An exhibit called "Dots, Pots and Whimsical Thoughts" at the Creative Arts Center Gallery in Burbank features the artwork of Ricky Maldonado, Adrian Sandstrom and Kelly and Trent Berning.

It will run May 2-22.

Maldonado, master coil builder and multiple award winner, is known for his geometrically detailed pottery.

His work is included in many public and private collections and has been shown in numerous publications, including Ceramics Monthly magazine. He was also awarded the NCECA Emerging Artist Award 2003.

Sandstrom's current work is an expression of his imagination, at times playful and whimsical and other times dark and lonely. It shows how one must constantly stimulate the imagination to keep life in perspective.

Working with the idea that pots relate to life, he starts with a good base and the bumps and curves along ones journey lead us to a significant ending.

Berning's most recent work, "The Carnival Series" is a study on carnival lifestyles.

"The idea of blending in or becoming somebody else for a night intrigues me", she states. "Then off to a new town with a new audience that has never seen you before and will never see you again. Who is the person behind the mask?"

Berning's work is a combination of functional and sculptural. Unique drinking vessels such as champagne flutes, whiskey jugs, martini and red wine glasses are inspirations.

His work is meant to be seen, felt, and assist in the reflections of the time (whether good or bad) spent with the people that are closest to you. His sculptural work studies specific symbols suggesting elements of time.

They have a feeling of moving forward, through circles of spheres and building up through cubes and blocks illustrating growth, balance and anticipation towards the future.

An opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, May 3.

The Creative Arts Center Gallery is located at 1100 West Clark Ave., Burbank.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays.The gallery is closed on Sundays.

For more information, please contact the gallery at 818-238-5397.