Past Exhibitions

Transcendence: Breaking Boundaries
January 12 – March 6, 2024
First Floor Gallery located at Santa Clarita City Hall
23920 Valencia Blvd #120, Valencia, CA 91355

Exhibiting Artists: Andrea Abler, Ashleigh Abrams, Bahram Kafai, Dale Voelker, Daryl Bibicoff, Elizabeth Souza, Jennie E. Park, Jennifer Van, Jodie Riley, Kacie Lyn Martinez, Larry Richardson, Mark Foster, Mikey Nott, Morgan Grimes, Neil Rivas, Nicole Rose Gelormino, Norm Ellis, Renee Victor, Sandy Lajer, Siqi ‘Frances’ Fan, Yuang Li

How to Purchase Artwork:
For inquiries and to purchase artwork, please contact the artist directly.
Delivery will be arranged by the artist after the show ends on March 6, 2024.

December 18, 2023 – January 31, 2024

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

Santa Clarita Arts is thrilled to unveil our upcoming exhibition at the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library, “Inside, a Shape,” featuring the artwork of interdisciplinary artist Sophia Wolfe. The exhibition will be on view from December 18, 2023 to January 31, 2024.

The exhibition receives its title from the featured artwork, which is a large panel piece composed of eight canvases in varying sizes. This work invites viewers into a world where the boundaries between reality, dreams, and nature blur, challenging our perceptions of the world and our place within it.

Sophia Wolfe, a Southern California-based artist known for her work in illustration, painting, textiles, experimental video, and narrative film, invites us to explore her experience as a young woman navigating the intricate tapestry of existence. Her art resonates with the interplay of science and dreams, solitude and intimacy. From an early age, Wolfe has been captivated by the realm of dreams, meticulously documenting her own dreamscapes. Her artistic journey delves into the inner psyche, seeking to decipher the psychology and neurology that underlie these enigmatic experiences. Through visual distortion and depictions of nature, the artwork invites viewers to contemplate the dual experience of observing the world and being observed.

How to Purchase Artwork:
For inquiries and to purchase artwork, please contact the artist directly.
Delivery will be arranged after the show ends on January 31, 2024.
Sophia Wolfe | sophiawolfestudio@gmail.com | www.sophiawolfestudio.com | @sophiawolfestudio

For more information about upcoming art opportunities with the City of Santa Clarita, please contact Stephanie Jacinto at sjacinto@santa-clarita.com.

Q&A with Sophia Wolfe

Sophia, thank you for exhibiting your artwork with us at the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library. Tell us, what themes do you pursue in your art?
Sophia: My art showcases my experience navigating reality as a young woman, discovering connections between science and dreams, solitude and intimacy.

How do you come up with ideas for new pieces with those themes in mind?
Sophia: I spend a lot of time outside, admiring our world. Nature has many lessons to teach us. Non-fiction books are an another great source for inspiration. Some of my favorites are Art and Physics by Leonard Shlain, Einstein, Picasso by Arthur Miller, The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, and The Secret Knowledge of Water by Craig Childs.

Yes, I can see that inspiration coming through in your paintings. Can you tell us a little bit about the texture in your paintings?
Sophia: I am incredibly excited about the textures and colors achieved within my piece, Inside, a Shape. I used a meticulous layering technique, applying dozens of translucent passes of colors atop one another to achieve the optical illusion of a single color. These translucent layers are incredibly thick, building up to create a tactile and visually engaging texture. Objects closer to the viewer have thicker applications of this technique.

What would you say is the purpose or goal of your work?
Sophia: I find learning about our world to be incredibly fun and satisfying. My artwork serves as a way for me to question and experiment. In Inside, a Shape, I explore what it means to see and how it feels to be looked at. For this piece, I focused on exploring the qualities of light, color, and optical distortions.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received as an artist?
Sophia: Find a place you trust and then try trusting it for a while – Sister Corita Kent

Please Take A Look by Siqi (Frances) Fan
December 8, 2023 – March 13, 2024
Canyon Country Community Center, 18410 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91351

The City of Santa Clarita is excited to announce the upcoming exhibition, “Please Take A Look,” featuring the remarkable work of artist Siqi (Frances) Fan. The exhibition will be on view from December 8, 2023, through March 13, 2024 at the Canyon Country Community Center, offering the community an opportunity to explore the photographs and cyanotypes of Siqi Fan.

“Please Take A Look” delves into the nuanced and thought-provoking artwork of Siqi Fan, whose creative journey has transitions from personal introspections to a compelling exploration of social and cultural dynamics. Influenced by themes of democracy, freedom, and capitalism, Fan’s art serves as a canvas for the examination of the intersection of Eastern-Asian traditions and Western ideologies.

This exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into Fan’s multifaceted identity, mirroring the clash of cultures and beliefs that have shaped her perspective. Drawing inspiration from Lucien Lévy-Bruhl’s concept of the ‘primitive’ personality, Fan critically examines the persistence of certain mindsets in her native China, particularly those concerning gender roles and patriarchal influences on diverse identities.

“Please Take A Look” takes viewers on a visual journey through a series of photographs that reveal the artist’s various personas. These striking images unveil the complexities of balancing multiple identities in a society where the LGTBQ community faces unique challenges in expressing themselves authentically.

Siqi Frances Fan, born in 1998, holds a BFA in Photography & Video from the School of Visual Arts and is currently pursuing an MFA in Photography and Media at the California Institute of the Arts.

How to Purchase Artwork:
For inquiries and to purchase artwork, please contact the artist directly.
Delivery will be arranged after the show ends on March 13, 2024.
Siqi (Frances) Fan |  francesfsq2016@gmail.com | www.francesfsq.com

For more information about upcoming art opportunities with the City of Santa Clarita, please contact Stephanie Jacinto at sjacinto@santa-clarita.com.

Q&A with Siqi (Frances) Fan

Frances, thank you for exhibiting your artwork with us at the Canyon Country Community Center. Tell us, where do you find the inspiration for your artwork?
Frances: My inspiration primarily stems from daily life, drawing from various sources such as social media, books, personal experiences, and interactions with people. I find inspiration by observing, experiencing, and interpreting the world in my own unique way, often uncovering beauty and significance in the ordinary.

You are currently enrolled in the MFA Photography and Media program at CalArts, right? Do you have any tips for artists who are just starting out?
Frances: Communication with other artists or people who are in the art industry is the first tip that I will suggest. Sometimes, speaking out to others will get my ideas into shape. Enroll in art classes, workshops, or courses at local art schools or online platforms. This not only enhances my skills but also exposes me to instructors who could become mentors.

You have cyanotypes and inkjet prints in this exhibition. Do you plan each piece out before you start, or do you let each piece “take shape” as you go?
Frances: My creative process involves a blend of planning and spontaneous expression. Initially, I lay out  some plans or brainstorm ideas, but I relish the process of letting the piece evolve organically. The beauty of analogy photography is the combination of accident and control. “The accident” can be beautiful but also “dangerous” if you don’t control it. As an artist, it’s important to know how to free your piece but also control it.

How has your art changed since you first started creating it?
Frances: I started by painting and drawing. When I was 15, I had my first film camera and went to the darkroom for the first time. I was obsessed with photography, especially analogy photos. During my undergraduate study in New York, I studied art history and learned different kinds of mediums. After digging more into contemporary art, I found that that concept is the most important part of my work. Right now, I am open to all of the mediums and art forms.

Can you walk us through your creative process for these specific bodies of work?
Frances: I observed the details in my daily routine and thought about my life experiences critically. I picked up some points from a personal perspective and did research about the content that I was interested in. I always ask three questions: What am I interested in? Why am I interested in it? And How can I present it? If I can answer these questions immediately, I know what to do with my project.

November 28 – February 5, 2024
Reception: December 21, 2023, 7-10pm

The MAIN
24266 Main Street
Santa Clarita, CA 91321

The vibrant and dynamic artistry of Montreal-born, Los-Angeles-based artist Lynnda Rakos takes center stage in her solo exhibition titled “15 Minutes of Fame.” Set to captivate art enthusiasts and ignite conversation, the exhibition will be on view from November 28, 2023 through February 5, 2024 at The Main in Downtown Newhall. A reception will be held on December 21, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Lynnda Rakos’ art is a compelling blend of color, imagination, and social commentary. With a penchant for using images of celebrity personas with overlayed text, she crafts vibrant and unexpected portrayals that challenge traditional perceptions. Her work captures the essence of mid-century art, vibrant graphic imagery, and the ever-evolving sensibility of pop culture.

“15 Minutes of Fame” promises to be an exploration of the fleeting nature of celebrity culture and the transformative power of art. Rakos’ bold and vivid images beckon viewers to consider the intersection of fame, identity, and society. Through her art, she invites audiences to contemplate the stories behind the headlines and the people behind the personas.

The exhibition reception on December 21 is an occasion not to be missed, offering attendees the change to engage directly with the artist and delve into the inspiration behind each piece. This event is open to the public, providing a platform for meaningful conversation and connections.

To schedule a private viewing of the artwork, please contact Jeff Barber JBARBER@santa-clarita.com. 

How to Purchase Artwork:
For inquiries and to purchase artwork, please contact the artist directly.
Delivery will be arranged after the show ends on February 5, 2024.
Lynnda Rakos | spacewoman99@aol.com | www.lynndarakos.com

For more information about upcoming art opportunities with the City of Santa Clarita, please contact Stephanie Jacinto at sjacinto@santa-clarita.com.

Q & A with Lynnda Rakos

Who are your biggest influences?
I love Mark Ryden, Kehinde Wiley and Mickalene Thomas.  I also love the fashion brand Gucci and their marketing campaigns.  These are artists with visionary concepts that I believe are truly ingenious and absolute perfection in their execution.

What themes do you pursue in your art?
I like to put celebrities in unique and unexpected settings.  I love the personalities of animals and how we imagine what they are thinking.  I sometimes use words that provoke our imagination.

How do you overcome creative blocks?
I do other things like making jewelry, hand made gifts. I also love creating something new in the kitchen that I can later enjoy. I look through fashion and interior design magazines for colors and ideas.

How has your artwork changed since you first started creating it?
My work has changed immensely. In art school I loved pen and ink, and was deeply influenced by old children’s book illustrations. Then it was Robots, cartoons and mid century styles. Now I’m into pop art and mixed media.

What is your favorite piece of artwork that you have created?
It seems like it’s always the newest piece I create, but if I had to pick one it would be Nairobi Beauty. I love the way it turned out.

Chaos Coordinate System by Shuai Xu
November 17, 2023 – March 25, 2024
Newhall Community Center, 22421 Market St, Newhall, CA 91321

The City of Santa Clarita is excited to announce a solo exhibition by Shuai Xu, “Chaos Coordinate System,” which will be on view from November 17, 2023 through March 25, 2024 at the Newhall Community Center.

“Chaos Coordinate System” showcases paintings named after unexplored celestial bodies, highlighting the unseen realms, with a particular focus on the interplay between human perception and the cosmos. Similar to Xu’s land art and installation pieces, these paintings tug at the fabric of reality and self, and their transformative processes. This exploration is manifested in his paintings through bright and vibrant colors which drift, twist, and undulate with his brushstrokes across the canvas, navigating different chromatic spaces. The public is encouraged to experience this unique exhibition and immerse themselves in Xu Shuai’s transformative art.

To schedule a visit, please contact the Newhall Community Center at 661-286-4006.

How to Purchase Artwork:
For inquiries and to purchase artwork, please contact the artist directly.
Delivery will be arranged by the artist after the show ends on March 25, 2024.
Shuai Xu | xushuai0124@gmail.com | @xushuai_studio

To learn more about “Chaos Coordinate System” and upcoming art opportunities with the City of Santa Clarita, please contact Stephanie Jacinto at sjacinto@santa-clarita.com.

Q&A with Shuai Xu

What themes do you pursue in your art?
In my art, I explore themes related to the intricate relationship between human perception and the unseen world. I delve into the interplay between existence and nothingness, seeking to understand the profound connections that exist between humans, nature, and the cosmos. These themes serve as the foundation for my creative endeavors, guiding my exploration of the hidden and the profound.

What is your favorite medium to work with?
I don’t confine my creativity to a particular medium, but I find that oil painting is the most effective means for me to bring my ideas and concepts to life. Once I finish an oil painting, I frequently explore ways to translate its content into installations or land art pieces, enabling a more holistic expression of my artistic vision. Throughout this creative journey, the initial stage of oil painting takes on particular significance as it serves as the foundation for my broader artistic explorations.

Where do you find inspiration?
A significant portion of my artistic inspiration is derived from dreams. Dreams, as a manifestation of the unseen world, serve as the genesis for many of my artistic concepts. Within these dreams, I frequently encounter floating spheres, which, as enigmatic elements of the unseen realm, continue to intrigue me. The inherent uncertainty and the serendipitous nature of the unknown serve as constant catalysts for propelling my creativity forward.

How long have you been creating?
My journey in art began at an incredibly young age, around one and a half years old, when I first picked up a pencil and attempted to capture the world around me. One vivid memory I cherish is from when I was about three or four years old, creating my very first artwork—a depiction of a spaceship straight from my imagination. Remarkably, this piece is still preserved in my home. Today, my artistic creations continue to revolve around the exploration of the unknown and the unseen world. I believe that’s the enduring allure of art—it allows us to delve into realms beyond the ordinary and venture into the realms of imagination and discovery.

Describe your dream project.
My dream project is to send my artwork into outer space, effectively displaying it in the vast expanse of the unseen universe. I envision my creations becoming an integral part of that invisible realm, transcending the boundaries of Earth and taking on a cosmic significance.

October 30 – November 28, 2023
Reception: November 16, 2023

The MAIN
24266 Main Street
Santa Clarita, CA 91321

The City of Santa Clarita is proud to present “Touchstones – Transitions – Tranquility” by local artist Frank Rock at The Main in Downtown Newhall. This captivating exhibition will run from October 30 through November 28, 2023 with a reception on Thursday, November 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Frank Rock’s artistic journey began at an early age, evolving from sketches and drawings to his current passion for creating wide-open skies and light on water. With a calling to bring joy through his art, Rock’s work reflects his lifelong commitment to the craft. Drawing inspiration from photographs and his own visions, Rock’s unique approach transforms each piece into a distinct and soulful creation. His art often incorporates natural movement, capturing the essence of wide-open skies and the play of reflective light.

Over the years, Frank Rock has left an indelible mark on the local art scene, adorning the community with his murals, including those in Downtown Newhall, the hospital tower, and life-size grizzly bear embellished with historical figures and cyclists. “Touchstones – Transitions – Tranquility” is an opportunity for the public to experience the artistry of Frank Rock, whose work has brought vibrancy and color to our community. This exhibition promises to be a testament to his dedication and artistic evolution. Join us in celebrating the art of Frank Rock at The Main in Newhall during the exhibit reception on Thursday, November 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Witness the fusion of inspiration, creativity, and a lifelong love for art.

To schedule a private viewing of the artwork, please contact Jeff Barber JBARBER@santa-clarita.com. 

How to Purchase Artwork:
For inquiries and to purchase artwork, please contact the artist directly.
Delivery will be arranged after the show ends on November 28th.
Frank Rock | muralmanrock@yahoo.com | Facebook: FrankRockArtist

To learn more about “Touchstones –  Transitions – Tranquility” and upcoming art opportunities with the City of Santa Clarita, please contact Stephanie Jacinto at sjacinto@santa-clarita.com.

Q&A with Frank Rock

Who are my biggest artistic influences? 
Thomas Kincaid and Norman Rockwell.

What is your favorite material to work with?
My favorite medium is acrylic. It’s flexible, easy to rework, correct mistakes or add on images.

What is the purpose or goal of your work?
To feel the movement of the waves, the chill or warmth of the wind. To give the patron a portal to immerse themselves, to smell, hear, see, and experience my captured moment in time.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?
When a bird nearly flew into the blue sky of a large outdoor mural I was painting. When visitors to a hospital stopped to pray or asked to touch the images of the angels and saints in a mural I was creating.  When I see children playing on the History Bear at the library and observe their parents using it as a teachable moment about our heritage.

What is your background? How did you get into art? 
I am self-taught, took a few classes but for the most part, I simply paint what I see in my head or what inspires me from photographs friends have sent me. I was born with the talent; my childhood books and scraps of paper were covered with doodles. I have painted everything from miniatures to stage backdrops to three-story murals.  I’ve always loved big skies as the central part of a painting and am something of a cloud watcher. The constant movement of the ocean fascinates me. I especially love the sun reflecting off the water or shore. Art has been a lifelong journey for me and I see no end to my creative exploration.