Rhythmix's 'Soul of Our Nation' Art Show Closes Aug. 29

You've still got a few weeks to catch "O Say Can You See ... the Soul of Our Nation" at Rhythmix Cultural Works before it closes for good on August 29. The show ties into the country's 250th birthday this year, and it's free to walk in and see.

What the Rhythmix exhibition is about

The show features work from Bay Area artists reflecting on what America could still become. The gallery describes it simply: "Artists have always been at the center of the nation's soul. They've told the truth when no one else would: of broken dreams and second chances." It's co-produced by the nonprofit Citizen Joy, curated by Barbara Kibbe, and juried by Citizen Joy founder Jeff Raz.

Where and when to see the show

Rhythmix Cultural Works is at 2513 Blanding Avenue, on Alameda's East End. The exhibition opened around the Fourth of July and runs through August 29.

• Address: 2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda
• Closing reception: Saturday, August 29, 2 to 4 p.m.
• A free "Postcards from the Future" workshop is part of the closing event

Don't miss the closing workshop

On closing day, curator Barbara Kibbe leads a hands-on workshop called "Postcards from the Future." Visitors write and decorate postcards as if they're sending a message from a hopeful future back to today. It's a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon on the East End, and it's the kind of small, free, homegrown event that the Pulse tries to keep you posted on.

Rhythmix has been a fixture of Alameda's arts scene for years, not far from where the West End Arts District runs its own free community festivals, like Blues, Brews and BBQ at Washington Park. If community art spaces matter to you, this is a good one to walk through before it's gone.

Why it's worth the stop

You don't need to know anything about art to get something out of this one. The whole point is simple: look at where the country's been, and think about where it could still go. It's free, it's a short walk or bike ride for most of the island, and it only runs a few more weekends. That's a low bar for a Saturday afternoon that might actually stick with you.