An aspirational and interactive community art project is coming to Midtown.
In partnership with Snowline Hospice, the Midtown Business Association (MBA) is excited to launch an interactive Before I Die community art project on Saturday, June 11 during the 2nd Saturday Art Walk activities.
Similar to efforts happening in other cities across the country, people are asked to reflect on their lives and share their personal aspirations in a public space. The community is invited to a kick-off gathering that evening at 5 p.m. in front of the Before I Die window art project located at 919 20th Street in Midtown that will stay in place through the summer months.
With room for 36 responses at a time, community members are encouraged to walk by, pick up a chalk pen (which is provided) and fill in the sentence as part of this public art effort. Once the window panels fill up, photos will be taken of the responses and the windows will be cleaned off to allow for more individuals to share their thoughts for others to view and appreciate.
In addition, Midtown guests will enjoy viewing art exhibits, participating in hands-on activities, meeting local artists, sampling food and wine, listening to live music and more. A sampling of the 2nd Saturday offerings available in June and presented by Midtown businesses include the following:
- Art Of Toys (1126 18th Street) presents an exhibit titled “Folktales” that highlights the original designs from doll maker Wendy Lawton and her storybook dolls. Also, guests can view original paintings from Robert Gordon and Michael Mikolon plus enjoy Chris Cinder Robot art held over.
- Sakato garo (923 20th) – offers a special show featuring Gail Chadell Nanao’s “Nudes and Still Lifes.” The artist expertly maintains exciting tension between image and paint where guests see both at the same time, with neither overwhelming the other.
- Kennedy Gallery (1931 L Street) features a celebratory and very special “10 Years of Excellence” showing that features the works of amazing artists who have been part of the Kennedy Gallery family over the past decade.
- Red Dot Gallery (2231 J) — presents an extraordinary exhibition of paintings by Dijana and Laurence Harding (mother and son) that was curated by Sacramento-based artist/curator Robert-Jean Ray.
- Sparrow Gallery (2418 K Street) presents a focus on two artists — Daphne Stammer and Anthony Rogone – who both have a true flair for using lots of color. Their vibrant and uplifting works have been described as “a celebration of nature” or “exuberant expressions of life.”
- Tim Collom Gallery (915 20th) – presents a vibrantly colorful show by Margarita Chaplinska. Originally from Kiev, Ukraine, with artwork on display in private collections around the world, the artist specializes in modeling, texturing and graphic layouts in her paintings.
- TRUE (Totally Recycled Urban Exchange at 1900 K Street) — showcases art by the talented local artist Ann Marie Campbell. A retail store that benefits WEAVE, TRUE offers a FUN environment to view art, meet the artist, sip wine and shop for clothing that creates change in lives when you buy.
- Union Hall Gallery (2126 K Street) offers a special show featuring Beth Winfield titled “I fell and broke my arm on the first day – Trials and Travels.” In addition to viewing the spectacular oil paintings through Spain, Peru, Italy, Ireland and the Western U.S., guests can enjoy viewing wood sculpture in the garden with Adam Bradley.
The ever-popular Midtown Farmers Market will also be happening on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. as well as the THIS Midtown free summer concert (every 2nd Saturday through September) from 4 to 9 p.m. on 20th between J and K Streets.
Supported by the Midtown Business Association, most Midtown Sacramento 2nd Saturday Art Walk activities are available from 6 to 9 p.m. (although times may vary by gallery). For more information about Midtown Sacramento and how to get around, visit www.exploremidtown.org.
Photo courtesy of Union Hall Gallery
