By Mayor Cameron Smyth
Santa Clarita’s art community continues to produce meaningful pieces that unite and speak to individuals of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Our City is fortunate to house a wide variety of creative outlets that span from art galleries to public art pieces, live music, plays and historical tours. This month brings us new displays of artistic expression that everyone should take advantage of viewing before the exhibit’s end!
One of our current must-visit exhibitions is the 2019 Young Artists and Authors Showcase at Old Town Newhall Library. The City of Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Program are pleased to have the opportunity to show the 2019 YAAS winners and finalists until Feb. 27. Amongst the creative works featured is a piece by Katherine Denzin, who is a member of our Santa Clarita community and Saugus High student. Her essay submission, titled “Similarities and Differences,” calls for us to move towards unity globally through embracing the details that make us both alike and diverse. The 2019 YAAS theme was “Global Citizens: Resilient Communities,” which highlights the importance of citizen diplomacy and ways that we as individuals, and as a community, can achieve peace through our interpersonal interactions.
Another inspiring exhibit that all should be a part of is pArts by Susie Kades at Town Center Art Space. On display until April 6, pArts demonstrates her passion for the environment, blended with her artistic abilities to create something new out of something used. Her unique exhibit consists of small figures and scenes created out of unconventional materials. As a long-time SCV resident, Kades hopes to inspire the same interest in recycling and upcycling amongst all ages in our City and beyond.
Moving from the ground to the air, I also encourage you to visit our “Flight” exhibit at the First Floor Gallery at City Hall. Available for viewing through March 7, “Flight” showcases works by a group of selected artists in various mediums ranging from painting to drawings, photography and more. Each piece illustrates the artists’ varying interpretations of flight. The community is invited to celebrate and welcome this new exhibit at a free art reception on Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 6-8 p.m. at City Hall. Attendees will enjoy free food, drinks and music while observing the art.
Last, what does home mean to you? “Home is Where the Art Is,” is the latest exhibit on display at The MAIN in Old Town Newhall, featuring gifted artists from The Brush and Pallet Guild. Participating artists include Judy Heimlich, Patty O’Hearn, Angela T. Phillips, Evelina Winchester and Inga Windsor. Their artwork showcases concepts of “home” and the different feelings that “being at home” may evoke. The exhibit will be available to view from Feb. 7 to March 16, with a free public reception on Feb. 20, from 7-10 p.m. The MAIN also features regular monthly events such as 10 by 10, Scenes and You’re the Best. Located on Main Street in Old Town Newhall, The MAIN is a multi-use arts venue and home to music events, comedy shows, plays, films, classes and workshops. For more information on the MAIN’s upcoming events and to purchase tickets, please visit The MAIN’s website at the AtTheMain.org.
I hope you will take the time to immerse yourself in the inspiring arts and entertainment options available in SCV. Take a friend, family members, loved ones or venture out solo to enjoy each memorable show. Whichever your preference, there are truly countless chances for us to show our support to the talented artists in our community! For more details on the exhibitions mentioned, as well as upcoming exhibitions and opportunities, please visit the Santa Clarita Arts website at SantaClaritaArts.com.
Mayor Cameron Smyth is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at [email protected]. The views expressed in her column are those of the city and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.