News release
The city of Santa Clarita’s newest art exhibition, “Beyond the Desk,” is on view now through Wednesday, Aug. 20, in the First Floor Gallery at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd.
This juried exhibition exclusively features artwork by city of Santa Clarita staff and their families — including children, spouses, siblings, parents and grandparents. A special reception will be held in the First Floor Gallery at City Hall on Thursday, June 5, from 5 to 8 p.m., where you can meet the artists and enjoy refreshments.
“’Beyond the Desk’ celebrates the diverse artistic voices within our local workforce and offers a unique opportunity to connect with the creative expressions of those who serve our community,” the city said in a news release.
The exhibition includes an array of works across a wide variety of mediums and styles — including painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media.
Among the featured artists is Elle Thompson, project technician with Finance. Her work reflects imagery that has lived in her imagination since childhood. Whether it’s the glow of a lighthouse in the distance or the loyal gaze of a dog, each piece comes straight from the heart and have become symbols of comfort, magic and home.
Also included in the exhibition is “Antarctic Rockhopper,” an acrylic painting by Joel Bareng, assistant city engineer with Traffic and Transportation Planning. “Based on a digital photograph from the Falkland Islands, the piece brings to life a rockhopper penguin with color and personality, showcasing the beauty of nature and the transformative potential of artistic reinterpretation,” the release said.
The exhibiting artists also include Billie Abreu, Jared Anderson, Michele Arima, Leah Becker, Ellen Bernal, Leyan Cooksey, Parrish Cooksey, Jennifer De Avila, Ryan Drake, Dan Duncan, Cailin Garcia, Elizabeth Gutierrez, Damon Letz, Rosemary McCollister, Michelle Miracle, Andy Olson, Christine Phachanh, Kevin Reynolds, Joe Redmond, Georgia Rios, Diana Rodriguez, Andrew Saiz, Christine Saunders, Lone Stamper, Alan Stump, Darlene Stump, Alina Vinales and Karolina Wasowicz.
To learn more about “Beyond the Desk” and upcoming art opportunities with the city of Santa Clarita, visit SantaClaritaArts.com or contact Garrett Fagan at [email protected].
