Fall Art and Film News

Back from my second residency at Gullkistan Center for Creativity in Laugarvatn, Iceland.   This island nation continues to inspire with its gorgeous panoramic vistas, bubbling “hot spots”, rocks, lakes, horses, sheep, cliffs, sunsets and so much more.   With their current push for tourists (1 million this year for 330,000 citizens), the popular sites are now more crowded with bus tours each day.  Reservations are required where none were 4 years ago.   It is still vast and idillic in many parts but if you are thinking of going - soon will be better than later.

The West Fjords inspire - still pristine as it’s a bit out of the way for tourists. 

PENNY screens in Iceland - and as always Penny Cooper garners new fans.

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Rituals of Remembrance - the art of mourning made with Maggie Simpson Adams over the last 8 years is on the home stretch!   Work-in-progress screening in Iceland was followed by a vibrant discussion of death and mourning practices and ideas - just like we hope it always will.  Watch of upcoming screenings this fall - check Rituals of Remembrance Movie on Facebook for details.

Sher’s short films Too Young and Wash It and will tour this fall in a program of short films curated by Tess Takahashi - Stand By for More Info!

November News, Reviews & Screenings for PENNY

Meet Penny Cooper – trailblazer, celebrated criminal defense trial attorney, art collector, philanthropist and all around “fabulous” (her favorite word) trailbrazing woman.   30 minute documentary by Elizabeth Sher

PENNY reviewed in CineSource ! excepts here CLICK HERE for full review.

Penny: Champion of the Marginalized.  Produced and directed by San francisco Bay filmmaker and artist Elizabeth Sher "PENNY" is a documentary biography of celebrated trail attorney Penny Cooper.  In the films 30 minutes Sher provides and outline of Cooper's life and reveals both her struggles and triumphs....Cooper survived and thrived using her intellect, wit, strong sense of humor - and , in my opinion, her spirit...Sher's film is fun, fascinating, and (with) Cooper's sense of humor, thoroughly entertaining.  Don Schwartz

Upcoming Screening November 6, 4:30-6 PM, 110 Boalt Hall, UC Berkeley, CA followed by Q&A with Penny Cooper and Elizabeth Sher.   Co-sponsored by Berkeley Journal of Criminal Law,  Boalt Hall Women's Association, Board of Advocates, Queer Causuc, Women of Color Collective, Youth Defender Clinic, Post-Conviction Assistance Project, First Generation Professions.   Looking forward to a lively discussion!

Upcoming Screening November 9 - 11:15 AM, OUTrageous Film Festival, UCSB Multicultural Center, Santa Barbara, CA.  Panel following the screening with Elizabeth Sher in person.  There's even breakfast first!  PENNY is an official selection.  So if you're in the neighborhood or have friends who are tell em to c'mon down.

PENNY reviewed on BlogTalk Radio. Listen here. Excerpts from the Show:

"Elizabeth Sher is an amazing visual artist and PENNY is extremely well edited.  The film is like a good book, it's a page turner!  You are glued to it.   She creates a strong connection between Penny Cooper and the audience in the first 2 minutes.  Keep watching thorugh the credits roll or you will miss another great story while they roll."   Carole Dean, From the Heart Productions"

"Penny Cooper's strong sense of humor reminds me of the late Ann Richards, former Governor of Texas".   Don Schwartz, author Telling Their Own Stories: Conversations with Documentary Filmmakers

DVDs and Posters for sale! Only $10 (plus shipping) in our website store, the PENNY Store.

Please visit our Facebook page, Penny the Documentary – like us and tell your friends! Don't do Facebook, visit the website, www.pennythedocumentary.com - you can tell us your Penny story there too.

April News

April 14 - May 14 - Array at the City College Art Gallery

Opening Reception: Thursday, April 24th, 5 to 7pm

Curator’s statement: The Bay Area reflects a diversity of ideas and a richness in technology. We foster a culture of innovation and our artistic community celebrates hybrid media and digital exploration. This exhibition features the work of diverse artists whose work celebrates experimentation and invention.

City College Art Gallery, Visual Arts Building V109, City College of San Francisco, 50 Phelan Ave., SF

Ortranto in June!

I have been accepted to the Bau Institue in Ortranto, Italy, for an artist residency this coming June.   I look forward to being inspired by the architecture and seaside facing the Adriatic.   Already have a project – stand by!

News for Penny 

My documentary on Penny Cooper – trailblazer, celebrated criminal defense trial attorney, art collector, philanthropist and all around “fabulous” (her favorite word) trailbrazing woman.

Starting soon, The Kicktstarter Campaign to fund 1. a DVD with all the stories and cases that had to be left on the cutting room floor, more on her world class collection of art by women and  2. our cross country tour to partner with community organizations, schools, women’s groups, small theaters and more to inspire young women (and men too) to break new ground.   Because hen we have people to look up to in life, we are always more confident the ascent is possible.

Please visit our Facebook page, Penny the Documentary – like us and tell your friends! Don't do Facebook, visit the website, www.pennythedocumentary.com - you can tell us your Penny story there too.