Gestures of Willful Abandon

This fall, Gray Loft Gallery presents Gestures of Willful Abandon, an exhibition of seven women artists whose abstract works embrace intuition, meaning, experimentation, movement, and beauty.

The title offers a point of departure rather than an explanation. The work on view will be painting and installation by Bay Area artists Ruth Boerefyn, Beth Fein, Judith Foosaner, Katie Hawkinson, Pam Jue, Emily Lazarre, and Carol Lefkowitz who explore what can emerge when control gives way to instinct and the creative process is allowed to unfold.

The works occupy the space between intention and instinct, control and surrender. Color, texture, gesture, form, and material become ways of thinking and feeling – inviting viewers to look closely, make connections, and find their own meaning.

Presented by Gray Loft Gallery, a woman-owned alternative art space in Oakland’s Jingletown Art’s District neighborhood, Gestures of Willful Abandon continues the gallery’s commitment to creating exhibitions that bring together compelling contemporary artists and encourage open-ended conversations about art.

Artists: Ruth Boerefyn, Beth Fein, Judith Foosaner, Katie Hawkinson, Pam Jue, Emily Lazarre, and Carol Lefkowitz.

Exhibition dates: September 26 – November 14, 2026 Opening Reception: Saturday, September 26, 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Tessier Wine Tasting: Saturday, October 24, 3:00 – 5:00 pm Closing Reception: Saturday, November 14, 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Gallery hours: Saturdays 1:00 – 5:00 pm and by appointment