As a kid growing up in Nebraska, Kate Barrengos took lots of road trips with her family in their Volkswagen bus, traversing the crop-filled flat lands of the Midwest. When she starting traveling by air, she was enamored by the aerial views, particularly the complex, repetitive patterns of the agricultural landscape below and how the textures and colors played off of one another.
In recent years, that fascination has grown even more with the invention of technologies like Google Earth, which provide a bird’s eye view of, well, basically anywhere.
“We can be everywhere at anytime,” says Barrengos, who has a background in biological sciences from the University of Nebraska and turned to a formal education in fine arts in 1993. She’s been painting professionally out of her home Mill Valley studio for years, with dozens of exhibitions since 2008. 
That vantage point – an aerial view of the rural landscapes of places like Nebraska, West Marin and Tulare County using synthetic polymer paint on linen – is the heart of Barrengos’ most recent work, “You Are Here,” which she is showcasing at the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center throughout July. The work will be on display for a wine reception on July 7 (6–8pm) as part of the Mill Valley Arts Commission‘s First Tuesday Artwalk.
Mill Valley’s monthly celebration of local art features a host of venues, including the O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, Seager Gray Gallery, the Mill Valley Public Library, Zener Schon Contemporary Art, Gelateria Noci, Julie Tuton Boutique, Terrestra, the Depot Bookstore & Café, City Hall, Famous4, the Mill Valley Community Center and the Throckmorton Theatre. Receptions at each venue are Tuesday from 6–8pm. First Tuesday Artwalk Guide with venues and a map.
The 411: Kate Barrengos is exhibiting “You Are Here” at the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, 85 Throckmorton Avenue, throughout July. The First Tuesday Artwalk receptions are Tuesday, July 7, 6–8pm. First Tuesday Artwalk Guide with venues and a map.

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