk and Talk exploring the artists, their materials and the traditions behind the work. 6:30pm, Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross. Exhibition continues through September. Free. maringarden.org
Napa
Raise a Glass, Wag a Tail
Wine tasting goes to the dogs—in the best possible way—at “Wag, Wine & Dine,” a Napa Valley fundraiser pairing regional vintners with four-legged philanthropy. More than 20 Napa and Sonoma wineries pour throughout the afternoon at the Meritage Resort & Spa, while a VIP hour offers premium wines and elevated bites. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, naturally, and can strut their stuff in a Pooch Pageant offering prizes and canine bragging rights. The all-inclusive event benefits Waggin’ Trails Rescue Foundation, which rescues at-risk dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters and supports their transportation, veterinary care and placement. In other words, drinking wine here may actually help save a puppy. Finally, a compelling argument for that second glass. 1-5pm general admission, Sunday, Aug. 23, at Meritage Resort & Spa, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa. Tickets at waggintrailsrescue.com/events.
