Roller coaster features art made during COVID by our dedicated, resilient artists in their own homes or Cedars residences, with the remote encouragement and assistance of Cedars staff.

These unexpected times have led artists to find creative approaches and valiant expressions as they navigate life’s new dips and dives.

With titles such as Before Pandemic and Childhood Memory, some pieces address the process of adapting to change. Some artists have adapted very well, using their time to create more than ever, such as Megan Olsen, who has been prolific with her portraits - see Crystal Gayle and Fiona Apple.

Elias Herdocia has been sheltering in place with his family and new puppy. He is rarely short on ideas, either pulling from his imagination or the photographs stored on his smart phone. See his vivid works on paper, Eye of the Lizard and Machine.

As many are living in more solitude than before, some artworks reveal those emotions. Bridget Jackson and Amey Joy both portray a single tree as the sun goes down. Standing Alone and Sunset were initially created during a Cedars zoom class for watercolor painting.

Instructors delivered supplies and provided some prompts or guidance. Kellie Greenwald, Cindy Johnson, and Glenna Cooper took inspiration from women artists, resulting in portraits of Frida Kahlo and Yayoi Kusama.

Julie Corry, who is known for her sensitive approach to constructing sculptures with natural materials, gave her new work the expressive title Caged Emotional Rollercoaster. This title inspired all of us and helped determine the name of the exhibition.

Artists' work and profiles can be viewed on the Cedars website, or in the collection on Cedars Artwork Archive. Works are matted or mounted and can be seen in person with curbside assistance at the Artist Within Gallery. Inquiries: Gallery Manager Anna, 510-910-7148 or annad@cedarslife.org