“Unplugged,” the newest exhibit at the Benicia Public Library, aims to allow vierwers to think about what they would do if they gave up technology for a period of time. (Courtesy of Jeanette Crawford Baird)

Whether it is sending text messages, browsing social media or catching Pokemon, it is no secret that people these days are glued to their phones and their laptops, rather than spending that same time interacting with others. What if those same users were to refrain from using technology for a period of time and try doing more meaningful activities?

That is a question posed by Benicia artist Jeanette Crawford Baird in her new show at Benicia Public Library titled “Unplugged- Disconnect to Reconnect.”

Baird says the idea came about a year ago when she saw a family of five eating at a high-end restaurant. None of the family members were interacting with each other and instead spent that time on their cellphones.

“It made me realize that that was my family as well at times,” she said. “Since then, I’ve thought about what kinds of things I’d like to do if I unplugged for a while.”

The goal of the show is to get viewers to think about what they would do if they went off the grid for an hour or more. It could be something as simple as reading a new book, learning a new foreign language or trying a new recipe, or it could be activities that require a little more time such as building a garden, raising chickens or going on a road trip.
Baird’s artwork consists of paintings of places and people who are passionate about what they do.

“One of the key pieces I’ve done for this is 100 faces of people or animals with character and soul,” she said.

Baird started by taking part in the 30 Paintings in 30 Days challenge, but she then decided to challenge herself by painting 100 faces.

“It’s been really fun to find faces that speak to me,” she said. “That’s been my off-the-grid, unplugged period of time.”

Ultimately, Baird hopes that viewers will pause and try to consider the things they could do in the time they typically spend on their phones or computers.

“I’m hoping that they will reflect and think about what they would do if they unplugged for 10 minutes or an hour or just dream,” she said. “Just dream about what they would do.”

The exhibit will open on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at the Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Art Gallery at the Benicia Public Library, located at 150 East L St., and it will run through Tuesday, Sept. 6. A reception will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7 where Baird will also be showcasing works that will not be a big part of the show.

“I’m hoping to get feedback from people on what they might do,” she said.

The library is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and noon to 6 p.m., Fridays through Sundays. For more information, call the library at 746-4343. For more information on the artist, visit jeanettebaird.com.

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