Installations and immersive experiences were everywhere this weekend, with the opening of CA 101 2019 starting things out on Friday.

Yes, beautiful paintings, photographs and sculptural pieces were present too as gallerygoers took in the bright orange sunset at the former location of Gold’s Gym. Annie Seaton’s beach-centric work; the rich, embroidered look of Vojislav Radovanovic;  lush black-and-white photographs from L. Aviva Diamond and Janet Milholmme; a vivid pink-and-blue work from Jackie Bell Johnson; a fascinatingly mysterious photographic image from Jane Szabo and Scott A. Trimble’s haunting politically inspired art—all drew repeat viewing. Also impressive were sculptures from Peggy Jo Sivert, Scott Meskill and Betsy Enzenberger, whose giant clear Popsicle made small children stare. Immersive in a miniature way: the detailed dollhouse of Catherine Coan, whose taxidermy-created white mice roamed around and through it.

Catherine Coan and her work.

But it was the installations that drew center stage: Mike Sajio’s otherworldly resin sculptures paired with a VR that took viewers under the sea, and Flora Kao’s oh-so-pink bougainvillea plants and blossoms. Mike Collins offered a haunting room-sized “Funeral Party.” Guests were handed shiny catalogs and enjoyed beverages while they browsed. “The whole place is like a big installation,” one viewer remarked.

Young art fan and Betsy Enzenberger work.

On Saturday, “Knock on Wood” offered a series of immersive experiences at Plummer Park’s Long Hall. Eight artists were each given a separate small individual gallery room in which to create images that referred to superstitions and traditions, from the ceramic black cats of Lena Wolek to Rachel Kaster’s illuminated family images suspended on chains. Curators and exhibiting artists Sean Noyce and Katya Usvitsky offered six unique experiences for viewers; Wolek also served up tasty, cat-shaped homemade bread, eagerly consumed by guests.

Lena Wolek and her installation.

Rachel Kaster and her installation.

At Radiant Space, Laurie Shapiro’s latest installation, Alchemy Tunnel, sparkled with sequins, light, and silver foil. Painted, draped, and hung images filled the small gallery top to bottom, creating a dazzling tunnel of highly floral mixed media.

Laurie Shapiro, Alchemy Tunnel.

Gabba Gallery offered distinct and sometimes hilarious solo shows from four artists, each room its own experience. Thematically the artists exhibiting have extensively created music posters as well as fine art; the show offered a tour de force of their full talent. Gallerist Jason Ostro presided over the lively, full-house crowd, while DJ music throbbed and cocktails were served. Asked by a patron “Can you take that cool bone-gun sculpture out of its case?” Ostro obliged. Artwork by Emek, fun had by all.

Jason Ostro goofing with artwork by Emek.

Heading out to the desert, we enjoyed the fourth iteration of the Rise Festival, an immersive and participatory experience of lighting enormous two-foot, biodegradable lanterns and setting them aloft. Large scale quarter moons and fest title were illuminated with colored lights for the ultimate Instagram-moment experience.

October: immersive indeed.

This writer with the Rise Festival sign.