Both Costa Mesa and Fullerton have managed to have major art show openings on the same night, and both look to be very promising. Skaters, surfers, and lumberjacks are the stars tonight, and while these may seem a bit random, they are all equally enjoyable and entertaining. So get ready to head to both GoRilla gallery in Santa Ana and Hibbleton gallery in Fullerton, because based on the artwork showing… neither is going to disappoint.

GoRilla gallery; located across the street from Mainplace Mall, is a loft turned store/gallery. Its three stories of pure art; with the first floor being a toy store and the rest a contemporary art gallery. When you walk into GoRilla you can tell its a very exciting and vibrant place, and the artwork showing tonight compliments the feeling. The show is titled Insight Garage Artists and its a group exhibition showcasing American based ‘garage artists.’ Sticking with mainly unknown local and east coast artists, the surf and skate company Insight has teamed up with GoRilla gallery to bring underground skate/surfer artists to the surface. Each artists brings a different style to the show that is both refreshing and intriguing. From murals, photos, to video, and so much more; Go Rilla has lined up a pretty sweet show that is definitely an instant winner.

With so many talented artists and artwork to go through, its hard to focus on just a few. But these artists managed to create works that stood out just that little bit more from the rest.

The main piece for the show is a very large and impressive mural titled Death Kills and its painted on nine wooden panels. The piece is so large that you have to crane your neck all the way back to see it all, and its all amazing. The image is a reproduction of the classic painting American Gothic, only the woman’s head has come off and all that is left is her skull. Its a dramatic and intense piece, that is recreated in a contemporary way with the usage of wording to create the lines and shadows. All done in black and white paint, this graphic piece is sure to win over the majority (if not all) of its viewers.

Upstairs on the third floor is a series of photographs done by artist Andrew Parker. The photographs, ranging in various sizes, show different sets of light bulbs and stringed lights. The subject may not sound that intriguing, but with dark backgrounds and unique cropping choices, these photographs instantly appear thought provoking and very dramatic. The awe-like feeling that comes from looking at these photos is almost ironic, when you realize that you’re looking at light bulbs.

Back down on the second floor near the stairs is a mixed media piece done by Mark Ipnitz. He uses a combination of photography, video, and sculpture to present to the public; a complex story. The presentation of all these parts is really quite remarkable, with peep holes, video screens, and a photo over a light box. It also seems to uses the 90s grunge with the brunt matches, grey tones, and somber setting, to create an even deeper level of significance. The work itself is very intriguing. Trying to figure out what everything means and is about, will definitely be a mission for some.

GoRilla and Insight wanted this show to be about promoting the underground artists and making the public want more of them. They did that by casting talented artists and making the artworks (for the most part) interactive. This inviting of people to partake in the art process is sure winner. And, with The Tijuana Panthers performing, (and a full bar on third floor) there will be even more interaction going on tonight.

For more information on GoRilla check out their website at www.gorillagozilla.com

Hibbleton gallery, located in Downtown Fullerton,is showing Chad Eaton; a southern California artist who has become increasingly popular over the years. The show is called Timber and it fits in perfectly with Eaton’s unique style. His ability to maintain that style and use multiple mediums makes his works very impressive, but its his subject matter of Lumberjacks and men with long beards that is really enjoyable. Walking into Hibbleton and seeing all the works of art with the wood, makes this space feel so instantly cozy that you almost wish there was a fireplace with a bearskin rug on the floor. Its apparent from the amount of detail and sheer number of works that Chad Eaton loves what he does, and he does it all so very well. While all of the pieces in the show are amusing and creative there are a few that stand out from the rest.

First is the random painted log stumps that are characterized like jack o lanterns. With expressions that give each stump its own unique personality. There is even one that looks vaguely like Bob Dylan, sunglasses and all. These stumps are hung all over the gallery like comical reminders of what this show is all about.

Next is an interactive painting of a man with a top hat and a long black beard that hangs down below a black painted frame. This Abraham Lincoln looking fellow has a little secret that few would notice at first glance, he is in fact, movable. Yes, with a gentle touch his head and beard will rock from side to side. This little feature make turns this painting from semi somber to joyful and charming. This is not the only work that does this, there is another painting of a lumberjacks face who mustache swings left to right. Who knew facial hair could be so much fun?

An exciting twist to the show lies in the center of the gallery, where there are four works of art done by Chad Eaton’s friends and family. Sticking with the lumberjack/long bearded man theme; paintings, ink drawings, and sculptures made of felt and bronze are arranged like trophies along a wall. Each piece is an ode and response to Eaton’s work. All of them are just as joyful as Eaton’s works and add to the homey vibe that this particular work gives off.

Whether its pen and Ink drawings of men in a town overrun by beards, puzzle pieces of lumberjacks, or paintings of lumberjacks having nightmares of being eaten by trees. All of these wonderful and whimsical images are present. This show proves that If ever there was a time to embrace plaid and build a log cabin, now is the time.

So now that you know you can see skaters, surfers, and lumberjacks with long beards all in the same night; ask yourself what could better?

For more information on Hibbleton visit them at  www.hibbleton.com