Jewish artists, craftspeople to show in Sausalito festival

Brody's personal technique and expression, developed over the last 30 years, integrate Judaica work with mixed media techniques such as reverse painting on Plexiglas and collage with wood and metal.

Of his creations, Brody said, "the mezuzot, challah boards and chanukiot are very non-traditional both in appearance and material. That way they appeal to the very contemporary aspects of modern life.

"At the same time, they uphold the tradition of Judaism, which is to make beautiful things to have in the home."

Brody will join several other Jewish artists at the 48th annual Sausalito Art Festival this weekend. Others include Arlene Wohl, wearable art; Claudia Cohen, sculpture; and Joanne Fox, 3-D mixed media.

Overall, the show will host 270 fine artists and craftspeople from across the country on the waterfront at Marinship Park and the Bay Model Visitor Center in Sausalito.

More than 20,000 original works in 16 categories -- including sculpture, fiber arts and jewelry -- will be on display.

"We're pulling out all the stops this year," said Joseph Lillis, executive director of the festival. "The quality and variety of the art is remarkable."

Brody, a 20-year veteran of the festival, considers it "one of the few shows in Northern California that offers a good venue for high-priced items and good art work."

"Most top-notch art shows are held on the East Coast," said Brody. "This is one of the few on the West Coast with a high level of artistry and craftsmanship."

In addition to art, the three-day festival will also feature a sculpture garden, children's theater, gourmet food, 50 California wineries and boat tours.

Concerts on the waterfront will feature 25 performers, including Jimmy Cliff, Roy Rogers, Shana Morrison and Pablo Cruise.

Although Brody doesn't plan to display his Judaica, he said the works he will display -- a series of wall collages and figurative vase forms with figurative drawings -- also infuse traditional forms with contemporary appearance.

"This work has been percolating inside me for awhile," he said. "The Sausalito Art Festival is a good venue to display it."

More than 60,000 art enthusiasts are expected over the Labor Day weekend, Brody said.

"This makes it a great venue [for the artists] to be able to show some of our best work, and maybe make some sales."