Downtown Arts Walk Promotes Nightlife

By Emily Breeland

Over a dozen galleries in the Downtown Pomona Arts Colony opened
their doors to local art lovers and friends Saturday evening for
the Pomona Art Walk.

Gallery 57 Underground, Gallery SoHo, The American Museum of
Ceramic Arts, Da Center for the Arts, and OneLeaf were among the
many galleries exhibiting new artists’ pieces, inviting people to
look and purchase.

“Most people don’t even know about it,” said showing artist
Jackie Bell of the Art Walk.

“This is the culture of the Inland Empire,” said Bell. “This is
the underground stuff, the kids, the up-and-coming artists. Many
artists in Pomona live behind their galleries, and it helps Pomona
thrive because they’re here. This is where they’re devoted.”

Many galleries offered not only live music and various food and
drinks, but the artists themselves to talk about the pieces for
sale.

“We encourage all of our artists to come and meet with the
people, because people often have questions about the art,” said
Linda Hauser, membership chairman of the Pomona Valley Arts
Association.

Consisting of more than 200 members, the Pomona Valley Arts
Association sponsors co-op Gallery SoHo and allows members to rent
space for $15 a month, asking for no commission.

A monthly newsletter informs members of upcoming shows and new
artists, and workshops are available for anyone interested.

Gallery SoHo also features a yellow wall where any new artist
can feature and sell up to three pieces of art for a small
commission.

Showing artist Lucien van Oosten, founding member of a group of
artists known as the Shameless Self-Promoters, stressed the
importance of learning how to work a show.

“If you really want to become a great artist, you not only have
to know how to create, but to promote, and we help them learn,”
said Oosten.

Consisting of a core group of eight artists who cover all media
including oils, clay, watercolor and ink, The Shameless
Self-Promoters provide public exposure for artists in open
venues.

“You have to have confidence in yourself, because art is very
personal,” said Oosten. “Artists are always trying to hit an
emotional cord with people, trying to connect with an
audience.”

The American Museum of Ceramic Arts featured an impressive
exhibit by famous ceramic artist Rudy Autio. A resident of Montana,
Autio, with friend Peter Voulkos, was one of the first in the
movement taking clay from vessels to art. Skilled in both drawing
and painting, Autio took his training to clay canvases and soon
achieved absolute fame. The exhibit, called “Rudy Autio: In The
Round,” features 15 large ceramic sculptures and will be open
through March 24.

AMOCA is the only ceramic museum on the West Coast. It features
many exhibitions including ceramic advances throughout history,
giving clay enthusiasts a community and various means of
inspiration.

Next month marks the 100th annual Art Walk, and residents and
art lovers alike can participate every second Saturday of the
month. Antique art auctions and rickshaw rides are among the
various activities offered for children, adults and anyone in
between.

Emily Breeland can be reached at arts@thepolypost.com or by
phone at (909) 869-3744.

Downtown Arts Walk Promotes Nightlife