By Marie-Elena Schembri

Start the new year with a return to the tactile world of art made by hand. This month, art in Sacramento is all about intention, slowing down and experiencing the world with all of your senses. Dive into these art events for a winter refresh as the holiday buzz fades.

Local Show Highlight

Begin your journey into the handmade with a visit to Axis Gallery’s newest exhibitions: “Root Protection Zone,” featuring Sacramento visual artist Kerry Cottle and Boulder Creek-based interdisciplinary artist Laura DeAngelis, and “Buy Now” featuring Sacramento visual artist Taner Paşamehmetoğlu.

“Root Protection Zone” invites viewers to explore and witness “a conversation between the artists and their ancestors through a multi-sensory experience of earth-centered artworks,” according to a press release for the exhibition. Both artists integrate natural and commercially-made materials to highlight their respective cultural identities and relationships with the earth. Cottle’s handmade paper infuses the works with texture and a reminder of the value of process — the artist often uses reclaimed paper waste and both organic and inorganic materials to interrogate “flawed value systems,” according to the artist, while creating sustainable works that are rich in meaning.

Similarly, Paşamehmetoğlu’s work encompasses visionary scenes that question American values and a consumer-based lifestyle. Inspired by a poem the artist penned while working in a corporate setting, “Buy Now” reflects on the dichotomy of an artist escaping the clutches of corporate America while still being immersed in a world of consumerism. Using the artist’s signature style of dense, vibrant color — and a touch of humor — these new paintings and mixed-media installations showcase a depth of feeling while bringing the artist’s medium and creative choices front and center.

Both shows open on Jan. 9 and run through Feb. 1, with a Second Saturday reception Jan. 10 from 5-8 p.m. at Axis Gallery, 625 S. St.

Handmade and Craft

Roseville’s Blue Line Arts is bringing back its “By Hand – An International Craft Nouveau Competition,” giving local artists a chance to win prizes while featuring some of the region’s most exciting hand-made works. The show “exclusively celebrates handcrafted items” in just about every medium imaginable from fine jewelry to fiber arts and even furniture. 

According to the museum, the competition “honors the skill and artistry of those who elevate everyday objects into meaningful, functional masterpieces.” From traditional folk art to contemporary crafts and artworks, the show highlights the skill and creative artistry of modern-day makers. An opening reception will be held Jan.17 from 5-7 p.m.

Get your handmade fix at the New Year Creators Faire, hosted by SacGeeks at Lucid Winery. This event boasts “a realm of artisans, alchemists, makers, and merchants, all gathering to debut their newest creations in true Renaissance Faire fashion, with a geeky twist.” An artist market featuring local creators will offer handmade treasures and is free to all to attend. For a more authentic experience, VIP tickets are offered for $45 and include a drink ticket, a goody bag and entry to workshops like D&D character creation, flower crown making and fairy house building. For more information, visit here. 

Hands-On

For those who want hands-on opportunities to create or learn a new craft, try one of these events in January:

Verge Center for the Arts is hosting a printmaker talk in the Myrtle Press print studio on Jan. 15, featuring UC Berkeley and Davis printmaking instructor Emily Gui. Gui’s interdisciplinary work spans photography, sculpture, installation and drawing. Join Gui and other printmaking enthusiasts for refreshments at 5:30, with an artist talk at 6 p.m.

Whether viewing local art, experiencing traditional crafts or trying your hand at something new, Sacramento’s creative scene makes it easy to bring in the new year with an artful focus.
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 and protocols, the city had no editorial influence over this story and no city official reviewed this story before it was published. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, CapRadio, Hmong Daily News, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.