Mark your calendars for two days in late May. Two local artists will have their work exhibited and auctioned to aid St. Francis Episcopalian Church in Fair Oaks. Artists AJ Tudury and Linda Senor-Weyl will be the featured artists.

The artists and their work will be shown at St. Francis Episcopal Church, located at 11430 Fair Oaks Boulevard, on Friday, May 20, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will include drinks and a reception. On May 21, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., a reception with tea and treats will be held. Admission is $10 and covers the cost of two drinks and a raffle ticket.

Senor-Weyl is both excited and apprehensive about the showing, as it will give her work more exposure. She is hopeful the work will sell to benefit the Church.

“I feel weird charging money to see my artwork, but after all, it is an honor to do this. Plus, who knows, I might make some money to tithe on!” exclaimed Senor-Weyl.

Senor-Weyl came from a supportive atmosphere where she was allowed to explore her art. She later went to college and majored in art. She believes her faith in God allowed her to improve and be confident in her work.

“It is hard to explain the inexpressible pleasure of painting something that makes someone cry,” said Senor-Weyl.

Both artists arrived at different solutions to their painting challenges and inspirations. Tudury, for example, is inspired by other artists who work at their craft “religiously.”

“One of my goals is to find the edge where I can produce work that is appealing to others and is comfortable to myself. Another goal is to pursue the spiritual in a matter of fact way…devoid of sanctimoniousness,” said Tudury.

Tudury’s painting, The 6th Day, which features his interpretation of God creating Eve, is one such example. He worked from a photograph of a friend who produces ceramics and used Albrecht Dürer’s Eve as a model. Tudury went on to explain how these juxtaposed images created the final product.

“I did drawings of (my friend) Dave and Eve, and a color study of Dave. Once I mentally put Eve in Dave’s hands, he was no longer Dave, but his image had been transformed into God. At this point, I painted rough shapes for God and Eve onto the canvas. I looked for a photo of a young man that I could use for Adam and chose one which I thought balanced the composition. I also read Genesis to find out what day God created Eve,” explained Tudury.

You will be able to meet the artists and discuss The 6th Day and other works at the event. For more information or to order tickets for the exhibition and auction, call (916) 966-2261.