MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Art Center invites the public to attend its second opening reception, “Innovative Landscapes,” on Saturday, May 9, from 6 to 8 pm.

The group show features work by 14 local and regional artists that stretch the tradition of landscape to include innovations in format, medium, technology, process, concept or vision. Functional ceramic, glass, and metal pieces by local artists are also on view.

Art works on view include John Hanses’ large format landscape photographs, shot on film and printed using pigment inks, Ricia Araiza and Michal Leventhal’s collaboratively painted abstract landscapes, Mary Mattlage's monotypes in concertina-bound handmade books, Lisa Kaplan’s relief paintings using colorful earth-clay from various elevations in Lake County, and Renata Jaworska’s metal works, bent into soft organic forms.

Alana Clearlake, William Martin, Laura Kennedy, Peter Shandera, Anthony George, Graham Lloyd, Geoffrey Huckabay, Rojax, and Uriah Mills present other intriguing visions, dreamscapes, observations, formats and media that explore “Landscape.”

Recently established by local art professionals for residents and visitors to enjoy, MAC is a vibrant hub for art, art activities and cultural enrichment.

“We look forward to bringing the arts into more people’s lives with each exhibition, event or class” said Renata Jaworska, one of MAC’s founding artists. “It was amazing to meet so many great people at our gala opening in March. Art lovers and visual and performing artists from all over the county came to welcome more art culture into our communities. I am excited to meet more of them on May 9.”

Compelling artwork, friends old and new, musical ambiance courtesy of David Neft, and organic and biodynamic wine poured by Beaver Creek Vineyards, promise a delightful evening of culture and community not to be missed.

MAC is centrally located at 21456 Highway 175, at the junction of Highway 29 and Highway 175 in Middletown, the gateway to Lake County.

MAC is open Thursday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 to 5 p.m.

To learn more about classes and events, to become a member or support Mac with a donation, visit www.middletownartcenter.org or call 707-809-8118.