Christopher Fink of Los Gatos was one of six awardees of the Arts Council Silicon Valley local visual art and writing fellowship program. Fink received funding for his work in creative non-fiction and short story writing.

Out of 51 applicants, the six artists—including winners from San Jose and Palo Alto—were selected because their works met council criteria, reflecting "the artistic and cultural diversity of the region" and deemed to have "the highest level of artistic merit."

The arts council provides the fellowships in rotating categories, providing $3,000 of unrestricted grant money to enable artists to pursue their creative work. Fellowships are supported by a host of art council partners, including the California Arts Council, Santa Clara County, the city of San Jose, Lockheed-Martin Missiles & Space and The David and Lucile Packard Foundation.


Breast cancer support group at Good Sam

Good Samaritan Hospital is beginning a new support group for breast cancer survivors, called "New Beginnings." The group is aimed at newly diagnosed women as well as survivors. Patricia Penn, Ph.D., will lead the discussions. Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 15400 National Ave., Suite 200. For more information call 408.358.8414.


Shimoda's art for display, sale at local gallery

To view a selection of Michiko Shimoda's minimal but boldly designed craft urns, containers and chests, visit the Iwasawa Gallery before Feb. 28. Shimoda is presenting her work as part of a special exhibit titled "Ashes to Art." Studying ceramics under Kiyoyuki Kato since 1988, Shimoda moved to the United States in 1989 to further develop her ceramic skills.

The Iwasawa Gallery is located at 75 University Ave., Los Gatos. The exhibition will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays until Feb. 28. For more information, call the gallery at 408.395.2239.