Current Exhibitions

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.

July 22, 2026 – September 30, 2026

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

The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to present Outdoor Explorer, a solo exhibition by Hannah Thoreson on display at the Santa Clarita Public Library Valencia Branch (23743 Valencia Boulevard) now through September 30, 2026. This exhibition features a collection of watercolor and mixed media landscapes inspired by outdoor environments throughout the United States. Through scenes ranging from expansive deserts to vibrant coastlines and quiet oases, the exhibition invites viewers to experience the natural world through curiosity, exploration and a deeper connection to the environment.

Rather than depicting nature from the perspective of a distant observer, Thoreson’s work embraces the viewpoint of those who actively engage with the landscape through activities such as hiking, swimming, farming and exploring the outdoors. Blending artistic expression with scientific observation, her paintings reflect a growing appreciation for the environment while celebrating the diverse landscapes that shape our experiences. Each piece encourages viewers to see nature not only as a place of beauty, but as something to be experienced firsthand.

Hannah Thoreson is a software developer, artist and explorer based in Los Angeles, California. Raised on a working farm in rural North Dakota, she developed a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors that continues to inspire her artwork today. Through Outdoor Explorer, Thoreson encourages viewers of all ages to discover the beauty of the landscapes around them and reflect on their own relationship with the natural world.

The artwork attached to this press release is titled “Turbulent Waves” by Hannah Thoreson.

Social Media: @hannah_space_penguin (Instagram)

Website: www.brickstackr.com

May 27, 2026 – September 2, 2026

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

The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to present “Travelogue,” a solo exhibition by Justin Poole on view at the Old Town Newhall Library (24500 Main St) now through September 2, 2026. “Travelogue” is inspired by Justin Poole’s many travels throughout Europe. Poole says, “It presents a surreal version of nature that is influenced by my own romantic visions of the places to which I travel”. The exhibition features a combination of watercolor sketches, oil pastels and oil paintings, each offering a different perspective on the subject matter. The watercolor and oil pastel works present a more raw and expressive quality, while the oil paintings are more refined and detailed. The exhibition includes framed works alongside oil paintings displayed on gallery stretched canvas.

Artist Website: https://www.justinpooleart.com/