Thrailkill Unveils ‘Sinks & Things’ Paintings at MV Chamber in July – First Tuesday Artwalk Info Here

Sausalito artist BJ Thraikill often finds herself “easily distracted by ordinary objects and critters – sinks, doorknobs, crows and even plastic bags. Interesting compositions stop me in my tracks everyday as I’m out jogging. I pause to capture pictures of these observations on my phone for later contemplation.”

But while “Sinks & Things” might be a mere compositional distraction for some, Thrailkill has turned them into her latest exhibit in Mill Valley. She’s showcasing her “Sinks & Things” oil paintings at the at the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center (85 Throckmorton) throughout July with a wine reception on July 5 (6–8pm) as part of the Mill Valley Arts Commission‘s First Tuesday Artwalk. The monthly celebration of local art includes a host of venues, including the O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, Seager Gray Gallery, the Mill Valley Public Library, Dolls and Dandy Salon, Terrestra, the Depot Bookstore & Café and City Hall. Receptions at each venue are Tuesday from 6–8pm. Here’s the First Tuesday Artwalk Guide with venues and a map.

Thrailkill grew up in rural Maryland in the 1950s, and learned at the feet of a neighbor who was an accomoplished artist and taught weekly painting classes for children in the neighborhood. ”We were quite young and painted with oils and sketched outdoors,” she says. “She was a remarkable individual and a lasting gift to us all.”

Thrailkill took painting and sculpture classes in her 20s but didn’t fully engage with her art until her children left for college several years ago. Over the years since, she’s exhibited all over the North Bay, including Falkirk Cultural Center, Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, Marin Open Studios, O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, Napa County Main Library, Marin County Fair and Sausalito Public Library.

“My inspiration flows from a curious observation of everyday things,” she says. “Over the past year, I have been working on painting a series of ordinary sinks, inspired by Gordon Cook, who painted everyday objects with great feeling, with a fascinating focus on form over function. Sinks and faucets appear like faces to me; sometimes almost comical. I’ve also always had a fascination with tree branches.  Recently, I have been dragging home orphan branches for inspiration and have just started a series of branch paintings.”

The 411: BJ Thraikill exhibits her “Remembrance” paintings at the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, 85 Throckmorton Avenue, throughout May. The First Tuesday Artwalk receptions are Tuesday, May 3, 6–8pm. First Tuesday Artwalk Guide with venues and a map.