Galleries

October 1, 2026 – January 5, 2027

Valencia Public Library, 23743 Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355

 The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to present Veteran’s Day, a solo exhibition by Mark Micchio on view at the Valencia Library (23743 Valencia Boulevard) now through January 5, 2027. Featuring a collection of drawings, paintings and prints, the exhibition reflects on Micchio’s experiences with military service and the lasting memories and challenges that can remain long after service has ended. Through portraiture, landscapes and personal imagery, Micchio explores themes of identity, memory, sacrifice and reflection.

Drawing from his own 25 years of military service, Micchio uses art as a way to examine his personal experiences. This collection examines the solitary mental and physical residue left behind long after conflict ends. Portraits trace the fragmentation of individual identity beneath uniforms and camouflage, while the vivid landscape of the title work, “Veteran’s Day” honors the solemn and perpetual gravity of military service. Together, these pieces serve as an invitation for dialogue about service, connecting the civilian community with the sacrifices and challenges of every veteran’s day.

Mark Micchio is an emerging interdisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles, California. After twenty-five years in the military, Mark returned to school to study art.  His creative work focuses on reckoning with his own military service in the context of modern military history, with themes involving motivation, memory, and ritual creation and destruction. He recently earned associate degrees in Studio Arts and Animation from College of the Canyons and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Contemporary Art History at Azusa Pacific University. Through his work, Micchio hopes to use art as a creative outlet for veterans and others while inspiring a new generation of artists.

The artwork attached to this press release is titled “Veteran’s Day” by Mark Micchio.

Instagram.com/markmicchio

https://markmicchio.weebly.com/

September 23, 2026 – November 4, 2026

22421 Market St, Newhall, CA 91321

The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to present its latest art exhibition, “Hispanic Heritage Month,”on display at the Newhall Community Center (22421 Market Street) now through November 4, 2026. This juried exhibition features artwork inspired by the rich cultures, traditions and histories of Hispanic and Latin American communities. Through a variety of artistic perspectives and mediums, participating artists celebrate the experiences and cultural connections that continue to shape and inspire generations.

Among the featured artists is Laura Ledesma, whose piece “Busy at Work” was inspired by a Quechua woman she met in the village of Chinchero in Peru’s Sacred Valley. The work depicts the woman hand-weaving vibrant, intricate textiles that reflect generations of cultural tradition and artistry. Through the piece, Ledesma captures not only the woman’s likeness, but also the spirit of a quiet moment and the continuation of a craft passed down through generations.

Also featured is Ashley Theresa Hines, a Latin American artist whose three-dimensional painting explores the relationship between music and those who have passed. “Music holds memories, emotions and vitality. It can preserve a voice, a feeling or a moment long after someone is gone,” Hines shares. Through the piece, she explores how rhythm and sound can “create a bridge between the living and those we have lost,” using music as a vessel for memory and a way of maintaining a connection with those who came before us.

The photo attached to this press release is “Busy at Work” by Laura Ledesma

September 2, 2026 – December 3, 2026

Old Town Newhall Library, 24500 Main St. Santa Clarita, CA 91321

The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to present its latest art exhibition, “Lookout Point, Wishes, Mute Reflections” by Rose Smither on view now through December 3, 2026 at the Old Town Newhall Library Branch (24500 Main Street). This exhibition features vibrant acrylic paintings inspired by wildlife, nature, faith and personal experiences, the exhibition captures moments of beauty, reflection and connection through expressive color and carefully composed scenes.

Smither explores the beauty and emotion found in both nature and everyday moments. From a brown bear overlooking a lush forest to a mother swan guiding her young across an autumn stream, her paintings invite viewers to pause and appreciate the natural world. Smither also draws from personal memories and her faith, using familiar imagery to explore themes of innocence, family and reflection.

Smither has been an artist for more than 40 years and received her formal education in illustration. Throughout her career, she has created commissioned portraits, wildlife and landscape paintings, large-scale murals and artwork for film and television productions, commercial spaces and private residences. Her work has been exhibited in several galleries as she continues to draw inspiration from nature, travel, faith and personal experiences.

The image attached to this press release is titled “Grow” by Rose Smither.

August 18, 2026 – October 28, 2026

Canyon Country Community Center, 18410 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91351

The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to present Beyond the Horizon: An Exploration of Earth, Ocean and Space by Karen Nguyen, on view now through October 28, 2026 at the Canyon Country Community Center (18410 Sierra Hwy). This exhibition features contemporary landscape paintings inspired by the beauty and vastness of the natural world, taking viewers on a visual journey across sweeping landscapes, vibrant coastlines and the mysteries of outer space. The community is invited to a special reception on Wednesday, September 9, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at The Canyon Country Community Center, offering an opportunity to meet Nguyen and experience the exhibition firsthand.

Drawing inspiration from her travels to more than 60 countries, Nguyen captures the atmosphere, movement and character of the places and environments that have shaped her artistic perspective. Her work combines landscape realism with a more intuitive approach to painting that she describes as “going with the flow”. From the movement of ocean waves and expansive natural vistas to scenes inspired by the cosmos, Beyond the Horizon explores the sense of wonder and discovery found when looking beyond the familiar.

Karen Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American contemporary artist, landscape realist, entrepreneur and educator based in Costa Mesa, California. In 2016, she founded Inspired Art Wine, a creative studio and gallery where she has taught more than 20,000 students through workshops in oil, acrylic and watercolor painting. A double alumna of UC Irvine, Nguyen continues to draw upon travel, nature and exploration to create artwork that encourages curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

The artwork attached is titled “Astronomical” by Karen Nguyen.

August 12, 2026 – November 18, 2026

 23920 Valencia Blvd #120, Valencia, CA 91355

The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to present the return of “Beyond the Desk,” on display in the First Floor Gallery at City Hall (23920 Valencia Boulevard) now through November 18, 2026. Now in its second year, this juried exhibition showcases the artistic talents of City employees and their families, celebrating the creativity, passion and imagination that flourish beyond the workplace. The community is invited to a special art reception on Thursday, September 3, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, offering an opportunity to meet participating artists and experience the exhibition firsthand.

Unlike a traditional themed exhibition, “Beyond the Desk” invited participants to submit artwork on any subject, encouraging artists to express themselves freely through the mediums, styles and stories that inspire them most. From painting and photography to sculpture and mixed media, the exhibition showcases a remarkable range of artistic expression. Together, the works offer a unique glimpse into the passions, hobbies and personal perspectives of the employees and families who help serve the Santa Clarita community every day.

The exhibiting artists include: Sydney Adam, Jared Anderson, Michele Arima, Ryan Babroff, Samantha Babroff, Joel Bareng, Deziray Barreras, Madelyn Blaha, McKenzie Bright, Kara Brutz, Nicholas Brutz, Stacie Chavez, Johnny De La Mora, Mike Franke, Carol French, Monica Gonzalez, Dyana Gutierrez, Masis Hagobian, Jocelyn Lagunas, Cindy Lu, Carrie Lujan, Micah Maxey, Andy Olson, Maria Padilla, Ava Perkins, Michelle Perez, Natalie Perez, Christine Phachanh, Macie Potter, Lara Ray, Joe Redmond, Frankie Rios, Diana Rodriguez, Deacon Roth, JoDee Roth, Pinar Sayim, Jennifer Shadle, Tess Sigmen, Alessandra Sinlao, Brian Springer, Alan Stump, Darlene Stump, Elle Thompson, Harper Thompson, Sean Tonoian, Priscilla Trana, Gabby Vera, Angelica Wasowicz, Karolina Wasowicz.

The featured photo is “Those Who Wait” by Lara Ray.