Past Exhibitions

June 1 through June 30, 2017

The MAIN
24266 Main St.
Newhall, CA 91321

As a largely self-taught artist who has been scratching away on paper his whole life, I’ve always tried to bring intelligence, a sense of craft, and a bit of humor to my work. I’ve always thought that the best teacher you can have is sitting at your table, concentrating on the drawing at hand. Hopefully, my drawings show the hours that go into their creation.

I work almost entirely from my own imagination. I do spend quite a bit of time online researching relevant details and color schemes, but the original idea is just something that pops into being whenever it’s ready. I also use digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to help me finalize my layouts. I always do multiple sketches, each progressively more detailed until I have a final full size version which is then transferred to the final drawing paper. Along with multiple color studies, prep work can take half as much time for any one drawing. –Mike Farrell

The exhibit will be open for viewing during all events at The MAIN as well as between the hours of 1 pm – 5 pm, Tuesday thru Friday.

A reception for the artist will be held June 15, 2017 from 7-10 pm with light appetizers and a chance to meet the artist.

September 19, 2017 through November 21, 2017

Town Center Art Space
Westfield Valencia Town Center
24201 Valencia Blvd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91355

“This series of work showcases my interpretation of the Face Cards from the traditional Hoyle Deck of playing Cards. I focused primarily on the art of symmetry, pattern making, and the utilization of primary colors. Brushwork and keen attention to detail were key while creating this series. I sought to play upon the original Hoyle Deck, so that there may be a sense of familiarity that the viewer may feel.”   Christina Orem

ABOUT THE ARTIST

I began my career as a professional artist in 1999, when I landed my first gig as a Portrait and Caricature Artist at Walt Disney World. I remained there for the next 11 years, drawing people of all ages, from all over the world. My Disney gig gave me the hands on experience and education which has formed me into the artist that I am today.

In my spare time, I began studying Painting at Seminole State College. In 2004, I received an Associate of Arts Degree in Fine Art. I enjoy working with various mediums including Graphite, Pen and Ink, Oil on Canvas, and Pastel. My subject matter can range anywhere from Landscapes, Still Life, or Portraiture. In my series Pick A Card Any Card, I decided to go down a different avenue, in which I wanted to create a body of work in an Illustrative Style.

RECEPTION

October 4, 2017 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Enjoy light appetizers and meet the artist. The Town Center Art Space is located at the Westfield Valencia Town Center adjacent to Sisley Restaurant.

May 19, 2017 through September 20, 2017

Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library
18601 Soledad Canyon Rd.
Canyon Country, CA 91351

This exhibit features paintings created by Santa Clarita artists over 60 years old. The artists in the exhibit work together to create their paintings in an environment that fosters both creativity and exploration. Under the direction of artist and art educator Lorelle A. Miller, the artists strive to lead a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle through enrichment, mutual support, life-long learning and socialization.

Seasoned Artist features 10 artists and an array of techniques and subject matters:

• Betty Morgan – “Where’s the Salmon” – Acrylics
• Patti Koscheski – “Abby Girl, Let Them Go” – Watercolor
• Amy Wolfson – “Lighthouse” – Watercolor
• Gigi Alexander – “Untitled” – Acrylics
• Judith Haims – “Meditation” – Oils
• Ron Weiss – “Sunset on the Holy Land” – Oils
• Karen Izumida – “The Bridge” – Oils
• H. Jay Fox – “New York Night” – Oils
• Charlene Sweeny – “Jean’s Poppies” – Oils
• Kathryn Liescheidt – “The Castle” – Oils

May 1 through May 31, 2017

The MAIN
24266 Main St.
Newhall, CA 91321

Sart specializes in abstract aerosol dreamscapes where he displays his technical skills and manipulation of aerosol paint. His paintings evoke a sense of depth and translucency by layering thin mists of paint on a two-dimensional flat plane. A reoccurring theme in his paintings is the colibri (Spanish for hummingbird), which can symbolize fearlessness or be seen as messengers from the afterworld. This symbol combined with streaks of color make this collection of paintings fearlessly unique.

Residents are invited to attend a free public art on May 18 from 7-10 p.m. Participants will enjoy light appetizers, entertainment and a chance to meet the artist.

May 11, 2017 through June 17, 2017

Santa Clarita Artists’ Association Gallery
22508 6th Street
Newhall, CA 91321

The Santa Clarita Artists’ Association Gallery is hosting an exhibit of fine art by the members of the association.  Pieces will include small artworks and well-made craft items along with wall art and sculptures. The exhibit comes just in time for all those celebrations: Mother’s Day, graduations, Father’s Day, the wedding season and more.

April 20, 2017 through June 30, 2017

Community Wall at Westfield Valencia Town Center
24201 Valencia Blvd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91355

This exhibit features artwork from the top winners of the Art on Canvas, Technical Art, and Pen & Paper contests. Selections were made from the more than 400 Santa Clarita Valley students who submitted artwork with the theme “We’re Going Places.” Each winning artist received a certificate from the City of Santa Clarita for participating, and the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners went home with a cash price to go toward their art education. Each school that they represent received the same amount for their art programs. This exhilarating opportunity for student artists to showcase their talent is presented by the City of Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Human Relations Forum.

May 8 through May 31, 2017

FASTFRAME
24204 Valencia Blvd.
Valencia, CA 91355

Santa Clarita Artists’ Association member Olga Kaczmar will be exhibiting her work during May at FASTFRAME. As a commercial artist, Olga produced layouts and renderings for patent applications, exhibits and brochures. Currently, she is devoting time to a more delightful side of art, such as drawing horses, dogs, cats and portraits of family and friends. She uses timeless tools such as graphite, charcoal, oils, pastels, colored pencils and watercolor. To view her work visit www.olgakaczmar.com.

April 7, 2017 through August 7, 2017

Valencia Library
23743 Valencia Blvd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Not always thought to be the cutest, bugs tend to get a bad rap. At the sight of them, people reach for rolled-up newspapers and insect sprays.  However, in this exhibit, artists use the insect as inspiration for mesmerizing art and as a means to unearth the beauty and importance of our little friends.

Through the ages, insects have appeared in art work.  Many times their appearances signified hidden symbolism.  In Byzantine, Gothic and Early Renaissance paintings, there are many insects depicted that represent various philosophies, as well as Christian symbolism. Residents are encouraged to visit the exhibit to “bug out” and leave with an appreciation of the bugs we live with.

The above photograph is by Jonathan Willner.

July 21, 2017 through November 21, 2017

First Floor Gallery at City Hall
23920 Valencia Blvd.
Valencia, CA 91355

The Santa Clarita Valley Photographers Association (SCVPA) Spring Print Competition takes place on May 13 at the Sierra Hills Clubhouse.  The annual competition features members’ artwork in a variety of categories. The winners of each category and those receiving a merit are featured in the exhibition in the First Floor Gallery.  The Santa Clarita Valley Photographers Association is dedicated to advancing the art and business of photography.  For more information on the association, visit scvphotographers.com.

Reception: On Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 6 p.m., a reception will be held with light appetizers, live music, and an opportunity to meet the artists.

May 16, 2017 through September 15, 2017

Town Center Art Space
Westfield Valencia Town Center
24201 Valencia Blvd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91355

“In the battles of life, there is loss, persistence, and liberation. Some of these episodes, more dramatic than others, serve as pillars or beacons in our own timelines. Then there are the lulls or periods of recovery from and preparation for past and future battles – the intermissions in between that may feel nameless but impact us nevertheless, often in more important ways than the memorable events of our pasts. Sometimes we meander along our amorphous, cracked, or abstract thoughts. Our plans for the future are never definite and our memories constantly change. Nothing lasts forever.” – Lucas Novak

An artist reception will be held on May 24 from 6-8 pm. Light appetizers will be provided.

Artist Statement

Art is about creating what is human. By understanding myself, and by being engaged with culture, society, and the natural world, I create work that I, and hopefully others, want to see.

There comes a large responsibility with labeling oneself an artist. For me it requires a respect for others and an interest in the planet and its life forms. I thirst for knowledge and experiences; I enjoy visiting new places and meeting people, learning about local events and global trends; I like sports (I play ice hockey); and I love washing my spirit clean at the beach or on a mountain.

My practice as an artist requires me to expand and refine my life in general. For example, in the early 20th century, United States Supreme Court Justice, Felix Frankfurter, was asked by a young man how to become a great lawyer. He advised the man not to limit his studies to the law, but to embrace the study of all fields, including history, art, literature, science, sports, culture, and the environment. I think the same wisdom applies to people who want to be great artists.

About fifty years later, art critic Clement Greenberg wrote in his essay Esthetic Judgment: To keep on expanding your esthetic taste asks that you keep on expanding and refining your sense of life in general. To further develop your taste in art, he advises that you keep on learning from life apart from art.

I follow the wisdom of Greenberg and Justice Frankfurter in pursuing my endless mission to grow, refine, and create more influential and meaningful work that transcends cultures and borders and reaches greater audiences. In doing so, I must reflect the times in my art.

And I am inspired that two of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Henri Matisse and Wassily Kandinsky, were also lawyers.