ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Elk Grove Fine Arts Center hosted a special reception Nov. 8 for “Elk Grove Through Your Lens,” an exhibition showcasing art submitted by community members that captures the essence of Elk Grove in honor of the city’s 25th anniversary.

Attendees, including several who had submitted artwork, explored the center and viewed photographs that highlighted the city through the unique perspectives of locals.

The event drew the attendance of elected officials, including City Manager Jason Behrmann and Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume. Vice Mayor Sergio Robles and City Councilmember Rob Brewer spoke on behalf of the council, thanked attendees for their support of the local arts scene and announced the award recipients. 

“To see all the art pieces here really says a lot about our community, about the talent that we have here and the passion that we show for the arts,” Brewer said during the reception. 

 

Elk Grove Fine Arts Center board president Peggy Forseth-Andrews speaks to attendees at the “Elk Grove Through Your Lens” special reception on Nov. 8. Photo by Rahul Lal

The exhibition featured three categories, youth, amateur and professional; with finalists and winners recognized in each.

“Thank you, each and every one of you, for helping us capture our beautiful city, our beautiful region, everything that’s happening in Elk Grove,” Robles added.

Sara Rodrigues of the Elk Grove Arts and Creative Economy Commission said that the city partnered with the fine arts center to host an event that actively involved the participation of residents. Following the commission’s recent rebranding, Rodrigues noted, this was its first event in partnership with the city and it coincided with a series of celebratory activities held since summer for the city’s 25th anniversary.

“We thought it would be great to have a photography competition. That way, we have new photos that we can showcase of Elk Grove as well and kind of see Elk Grove through the lens of our residents,” Rodrigues said.

 

Vice Mayor Sergio Robles, center, speaks during Elk Grove Fine Arts Center special reception on Nov. 8 for the “Elk Grove Through Your Lens” exhibition and photo contest. Photo by Rahul Lal

Luke Pearson participated in the event and submitted his photo, “Wax On, Game On,” in the professional category.

Pearson, a professional area photographer, told the Elk Grove Citizen that he learned about the contest through his assistant and wanted to share his perspective of the city. Pearson said he spends much of his time in Elk Grove photographing local sports, which inspired his submission featuring three Franklin Wildcat softball players.

“I spend a lot of time here and I love the diversity of this city… So this is an opportunity for me to kind of share and give back,” Pearson said. 

Peggy Forseth-Andrews, board president of the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center, said the photo contest was a way to engage the community and raise awareness of the center and its mission.

She noted that the nonprofit organization, established in 2007, provides a space for artists and art enthusiasts and offers opportunities for locals, including workshops and, in the future, studio spaces.

Forseth-Andrews also highlighted the center’s role in facilitating the annual Festival of the Arts in Old Town Plaza, which features local and regional artists and vendors. 

 

Pictured is “Wax On, Game On,” by Luke Pearson who won second place in the professional category. Photo courtesy of Elk Grove Fine Arts Center  

“We just continue to be a major force in the community to bring art and culture to Elk Grove,” she said.

Forseth-Andrews added that the center often showcases well-known artists such as Stacy Maeda and Jonathan Lowe, while also providing opportunities for first-time artists to exhibit their work and receive mentorship. 

“To me, that’s maybe one of the best things that we do, is that we encourage people to share their art and it helps to expose them to how they can better (show art) in the public,” Forseth-Andrews said.

In addition to the photo contest exhibit, the center is hosting its “Small Treasures” exhibition, which runs through Dec. 28. The exhibit features artwork available for purchase, supporting the center’s gallery and exhibitions, monthly art classes, educational outreach programs and the Festival of the Arts.

“Elk Grove Through Your Lens” will also be featured alongside the upcoming Illumination Holiday Festival on Saturday, Dec. 6 at District56, further highlighting local art throughout Elk Grove.

For those interested in visiting the center to view the exhibition, it will be on display at the Fine Arts Center through Dec. 3. More information about the center is available at elkgrovefineartscenter.org. The Elk Grove Fine Arts Center is located at 9020 Elk Grove Blvd., Suite 101.

Photo Contest Winners

Youth Category: first place went to “Train Tracks Along Main Street” by Vivienne Lui; second place went to “A Glimpse of Nature” by Eliza Tse; and third place went to “Elk Grove’s First Electric Garbage Truck” by Nathan Horton.

Amateur Category: first place went to “You ‘Goat’ to Keep Going” by Yosie Dimitras; second place went to “This Old Truck” by Aleasha Potter; and third place to “Natural Beauty” by Jose Gonzalez.

Professional Category: first place went to “Children Playing in the Fountain at District 56” by Dave Soto and runner up in second place went to “Wax On, Game On” by Luke Pearson.