RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The theme of this quarter’s Rancho Cordova fine arts exhibit is “In the Park.” The exhibit, to be displayed at Rancho Cordova City Hall through July 28, honors the 60th Anniversary of the Cordova Recreation and Park District.  Artists and art lovers attended the reception on April 12 to see 53 works by 31 artists.  Many of those chosen to be in the juried show have already had art works selected many times since the program started in 2012.  This has provided an opportunity for the public to see the artists’ talents emerge and evolve over a period of time. The show is put on by Rancho Cordova Arts and sponsored by the Cordova Community Council.

One of the frequent contributors is photographer Rick Sloan, who also is on the board of directors of CRPD.  “I’m an artist, a graphic designer, a photographer, and a park board director all rolled up into one,” Sloan said.  Sloan provided some of his images of Rancho Cordova events for a special display on the walls of the upper floor at City Hall, and the community council had them enlarged onto canvas.  “The City of Rancho Cordova has become such a great stage,” Sloan said.  “I put myself into the experience.  I zoom in and try to feel what it’s like to be dancing or singing on stage, playing a tuba in a parade on a hot summer day, running with a football.”  Sloan also created the logo in use to celebrate CRPD’s 60^th anniversary. 

Artist Ron Hall is another long term participant who has paintings in this exhibit.  “I’m constantly trying to see and try new things and stretch outside my comfort zone,” Hall said.   

Marsha Mason used a different technique for her watercolor, “First Glance,” that requires the artist to “pour” different colors onto the page.  “Every time you pour, you have to let it dry,” Mason said.  “After trying that technique I decided it takes too long – I’m impatient.”  Mason is working on a sculpture for the next show.  In June Mason will take her place as president of Rancho Cordova Arts and Ron Hall will become vice president. 

Not all of the artists in this show have been around long term.  Autra Oliver is a relative newcomer both to Rancho Cordova and to art.  She works mostly in acrylics, and has two works in this show.  “I thought at first that I was going to be doing more fantasy art,” Oliver said. “But I find that I’m doing more nature art.  I love flowers.” With her younger child about to reach her first birthday, Oliver is planning to get out more and meet other local artists. 

The juror for this exhibit of fine art by Rancho Cordova artists is Corey Okada, who grew up in Rancho Cordova and attended Cordova High School.  His work has been shown extensively locally and regionally and has appeared in the Crocker-Kingsley Exhibition. He won the best of show award at the 2017 KVIE art auction.