Voltaic Age beauty

If you understand that headline, you’re probably familiar with Rand and Robyn Miller’s computer games, Myst, Riven and Exile. Chris Beards, a sculptor from Willits, may not know Voltaic from Amateria, Edanna or J’nanin (island worlds from Exile), but Beards’ sculptures have that otherworldly 4AD-meets-Jules Verne vibe that makes the Miller brothers’ games such anachronistic eye candy. The 11 pieces of Beards’ on display at MatrixArts Space through May 1 have been fashioned from metal, wire, wood, papier-mâché and, in one case, a dead bird; their meticulously crafted ancient patina and mystery of function trigger the imagination. Also on display are what look like life forms from the alien world Xen from the game Half-Life, by Santa Cruz artist Elizabeth Jonasson, and some stellar pieces, constructed from pump heels, tacks, snaps and hair, respectively, by Arkansas artist Les Christensen. 1518 Del Paso Blvd., open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Call 923-9118 for information.