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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

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