Pacific Currents is a juried, all media exhibition that seeks to explore the variety of ways contemporary artists have been inspired or influenced by the arts of Asia.
From the adoption of Japanese ceramic techniques in 17th century porcelain to the wild enthusiasm shown by Impressionist painters for Japanese woodblock prints, Western artists have long been influenced by Eastern styles and aesthetics. Contemporary artists continue to absorb these influences and are inspired by the arts of China, Japan, and other Asian cultures in a wide variety of ways.
In response to a call for entries, artists from throughout Northern and Central California submitted work that is influenced or inspired by experiences with Asian art or culture. More than 175 entries were received. From those, 50 works by 40 artists were selected. The exhibition includes paintings, photographs, prints, drawings, ceramics, glass, sculpture, textiles, and mixed media.
Jurors for the exhibition were Lisa McDermott, Director of the Carnegie Arts Center, and Rob Stevenson, Professor of Art/Art History/Humanities at Modesto Junior College.
This juried show is presented in conjunction with Nature, Tradition & Innovation: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Gordon Brodfuehrer Collection which is on view at the Carnegie Arts Center through December.
Awards
Best of Show
Jake Weigel, Log Telegram, latex paint on tar paper 
Awards of Merit
Susan Conner, River of Sorrow, photograph
Christine Johnson, Counselor, iroko, pau ferro, walnut, vermillion & brass
Honorable Mentions
Lisa Jetonne, Rolling Earth, Transformed Lines, wood-fired stoneware
Dana Mano-Flank, Lone Tree, mixed media
Denise Oyama Miller, Connecting Threads, mixed media textile
Monique Wales, Red Tail, reductive linocut relief print
RECEPTION: A reception to honor the artists will take place on Thursday, October 19, from 5-7 p.m.
DATES OF EXHIBITION: October 18, 2017 – January 21, 2018
ARTISTS INCLUDED IN THE EXHIBITION:
Antonio Anaya, Keyes; Margarita Anderson, Tracy; Iris Asai, Merced; Ann Williams Bailey, Turlock; Clifford H. Bailey, Turlock; Anna Barber, Ripon; Susan Conner, Altaville; Katherine Crinklaw, Newman; Sergio Cuarenta, Turlock; Scott Fergusson, Modesto; Barbara Gill, Modesto; Lisa Gilliland Viney, Atwater; Chella Gonsalves, Modesto; Don Hall, Turlock; Rick Ingraham, Modesto; Lisa Jetonne, Fairfield; Christine Johnson, Turlock; Mark Knize, Tracy; Carolyn Lord, Livermore; Issa, Turlock; Dana Mano-Flank, San Carlos; Denise Oyama Miller, Fremont; Jeanne Moje MacDonald, Mariposa; Harry Nakamoto, Columbia; Abhilasha Natarajan, Tracy; Christine Obers, Mariposa; Michelle Park, Turlock; Carolyn Reed, Merced; Susan Richardson, Tracy; Tammy Jo Schoppet, Modesto; Matt Shumaker, Merced; Karen Sniezek, Turlock; Henrietta Sparkman, Modesto; Pamela Toombs, Turlock; Christopher Viney, Atwater; Monique Wales, Oakhurst; Jake Weigel, Modesto; Hope Werness, Turlock; Virginia White, Modesto
