By Marie-Elena Schembri

The days are getting longer, the sun is shining and the inspiration is flowing! Sacramento’s art scene presents a diverse array of events to jumpstart your summer with fun and creativity this June.

With an opening at WAL Public Market Gallery during First Friday on June 6, Taylore Amato’s ceramic exhibit “Grief in Motion” starts off the month with expressive, functional art. Amato’s brand, Lazy Dazy Ceramics, features “ceramics for the punks and the pissed off,” with mugs, vessels and other items bearing text phrases and a highly stylized, hand-drawn aesthetic. 

The rest of the weekend, you can browse local art at the 67th annual Kiwanis Art Fiesta, hosted by the Sacramento Suburban Kiwanis at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center. The free two-day event features local makers and artists in a juried show displaying handmade jewelry, photography, paintings, pottery and other mediums including wood, metal and glass. Plus, an exhibit of student art from San Juan Unified School District will be showcased. The event is a fundraiser for the local chapter of the nonprofit volunteer group Kiwanis International.

Second Saturday 

Second Saturday on June 14 brings a plethora of art events as Midtown Association’s Second Saturday kicks off its second month of plein-air art markets, events and an art walk through Midtown Sacramento. The theme for June is “Pride in Art,” highlighting the work of LGBTQIA+ artists in Midtown, and promises an exciting day of art with a curated art walk from 2-8 p.m. Sign up for the itinerary online to plan out your outing.

While out and about on Second Saturday, stop by the ARTHOUSE on R Gallery to see the work of architect Dave Piches, whose detailed pen and acrylic paintings of rooftops draw you into a world rarely seen. “Planscapes” presents architecture as art, bringing together shape, pattern and textures to create a new perspective. Resident artist studios will also be open for visitors from 5-8 p.m., offering a chance to meet and see artists in their creative environments.

The inspiration doesn’t stop there — head over to Axis Gallery, located on the ground floor of the Verge Center for the Arts, to see two new member exhibitions. Kenna Doeringer and Heather Hogan will both be exhibiting new works June 6-29, with an artist reception on June 14 from 5-8 p.m. In Axis’ front gallery space, Doeringer’s immersive miniature multimedia works take you into an alternate world with “Creativity: Pocket-sized.”

In the side gallery, Heather Hogan’s aluminum panel works immerse you in a world of vibrant color and shape. Hogan, who teaches design and maker workshops at Sacramento City College, combines a background in art with an exploration of modern technology. Described as “a mix of soft curves and hard metal evoking shooting stars, spirit guides and ancient language” that fills the space, this exhibit, aptly titled “Soft & Hard: New Work at Axis Gallery,” showcases Hogan’s nontraditional use of material and passion for design. 

Next, head over to The House of Common Good co-working space on Del Paso Boulevard and experience a selection of work celebrating the creativity and vitality of Sacramento’s Black artists as they commemorate Juneteenth, the June 19 holiday dedicated to celebrating the end of slavery in the U.S. 

According to curator Noelle Tavares of Fine Tuned Inc., “The Nu Blk” exhibit will showcase culture and “black joy in the realms of photography, mixed media and canvas artworks.” Thirteen Black artists, including Tavares, will showcase new works representing the theme, with an opening during Second Saturday from 6-8 p.m. Queer, Black, Puerto Rican and Indigenous artist Noa Aspen, who creates whimsical digital illustrations in bright color palettes, is one of the artists participating, alongside Black Filipino artist-activist Shawntay Gorman, whose paintings are inspired by the bold colors and contrasts of Art Pop.

Art, activism and the future

Closing out the month is an artist reception for Indigenous artist, educator and activist Stan Padilla’s “Light, Color, Culture” exhibit at Roseville’s Blue Line Arts. Padilla has a storied history in Sacramento as a member of the Royal Chicano Air Force, a group formed in the 1970s that used art to fight for Chicano rights. Known for his vibrant murals, like this one at the Golden 1 Center, Padilla has long been a member of Sacramento’s art scene.

Celebrating 50 years of work, his latest exhibit is a retrospective of sorts with a collection of multimedia works and paintings in Padilla’s signature style, often including layered elements, intricate patterns and bright color steeped in spiritual and cultural meaning. There are also a few surprises — a handpainted ceramic vase, delicate floral studies with pops of gold or pools of electric blue watercolor.

“Moving through light and color interwoven with culture, time, stories of inner and outer worlds, transformation, healing and renewal; the show shares the gift of the Ancient while moving towards the Future,” reads an artist statement. 

“Light, Color, Culture: The Multi-Visionary Work of Stan Padilla” opened on May 10 and will run through June 21, with a closing reception from 5-7 p.m. Blue Line Arts is also hosting a community mural painting event with Padilla in coordination with this exhibition on Saturday, June 7. Registration is required to participate.

Whether you hop around Midtown on Second Saturday, peruse the artistic legacy of an activist, or celebrate the work of Black artists, there is much to discover in Sacramento’s creative current this month, so jump on in!

This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics, the city had no editorial influence over this story. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.