“I’m a Part of Nature” Exhibition
January 28, 2026 – April 15, 2026
Valencia Public Library, 23743 Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355
The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to present “I’m a Part of Nature,” a solo exhibition by Keiji Ichikawa, on view at the Valencia Library (23743 Valencia Boulevard) now through Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This exhibition invites viewers to reflect on humanity’s deep connection to the natural world through expressive, color-driven paintings inspired by lived experience and observation.
“I’m a Part of Nature” features a series of recent acrylic works that interpret real landscapes through emotion, memory and sensory perception rather than literal realism. Keiji’s paintings are rooted in the belief that humans do not own nature, but belong to it—a philosophy shaped by his childhood in Tokyo during a period of heavy pollution and reinforced through a lifetime of travel and artistic exploration. Drawing from sketches and photographs made on-site, Keiji allows color, intuition and his “six senses” to guide each composition, resulting in works that balance structure with abstraction.
Born in Japan and later living in Paris before settling in Southern California, Keiji brings a global perspective to his practice. Influenced by his parents’ work as traditional kimono artisans, he uses a limited palette of primary colors to build layered, expressive scenes. Often including a small painted self-figure within each work, Keiji invites viewers into the space of the painting, encouraging contemplation and personal connection.
Website: www.atelierkeiji.com
Social Media: @atelierkeiji
“Saving Endangered Wildlife Through Fine Art” Exhibit
January 28, 2026 – March 30, 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, “Saving Endangered Wildlife Through Fine Art,” by Sherif Hakeem on view now through March 30, 2026 at the Old Town Newhall Library Branch (24500 Main Street). This exhibition features hyper-realistic charcoal drawings that spotlight endangered wildlife and invite viewers to reflect on humanity’s responsibility to protect the natural world.
Through meticulous detail and striking realism, Hakeem’s work captures wildlife not as illustrations, but as living beings deserving of care and preservation. By employing hyper-realism, his drawings often resemble photographs at first glance—an intentional approach that draws viewers closer and sparks deeper engagement with the subjects portrayed. Each piece encourages conversation not only about artistic technique, but about conservation, environmental loss and the urgent need to protect vulnerable species.
Hakeem’s mission extends beyond visual impact. Portions of artwork sales from the exhibition will benefit wildlife sanctuaries and conservation efforts, transforming each piece into both a work of fine art and a call to action. “I don’t see these animals as drawings,” Hakeem shares. “I see them as real beings who cannot speak for themselves, and my work is a way to give them a voice.”
Instagram: @sherifhakeem
Website: https://fineartforawareness.com
Pop Culture Exhibition
December 16, 2025 – March 25, 2026
Newhall Community Center, 22421 Market St, Newhall CA 91321
“Pop Culture” juried exhibition will be on view at the Newhall Community Center from December 16, 2025, through March 25, 2026. This exhibition celebrates the icons, imagery, and influence of pop culture—inviting artists to explore how entertainment, media, fashion, and technology shape our collective identity. From nostalgic references to contemporary commentary, “Pop Culture” encourages artists to reflect on the trends, symbols, and stories that connect us through shared experiences. The exhibition highlights the creative energy of everyday life and celebrates the ways popular culture continues to inspire, challenge, and unite us through art.
Catherine Grooms
As the Executive Director of the SBDC hosted by College of the Canyons, Catherine leads a team of 29 professionals who advise entrepreneurs and business owners in the greater Los Angeles area. Before joining the SBDC in 2006, she spent 21 years in financial management and operations across various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and entertainment. She holds a BBA in Accounting from Howard University and an MBA from the University of Baltimore.
Presenting: Small Business Development Center as a Resource
Session Description: Working as an artist and thinking about transitioning into a business?Working as a creator and thinking about business aspects? Have an existing business? Thinking about the possibility of a longer-term plan? Come and learn about the SBDC as a resource, including access to a team of Professional Business Advisors.
In Orbit Exhibition
July 7, 2025 – October 1, 2025
Newhall Community Center, 22421 Market St, Newhall CA 91321
The City of Santa Clarita announces a new exhibition, “In Orbit”, which will be on view from July 7, 2025 – October 1, 2025, at the Newhall Community Center. This exhibition explores the vast beauty and mystery of outer space—from the awe-inspiring scale of galaxies to the quiet curiosity of stargazing. Artists capture the wonder of space and astronomy through depictions of planets, stars, and cosmic landscapes. Through imaginative exploration and scientific inspiration, the exhibition reflects themes of discovery, the unknown, and humankind’s relationship with the universe.
The exhibiting artists include Josh Anderson, Susan Springer Anderson, Ella Corona, James Ferrell, Meghann Flaherty, James Frost, Chayliel Quintanilla Flores, Denise Lewis, Neal Lightfeldt, Stella Robinson Lightheart, Kaitlyn Liu, Loretta McNair, Aaron Koscelansky, Demi Sedrakyan, Tim Song Jones, Miki Stromberg, Felicia Tausig, Jayme Sun Thomas, Therese Verner, Naomi Young, Dakota Zumsteg.