by Chris Pugh
Ukiah, Calif. – MEDIUM Art Gallery is set to launch its first solo exhibition of the year with “Sanctuaries of Color,” featuring the work of multifaceted artist Jessica Hernández. As the team prepares for the First Friday Art Walk, fresh coats of paint and a new vision will bring a fresh start to the gallery’s programming in 2025. Running from Feb. 7 through March 1, this exhibition explores realism and the emotive power of space, offering a thought-provoking experience for viewers.
During a strategic planning meeting last year, Deep Valley Arts laid the groundwork for a new initiative designed to provide solo exhibition opportunities for artists at various stages of their careers. This quarterly program champions experimental, boundary-pushing work while highlighting artists deeply committed to their craft. “Sanctuaries of Color” marks the launch of this initiative, setting the stage for a year of innovative, artist-driven exhibitions.
Hernández, known for her passion for visual storytelling and her ability to craft compelling narratives, explores the unique atmospheres of interior and exterior spaces in her work. Many of her pieces are derived from modified photographs or studies of 3D models. By experimenting with lighting, backgrounds, and color palettes—often employing contrasting hues—she creates intricate visual stories that evoke emotion and memory.
“My work often stems from questions I have about the world around me,” Hernández said. “The environment plays a significant role in shaping my creative process. I strive to align my surroundings with my sense of coherence, incorporating scientific, spiritual, magical, and cosmological elements. Beyond the physical space, I am deeply affected by sensory experiences—sound, smell, light—all of which continuously stimulate my senses and feed my creative energy. ”
Born and raised in a culturally rich environment, Hernández’s artistic journey has been shaped by her nomadic lifestyle and deep curiosity about the world. Her work reflects a fusion of influences, from cinematic storytelling and architectural forms to retrofuturistic aesthetics. By integrating elements of solitude, nostalgia, and imagined spaces, she creates atmospheric compositions that invite viewers to engage with the emotional depth of each scene.
“I see my art primarily as a form of self-expression—a way to explore and communicate my inner world and emotions. While I don’t intentionally approach it as activism, I believe art holds the power to provoke thought and inspire transformation. My work is a space for exploration—sometimes familiar, sometimes unfamiliar—where the process is as important as the outcome, and where the viewer’s engagement can add new layers of meaning.”
The opening reception for “Sanctuaries of Color” will take place during the First Friday Art Walk on Feb. 7, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Attendees will enjoy beverages and light refreshments, with wine generously donated by Saracina Vineyards. Adding a personal touch to the evening,
Hernández and her friends will create a unique musical experience, enhancing the exhibition’s immersive atmosphere.
As Deep Valley Arts continues to expand, its vision extends beyond exhibitions to include a wider range of arts-centered programming designed to serve the community. Plans are underway to introduce regular workshops, classes, film screenings, and music performances, creating more opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts to engage with creative expression. Last year, the nonprofit was awarded a Field of Interest grant from the Community Foundation, which will support a series of art-making workshops this summer, furthering its mission to provide accessible, hands-on creative experiences for the community.
“We strive to make thoughtful, community-driven decisions by actively listening to community members, identifying gaps in local arts resources, and working to bridge them with meaningful programs and opportunities.,” said Lillian Rubie, executive director of Deep Valley Arts.
“As our organization grows, we are expanding our offerings to better support artists and art enthusiasts, with February’s exhibition featuring Jessica’s work as a prime example.”
Deep Valley Arts recently launched a Sponsorship Program to support these initiatives further and engage local businesses in sustaining and growing its mission. This program allows businesses to directly invest in the arts while gaining visibility through Deep Valley Arts’ exhibitions, workshops, and community events. Sponsorships help fund essential programming, ensuring the arts remain an accessible and thriving part of the Ukiah community. In return, sponsors receive recognition through promotional materials, event signage, and exclusive partnership opportunities that highlight their commitment to fostering local creativity and cultural enrichment.
With its innovative approach to realism and atmosphere, “Sanctuaries of Color” is set to be a thought-provoking and immersive experience. Whether you are a longtime supporter of Deep Valley Arts or a first-time visitor, this exhibition offers an opportunity to witness the intersection of memory, architecture, and emotion through Hernández’s distinct perspective.
The public is invited to attend the opening reception and explore Hernández’s work throughout the month. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Admission to the exhibition is free, and donations are welcomed to support future programming at Deep Valley Arts.
For more information about “Sanctuaries of Color,” the solo exhibition program, or how to become a sponsor, visit www.deepvalleyarts.org.
Note: Chris Pugh is co-founder and vice president of Deep Valley Arts and volunteers at MEDIUM Art Gallery.
