“Mind if I join?” a seal appears to be asking some penguins in one of MJ Coleman’s paintings. The artist’s work is on display at Camellia Tea Room through May 31. (Painting by MJ Coleman)

By Tibby Lerner
Special to the Herald

The Camellia Tea Room at 828 First St. is hosting a show by local artist MJ Coleman through May 31. The show, titled “See Me,” is a series of whimsical etchings  and monotypes of animals as if they are taking selfies. Each print is uniquely inked and printed.   The Tea Room’s hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The series was inspired by a photo the artist saw on Facebook of a seal “photobombing” a shot and showing a lot of personality. The series took off from there.

“My whole show is about animals  that make you smile,” Coleman said.

Adults and kids will enjoy these entertaining portraits, according to Coleman.

“I work on what inspires me,” the artist said. “I have a garden series and right now I am working on several images for a chicken/rooster series to be shown next year.”

Coleman began her art career working for Hallmark Cards for more than five years. After moving to the Bay Area, she worked as a graphic designer and eventually art director for corporations such as Bechtel and Chevron. Eventually she became VP of Creative Service for Bank of America and later worked as an Account Exec VP of Sales for an annual report design company in San Francisco.

When Coleman retired, she was finally able to concentrate on creating her own artwork. She started a pet portrait business. She was introduced to printmaking a few years ago at John Gruenwald Press in San Francisco and through Arts Benicia’s printmaking studio with Ronna Leon. Coleman shows and sells her art through the HQ Gallery at 333 First St. and the H Frank store in Sonoma.

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