Previous Years | Carnegie Arts Center

Past Exhibitions

2017 - 2018 Season

Ferrari Gallery

Nature, Tradition & Innovation: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Gordon Brodfuehrer Collection was developed by Mingei International Museum, San Diego, tour organized by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.

September 16 through December 31, 2017

This exhibition features works by contemporary Japanese ceramic artists who represent the diverse traditions of their country. Some are associated with Japan’s most ancient kilns, which have been producing stoneware for nearly a millennium. However, many have departed from strict traditions, drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature to create works that are more sculptural than functional. Select pieces are paired with spectacular photographs of Japan’s natural landscape.

More than 60 works are included, from small tea bowls to large vases and sculptural pieces. Combining ancient materials and techniques with new forms and styles, these ceramics are at once grounded in tradition, rooted in nature, and born from contemporary creativity.

Developed by the Mingei International Museum, San Diego, the exhibition is on a nation-wide tour organized by International Art & Artists, Washington, DC.

Valley Focus: Photography

January 17 through March 18, 2018

In a series of annual exhibitions called Valley Focus, the Carnegie Arts Center is celebrating the variety of artistic creativity found in California’s Central Valley. This year the show features works by the area’s most accomplished photographers. From more than 250 entries, 80 pieces by 48 individual artists were selected, representing the very best images being created in and of the region today.

The works in the exhibition were selected by photographer Ted Orland. Mr. Orland lives in Santa Cruz, where he pursues teaching, writing and photography. He took up photography as a student working for designer Charles Eames, and in the 1970s worked as Ansel Adams’ assistant. He later taught at Stanford University and University of Oregon, and taught Digital Photography at Cabrillo College for many years. He currently leads master class workshops for independent programs nationwide.

To see images, click here.

Art Quilts: Works by Members of the Studio Art Quilt Associates

April 4 through May 27, 2018

A multi-state competition highlighting the West’s masters of textile arts. Originating at the California Heritage Museum, Santa Monica.

Ready, Set, Show! Children's Art Show

June 1 through July 1, 2018

Youth, ages 5-18, display their talents in the Ferrari Gallery. This show annually draws in more than 100 young participants and their families.

July 11 through August 31, 2018

The Carnegie Art Showcase is an all media juried exhibition that was open to entries from artists, age 18 and over, residing in all areas of Central and Northern California. A panel of professional artists, educators and curators selected 90 works from among the 244 entries for inclusion in the exhibition, an annual event.

The exhibition includes pieces by 49 artists from throughout the region, including Altaville, Ceres, Clovis, Coarsegold, Cressey, Fairfax, Fresno, Hughson, La Grange, Mariposa, Merced, Modesto, Oakdale, Ripon, Tracy, and Turlock. Works include paintings, drawings, photographs, sculpture, ceramics, digital art and mixed media compositions.

The judges for the 2018 Showcaseare Louisa Benhissen, painter and professor at Merced College; Penny Otwell, painter; and Brian Taylor, photographer and Director of the Center for Photographic Arts, Carmel.

Lobby Galleries

October 18, 2017 through January 21, 2018

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. The juried show is presented in conjunction with Nature, Tradition & Innovation: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Gordon Brodfuehrer Collection which is now on view at the Carnegie Arts Center through December.

Artists from throughout northern and central California submitted work that is influenced or inspired by experiences with Asian art or culture. 50 works by 40 artists were selected by jurors Lisa McDermott, Director, Carnegie Arts Center, and Rob Stevenson, Professor of Art/Art History/Humanities, Modesto Junior College. The exhibition includes paintings, photographs, prints, drawings, ceramics, glass, sculpture, textiles, and mixed media.

Natural Wonders: Penny Otwell & Monique Wales

January 31 through April 22, 2018

May 2 through July 29, 2018

Farms & Fields is a juried, all media exhibition that seeks to celebrate the variety and importance of agriculture in the Central Valley. The final weeks of this juried show will coincide with the 2018 Stanislaus County Fair.