We’ve all heard about the various celebrities and famous folk who call Silicon Valley home, but there are also many residents who aren’t necessarily household names but have claims to fame in their professions or fans of their work. In a region as diverse and with as many people (and as much talent) as ours, there are countless stories waiting to be told about all sorts of people of note who are our peers, our neighbors, our friends and family members.
Today we have the story of Redwood City painter and former film animation artist Sandra Keely, whose first solo gallery show “Excavated Color” is on exhibit at M Stark Gallery in downtown Half Moon Bay through July 19.
With work on films including “All Dogs Go to Heaven” and “Anastasia” to her name, Sandra thought she’d found her lifetime career. But with digital animation on the rise and hand-drawn animation fading as the turn of the millenium neared, Sandra was laid off.
As she worked her way through a new set of careers, she continued to make art and taught animation basics. She discovered carving in acrylic paint somewhat accidentally while she was trying out lino printing. Now, Sandra creates pieces that sometimes include up to 100 layers of acrylic paint in a variety of colors on birch wood panels that she then carves designs into.
Read more about Sandra’s work before seeing it for yourself in Half Moon Bay this weekend or next.
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
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The Six Fifty rounds up outdoor recreation news and happenings for the summer, including the opening of new playgrounds and park amenities, updates on projects and more.
Carving out colors: Redwood City painter and former film animation artist Sandra Keely creates vibrant layered designs
Her exhibition is on view at M Stark Gallery in Half Moon Bay through July 19.
Low-ABV and nonalcoholic drinks find their place on Peninsula menus
Low alcohol by volume (ABV) and nonalcoholic (NA) drinks are on the rise, and it’s not just a phase. While alcoholic drinks have historically played a social and financial role for restaurants, Peninsula eateries offer an expanding range of low-ABV beverages to pair with your next meal.
No one was able to identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s outside at Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto!).
The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a gift card from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!
Find more things to do in our roundup of World Cup watch parties and festivities.
Literature & Lore Hike: July 9 Docents discuss how nature has inspired lore and literature throughout history on a guided hike at Skyline Ridge Preserve.
Little Shops Village 2026: July 10-11 Downtown Sunnyvale hosts an outdoor maker market featuring all kinds of goods by local artisans as well as a zine lounge with a DIY zine-making station, plus free drawing sessions.
Victorian Days Walking Tour of Union Cemetery: July 11 Take a guided walking tour of this historic site, which is the final resting place for many pioneer-era San Mateo County residents.
Los Panaderos: July 11 Experience Mexican folk music from a variety of regions performed by Los Panaderos at Menlo Park’s Belle Haven Library.
Public Canoes in Sloughs: July 11 Marine Science Institute naturalists lead a leisurely canoe trip at the Bair Island wetland sanctuary, with participants checking out flora and fauna, having an on-canoe picnic lunch and helping with a brief creek cleanup.
BraveMaker Film Fest: Through July 12 BraveMaker’s annual festival of independent films returns for five days of screenings, Q&As and more.
Open Sauce: July 18-19 Explore more than 500 intriguing maker projects – from robots to rideable model trains to much more – exhibited at this “mad science fair.”
Music@Menlo: July 17-Aug. 8 Boasting more than 60 in-person and online events, Music@Menlo’s annual chamber music festival includes mainstage concerts, artist-curated recitals, talks and master classes.
Four Shillings Short: July 18 The longtime Celtic, folk and world music duo Four Shillings Short kicks off its final U.S. tour in Palo Alto.
Plan Ahead:
Book Bedazzling: July 21 Feeling like your books need a bit of extra sparkle? Something Made craft club hosts an evening of bedazzling books at Books Inc. Palo Alto. Bring a book or purchase one there at a discount.
Walking Tour of the Purissima Old Town Site: July 25 Take a docent-led tour of what was once the site of the Purissima Old Town settlement, hosted by Coastside Land Trust.
Swap Don’t Shop: July 26 Craving a wardrobe update that’s easy on the wallet and the planet? Bring clothes to trade at Little Green’s free potluck-style clothing swap.
Filoli’s Art Walk: July 26-27 Local artisans showcase their wares in Filoli’s garden, along with food trucks and hands-on art activities for kids.
Heritage Fire San Mateo: July 26 Taste food and drinks from notable Bay Area chefs at this “walk-around feast” and vote for your favorite dish of the day. The chef whose dish earns the most votes is named “Heritage Hero” and goes on to a national competition.
A Walk With Wine 2026: July 30 Stroll the streets of downtown Burlingame while sampling wines and listening to live music, with around 30 local merchants participating.
Island Vibes: July 31 Island-inspired live music and tropical flavors are on the menu for the July Summer Nights event at Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company, along with craft beer, food trucks and local vendors.
Stanford Jazz Festival: Through July 31 The 2026 edition of the summer jazz fest includes performances by the Branford Marsalis Quartet, Billy Childs, Luciana Souza, Anat Cohen, Stefon Harris, Yilian Cañizares and more.
San Mateo County Parks Foundation Photo Contest: Through Aug. 10 Enter photos that show off the beauty of San Mateo County Parks for a chance to win prizes and have your photography featured in the foundation’s publications.
The Spirit of ’76: Through Nov. 8 The Los Altos History Museum’s exhibition reflects on America’s 250th anniversary, with an emphasis on civic engagement.
Changing the game: How a cross-country move and a battle with cancer inspired the opening of one of the Peninsula’s only game stores
The husband-and-wife duo behind Gamelandia hopes to foster inclusivity and community through their new business
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