Art Opening Exhibition – The Redwood Theatre by Neil Lick
Date: Thursday, June 6th
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Location: 766 Valencia St., Paxton Gate's Curiosities For Kids
Show runs May 29 through July 8
San Francisco resident, Neil Lick, grew up fascinated by stories read to him by his mother in
the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and miniatures carved by his father with his pocketknife.
These memories inspired a passion for nature and miniature objects, and are the catalysts for Redwood Theatre.
The Redwood Theatre project has been a work in progress for many years. In Spring 2011,
Neil relocated his studio to Point Reyes Station where he was able to escape the fast-paced
workweek in the City, and concentrate on bringing his boyhood fascinations to life in Redwood
and Douglass fir shadow boxes.
"I remember when my mother read to me as a child, usually books without illustrations,
and my imagination ran wild conjuring images of the characters and their adventures.
What did the Scarecrow look like? Was Granny Fox under the bed? Would Pinocchio sneak
into my room when my eyes were closed? Stories are a catalyst for creative thinking.
Reading to children really helps build curiosity and creativity."
Always an avid traveler, Neil has searched the globe for the elements of Redwood Theatre -
vintage papers from Germany, handmade miniatures from Milan, antiques from Paris.
He combines these unique items with details from nature, and brings each vignette
to life with reclaimed wood boxes created by craftsmen in Marin County. Neil lives
with his partner Bruce in the Mission-Dolores neighborhood, and oversees Merchandising at Williams-Sonoma.
Neil still reads every night before going to sleep.
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