Pocket Garden

June 13 - August 23, 2026

reception: June 13, 5-8pm

artist talk:

Solo Exhibition by Ari Bird

For Ari Bird, the mundane and everyday items of our lives are the foundation for her large-scale, fantastical installations. Bird has spent her career using mass-produced materials as both medium and muse; sourcing from hardware and dollar stores to fabricate her playful sculptures. As a self-taught sculptor, Bird emphasizes process by experimenting freely with materials and techniques. Her work resists the shiny and sleek look of hyper-realism and instead leans into the bold colors, patterns, and shapes to showcase her own artistic hand at work. The results are novelties that engage our recognition, readily sparking memories while punctuating the objects’ existence through size.

In line with fellow artists who idolize the object by enlarging it, Bird expands on the existing concept by approaching it with curiosity and compassion for the objects themselves. Bird aims to explore our relationship with collecting and how the very act of collection is bound tightly with assuming an identity. Whether it be a soothing habit, a proclamation of character, or a nostalgic need, acquiring things serves us in one way or another. Bird scrutinizes the significance we place on these items, quite literally expanding our perspective and encouraging us to reflect.

In Pocket Garden, Bird imagines an immersive world of forgotten items. Her large-scale sculptures of butterfly clips and bandaids actualize those things we accumulate only to lose out of our pockets or bags. Bird builds space and attention for the trinkets, charms, and detritus that overwhelm our drawers and fill our cabinets. Her sculptural transformations acknowledge the small tokens that we leave behind, unintentional markers of our humanity and a reminder of our inherent human nature to collect.

Cover Photo from Juxtapoz magazine: https://www.juxtapoz.com/news/studio-time/in-conversation-with-oakland-based-artist-ari-bird/

Jumble Sale

April 30 - May 17

reception:

artist talk:

Verge’s Jumble Sale returns!

⁠Join us at Verge from April 30th to May 17th for an incredible shopping spree! Discover amazing art books, stunning furniture, captivating artworks, and so much more!⁠

Every purchase you make directly supports our commitment to accessibility and community engagement, as proceeds from the sale will help fund our labs and classes, ensuring they remain accessible, fun, and brimming with creativity for all. 

Visit us during our gallery hours to get your shopping fix!

Gallery hours:

Thursday- Saturday, 11am-5pm

Sunday, 12-5pm

R.C.A.F. in Mid-Flight: The Artwork and Influence of the Royal Chicano Air Force

January 10 - April 19, 2026

reception: January 10, 5-8pm

artist talk:

R.C.A.F. Mid-Flight: The Artwork and Influence of the Royal Chicano Air Force celebrates the groundbreaking contributions of the Royal Chicano Air Force, a collective of visionary artists who have shaped Chicana/o/x art and culture since the early 1970s. Blending visual media, culture, performance, humor, and activism, the RCAF championed Chicano pride, social justice, and community empowerment. This exhibition honors their artistic influence, showcasing both the original members’ creativity and the work of artists inspired by their legacy.

CURATOR’S STATEMENT

In the exhibition “R.C.A.F. in Mid-Flight: The Artwork and Influence of the Royal Chicano Air Force” we celebrate the groundbreaking contributions of the Royal Chicano Air Force, a collective of visionary artists who, since their inception in the early 1970s, have profoundly shaped the landscape of Chicana/o art and culture. The RCAF took flight as a vibrant force, using their creative talents to challenge societal injustices, promote Chicano cultural pride, and advocate for their community. Their innovative approach to art—blending visual media, performance, humor, and activism—transcended traditional boundaries and ignited a movement that continues to inspire artists today.

This exhibition not only showcases the vibrant artworks of its members but also pays homage to the RCAF’s enduring influence, highlighting the diverse artists who have followed in their footsteps. Each piece reflects the spirit of the RCAF, embodying themes of cultural pride, resistance, and creativity. ” R.C.A.F. in Mid-Flight ” invites viewers to appreciate the creativity of its original members as well as explore how the RCAF’s legacy inspires contemporary artists to reimagine their narratives and challenge societal norms.

As we honor the Royal Chicano Air Force, let us recognize the profound impact they have had on generations of artists, fostering a sense of empowerment and inspiring us to fly into new artistic horizons. This exhibition is a celebration of their journey and a testament to the continuing evolution of Chicana/o art, reminding us that the skies of Aztlán are vast and full of possibilities.

Manuel Fernando Rios, MA, MFA

The Verge Art Auction Preview

November 6, 2025

reception: Thursday, November 6, 5-8pm

artist talk:

The arts event of the year is back! Verge Center for the Arts is proud to present our annual Art Auction, a fundraising event that provides art lovers & local collectors an opportunity to acquire original works of fine art, while supporting a non-profit organization and community of artists. The Art Auction will commence with an opening reception showcasing biddable artworks on Thursday, November 6 from 5-8pm. Attendees at the event will have the first look at items available in the auction, and can enjoy light bites and beverages as they plan their bidding strategies. Then the big event will happen Saturday, November 15 from 5-8pm where there will be silent and live auction items ready to go home with the highest bidder, plus catered snacks, craft beverages, live music and an all-around incredible evening! You do not want to miss this — snag your tickets today!

OPENING RECEPTION & PREVIEW: Thursday, November 6, 5-8pm

ART AUCTION: Saturday, November 15, 5-8pm