The Artists:
Cassandra Reeves’ background in shamanism and healing work is evident in all of her artwork whether it is a collage/assemblage piece or Dia de los Muertos imagery. A selection of her artwork from both of these series will be on display in a show titled “Impermanence”. Reeves has created an elegant series of modest-sized collages that illuminate the spiritual power that lies within and around us. She states, “The entire collection has been made with prayer and infused with healing energy. It is my wish that this art will inspire a joyful spirit in the viewer.” In addition, some of her mixed media works utilizing the icon of the skeleton pay homage to cultural idols in an amusing manner.
Joseph Peters has painted a beautiful collection of hand tools that he uses in his day job in construction. In his show titled “The Partial Tool List” he imparts an air of transcendency to his well-worn tools - a handsaw with the blade wired in place, a pair of pliers tainted with rust, used earplugs - all of which speak to the harsh life they live. Peters paints exquisite detail into each of his pieces, executed on wood panel with a special ground that includes marble dust in the gesso. The objects are rendered in stark realism against muted backgrounds with a rough charm that illustrates the hard work of building and of painting.
Les Birleson has worked as a professional artist around the globe for over thirty years including projects in Germany, Greece, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. He is truly a conceptual artist, moving freely between different mediums, themes, and scales of work. Locally, he has created two notable public art projects - Traveling Light above the Terminal B ticket counters at Sacramento International Airport, and Open Circle - an installation the size of a small park at the water pumping station on Riverside Boulevard next to Congregation B’nai Israel.
When Birleson relocated to the Sacramento area he built a 3,000 square foot studio on the banks of the Sacramento River near Knights Landing where he created a series of monumental landscape paintings titled the "River Series". The images are a contemplation on the cycle of seasons and the moods of the river. A selection of these works will be exhibited along with smaller recent pieces. Birleson currently lives and works at his home studio on the island of Kauai, HI.
