The Santa Clarita Artists Association (SCAA) held their “Signature You” art exhibit from Jan. 17 to Feb. 16, featuring the signature styles of various artists through diverse mediums. From paintings to handmade cards, jewelry and gifts, the exhibit had something for everybody.
There were various motivations behind the gallery. SCAA member Xenia Willett explained, “we want guests to see the beauty of art and gain inspiration for their own creativity – and to see all the talent inside our community.” When asked about the importance of art exhibits in modern times, Willett shared, “The human touch today is so important. Everything here is all handmade and hand done. Today, there’s so much digital AI art, so it’s really cool to still have all of this.”
For artists like Lorrie Bubb, the gallery isn’t so much about selling her work, but about having visitors enjoy her art. Adding on, she expressed, “Art comes from the soul.”
Jane Mick
Artist Jane Mick is big on experimenting with texture in her pieces. Elaborating on one of her paintings titled “Whiskers in Bloom,” she explained, “I love adding different fabric, glitter or even Swarovski Crystals to my art.” Showing her dynamic artistic process, she expressed how she switches between bold and soft colors as well as the subjects of her works to suit her vision on the canvas.
Mick showed a lot of pride towards her membership in SCAA. “I love our little community art gallery. I will always show here as long as they keep the gallery going,” she claimed. For Mick, of all the artist associations she has joined, SCAA is her favorite.
In reflection, the gallery was a successful experience for Mick. “It’s always exciting and rewarding to sell a painting. I love to create art, but it is a boost of confidence to sell,” she concluded.
Nancy Schier
Sharing her story, Nancy Schier explained how a year of isolation due to illness led to a need to reconnect to her roots – painting.
Regarding her inspirations for her work, Schier expressed, “Jazz music that I play while painting brings up emotions and memories of my youth. I’m inspired by vintage postcard artists like Monet’s trips to Paris.”
For Schier, in addition to putting her work into the public eye, meeting other artists in the organization is equally gratifying. “It was so exciting to hear their paths and stories about their lives,” she reflected.
Sandy Fisher
20-year member of the SCAA Sandy Fisher served in various positions including President, Treasurer and Gallery Manager. She expressed her love of nature’s overlooked beauty and its beautiful and nuanced colors through her fine art oil paintings.
Fisher proudly displayed two works in the gallery: “Under the Oak Canopy” and “Summer’s Beauty at Jackson Lake.” Both paintings portrayed landscapes of California – the first depicting a massive oak tree on the Gabrielino Trail with splashes on sunlight and wildflowers with the latter illustrating a plain air painting day that Fisher shared with her friends, surrounded by the lake, mountains and trees in Wrightwood.
In reflection, Fisher shared, “Art associations play a pivotal role in promoting local artists and helping them to grow into professionals. SCAA is very fortunate to have a gallery – I wholly support being in the shows, which enables the gallery to stay open.”
From gallery managers to members, there is a well-oiled system of teamwork behind the scenes of the gallery. “It touches my heart because it’s all the artists’ signature looks. From beginner artists all the way to very seasoned artists, their styles are all so diverse, but it’s such a professional display of their work,” Bubb explained. The next gallery showing is “Pet Palooza,” from Feb. 21 to Mar. 23. Be sure to check it out!
