Exploring Art Through A Different Lens

Over the past two years, many students have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as they navigate this time of uncertainty. Between a sense of displacement and a disconnect from friends and loved ones, we must recognize the importance of mental health as a community now more than ever. One of the many ways that residents and our youth can support their mental well-being is through art. Whether it is painting, writing, photography or sculptures, the opportunities for artistic expression are endless.
The City of Santa Clarita’s Arts Program and Drug-Free Youth (DFY) in SCV is proud to release a brand-new exhibit that features art pieces from local high school students and artists throughout May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. The exhibit explores the importance and recognition of those grappling with mental health issues. All of the art pieces located at the Valencia Library branch focus on the various and overwhelming impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on teens’ mental health. The art exhibit showcases the struggles students have experienced and the different outlets of art they have chosen to express these emotions. In the exhibit, visitors can expect to see various forms of artwork, including poems, visual arts, multimedia and essays. The art gallery will be on display at the Valencia Branch of the Santa Clarita Public Library beginning May 9, 2022, through June 9, 2022, with an artist reception event on Wednesday, May 18.
The City of Santa Clarita is a proud supporter of local artists, and one of the ways we showcase that collaboration is through our art exhibits. The newest addition to our many art galleries is located at the new Canyon Country Community Center (18410 Sierra Highway). The gallery is hosting a solo exhibition by Los Angeles-based artist Chiho Harazaki throughout the month of May. Harazaki’s primary medium of choice is adhesive tape. Harazaki cuts tiny pieces of tape cut with a precision knife and scissors to compose a whole picture and create works that have the feeling of modern graphic illustration and traditional arts like woodcutting and paper cutting. The exhibit collaborates with the City’s newest event series, ‘Celebrate,’ which began in April. The series celebrates customs, cultures and culinary wonders worldwide. From now until September, the Canyon Country Community Center will celebrate a new culture every month. The month of May honors China, Japan, the Philippines and Ecuador. Every first Friday of the month, immerse yourself in a cultural celebration at the Canyon Country Community Center from 6:00 – to 9:00 p.m.
Keeping our residents engaged in local art does not only apply to the City’s younger generation but also to our seniors. The City is happy to announce a new art exhibit, “The Best of Bella Vida,” created by the seniors from the SCV Senior Center at Bella Vida. The exhibit features the projects that were created during art classes offered at the site. The classes focus on technique, drawing and painting as a hobby. Students are encouraged to explore other mediums and broaden their knowledge of art in general. The art exhibit will be on display until July 5 at the Santa Clarita Public Library Old Town Newhall Branch (24500 Main St). For more information on any of the art exhibits, please visit SantaClaritaArts.com. 

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