‘The Art of Toys’ and more, at the Gallery at 48 Natoma

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Oil and acrylic paintings by Michael Sacramento and mixed media assemblage by Rebecca Casey.

Opening reception, Friday, November 15, from 6:00-8:00pm with refreshments and live music

Also this evening shop early for holiday gifts at the annual Holiday Student Art Sale, and see the winning shots from the Folsom Focus Photography contest. 

The holidays are filled with gift-giving and nostalgic memories of childhood toys; for those we wished and for those we received. Perfect for this time of year, the next exhibit at the Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom will feature “Playtime: the Art of Toys.” Two artists will bring to life those holiday dreams with large-scale acrylic paintings by Michael Sacramento and mixed-media toy assemblages by Rebecca Casey. The exhibit opens on November 15, 2013 and continues through January 9, 2014.

The themes in Michael Sacramento’s work are based on the idea of memory and emotional connections. Each subject is tied to a particular experience – whether childhood, environmental or heritage. The resulting body of work forms the unique representation of his artistic perception. “My paintings of toys are an investigation of the intersection of formalism, pop art and realism as well as an amusing way for me to remember my childhood.” The paintings are created as colorful but slightly aged artifacts that seem like they have been cut from walls and retained for posterity. His work had been in more than twenty exhibitions and featured in various media including the international publication, Filipinas Magazine. In 2009, Michael was offered a solo exhibition in the U.S. national historic landmark International Hotel in San Francisco.

Rebecca Casey discovered that clay was the perfect medium for her colorful, whimsical pieces. She creates assemblage sculptures from old toys, and adds clay heads, hands and other details to create fanciful figurative pieces. “I started hand-building with clay after experimenting with other art forms. Within minutes of handling the soft, malleable clay in my hands, I knew I had found my medium.” Her work has been shown in numerous galleries throughout the foothill and Sacramento regions.

In the adjacent Community Gallery at 48 Natoma, over 200 entries in the 7th Annual Folsom Focus Photography Contest will be displayed. The popular event is organized by the Folsom Arts Association with event chairperson Yolande Lusby. It will feature photos in new age groups: under 15 years of age and 16 years of age or older. New categories are artistic lens in black and white, creative imaging, Folsom events, and reflections in water. The first place winners will be displayed in the main gallery and the winners will be announced at the opening reception.

Come see these wonderful exhibits and enjoy a glass of wine, too.

Discuss in the forum: http://www.tomatopages.com/folsomforum/index.php?showtopic=39793