Art @ ONT

Artist Biography: In the 1990s, Quincey Grace created wildly-painted pieces of furniture that she sold in New York City; San Antonio, Texas; Scottsdale and Sedona, Arizona; and Laguna Beach and Malibu, California. In 2020, she switched to ceramic sculpture, which she has exhibited extensively in local venues.

Artist Statement: I love bright colors, fabric textures, glass beads, flowers, butterflies, lace, geometric patterns, fanciful headdresses and pops of the unexpected – like a fish inexplicably perched atop a human head. I enjoy weaving all these elements into my pieces.

My sculptures are often inspired by paintings and photos of other artists. Through my sculptures, I invite the portraits to step out of their canvases into the 3D world, and become our friends. Come meet my friends!

Artist Biography: Howard L. Smith was born and raised in Windsor, Connecticut and migrated to California in 1974. He began making photographs at age of 12 and continued while a music major at the Hartford Conservatory of Music, making photographs with the same zeal and intensity as his music.

His interpretation of a scene or subject startles the viewer into seeing the details and creates a mood that stirs the viewer's inner being. When photographing wildlife in a natural habitat, they seem to perform for him and, water, clouds, sunlight and shadows seem to dance for his lens.

Howard's work has been widely exhibited nationally and internationally, and he has stock images with National Geographic Magazine. He is a founding member of the Inland Empire Photo Club (IEPC).

Artist Statement: As a former musician I believe that being able to play multiple musical styles is an asset. This attitude carries over to my photography. Because I create images in different genres, it may not always be a specific subject that excites me, but more the idea of capturing a moment in time whether a landscape, portrait or, wildlife. For me, it's seeing an unusual subject, beautiful light or a beautiful scene, and having the ability to freeze that moment in time.

Artist Biography: Grey Matter is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, illustrator and muralist whose works range from traditional illustration, graffiti and street art to graphic design, motion design and 3D printing. While growing up in Southern California during the 1990s, graffiti took hold and became an outlet beyond mere rebellion. It inspired the decades of creativity that followed. Today inspiration comes from his love of comic books, science fiction, nature, anthropology and the rapid advancement of technology.

Artist Statement: I blend methods learned from years of doing graffiti with traditional illustration techniques to explore humanity, nature, technology and how they interact with each other. To achieve this, I layer spray paint, acrylic and ink into composites of cartoonish imagery and incorporate stripped-down elements of comics, science fiction, fantasy and pop culture. I take a similar approach of layering with my digital work. It’s my way of trying to find the meaning of life and existence in the universe – answering the big questions by drawing and painting what’s in my head.

Artist Biography: Born in 1976 in Jackson, Mississippi, Hollis Cooper grew up in New Orleans and Houston before moving to New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and finally, California. She received her undergraduate degree with high honors from Princeton University, a Post-Baccalaureate certificate from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, an MFA from Claremont Graduate University, and a Master of Computer & Information Technology from the University of Pennsylvania. She received a Joan Mitchell Foundation MFA Grant Award nomination from the CGU Art Department in 2006, and in 2007 was selected for the Drawing Center's Viewing Program in NYC.

Artist Statement: Her work has been featured/reviewed in publications such as New American Paintings, Art Papers, and Alarm magazine, and has been included in gallery and museum shows throughout the United States. For 7 years, she sat on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Art Resources, a non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting non-commercially viable art and artists.

Artist Biography: Jessica Csanky was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1988. She moved to Los Angeles for her undergraduate studies and has lived in Southern California for fifteen years. Her love of travel led her to study abroad in Japan in 2010 and to her first international artist residency in Budapest, Hungary in 2019. In 2020, Jessica received her MFA in Art from Claremont Graduate University and was the recipient of the Karl & Beverly Benjamin Fellowship.

Artist Statement: Jessica's art celebrates life through her use of vibrant colors, wide-ranging textures, and flowing lines. Knowing that our time on earth is precious and limited, Jessica hopes that her art encourages viewers to pause for a moment and reflect on life's abundant beauty - visible in nature, through our relationships with others, experienced through music, dance, movement, and travel, or in quiet moments of contemplation. Often connected to place and memory, Jessica transforms thoughts and observations on her experiences into visual abstractions.

Artist Biography:

Chad La Fever is a metal sculptor whose medium of choice is silicon bronze, either cast or sculpted directly from bronze sheet. He also works in a variety of metals including mild steel, stainless steel and weathering steels such as Cor-Ten. Chad developed his skills during a 7-year tenure at an art bronze foundry fabricating bronze sculptures for many well-known artists. His professional skills include mold making, wax work, casting, finishing and patina. His work ranges from small, highly-detailed sculptures to monumental public art – his true passion. His public art includes two temporary public art pieces in Redlands, California and St. Charles, Illinois as well as multiple permanent monumental sculptures located in Columbia, Missouri, Jefferson City, Missouri, Roseville, California and Batavia, Illinois.

Artist Statement:

I am most drawn to sculptural forms that combine organic elements with human culture and experience to invoke thought and emotion. Much of my work is abstract sculptural representation on the theme of technology and social media which has drastically changed our society, and how we as members of a community interact with each other. The alter ego to this body of work are forms inspired by our natural environment that represent feeling, emotion or experience while outdoors, unencumbered by daily stresses. 

Artist Biography:

Frank Perez has over 20 years of experience working as a commercial photographer with private clients, corporations and various newspapers and magazines in the Inland Empire. After completing his MFA at California State University San Bernardino, Frank began teaching and helping college-level students and middle school students as an artist in residence. Frank’s work has developed to capture not just the technical components of photography, but the intention and emotion that art encompasses.

Artist Statement:

I work to create a phenomenological window by combining my photography, written observations, poetry and life experiences. This practice invites a dialogue between the me, the myself and the I in an introspective journey requiring a moment of openness not just by me, the creator, but also by the viewer. By creating these works, I invite the viewer into my personal space to observe the intimacy of my thoughts and inner monologue in direct contrast to the contemporary means of personal interactions, information gathering and sharing.

Artist Biography:

Nancy Reyes entered the 2022 Los Angeles County Fair Home Arts Competition and placed third for her hand-sewn art dolls. She upcycled different articles of clothing, a pillow, and jewelry to create her version of the great Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Nancy’s art dolls were part of the Pomona Valley Art Association’s Monthly October 2023 Show: Dreams and Nightmares. Follow @NancysHouseofDolls on Instagram to keep up with her latest creations.

Artist Statement:

My love for art began in kindergarten when I used my hands to create something for the very first time – it felt like magic! Creating art brings me peace. When my art makes someone smile and think of a fond memory, that brings me joy. This piece is my interpretation of the wedding of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera painted by Frida Kahlo in 1931.

Artist Biography:

Ronald Wolff has lived since 1995 in the Inland Empire, where he served for sixteen years as President/CEO of a large nonprofit organization providing assistance to adults with developmental disabilities. Now retired, he pursues writing and photography as primary hobbies. His short stories have appeared in several literary journals. His photographs have been published in nationally distributed journals and exhibited both locally at the Chaffey Community Museum of Art and around the country in juried shows.

Artist Statement:

My photography encompasses an expansive palette of natural beauty, abstract art, and portraits of the human soul. I attempt to capture a complex world replete with elegance, sadness, wonderment, strength, vulnerability, tenderness, failure to achieve the apex of potential human experience, and, occasionally, comic relief. In this set of images, I display the gorgeous yet elusive California Poppy, a flower that loves the sun but frequently hides its artistic soul when illuminated directly. All photos were taken in southern California – mostly Claremont. 

Artist Biography:

Sonia Sleeger is a self-taught abstract artist who resides locally in Norco. She works mainly with acrylics, alcohol inks and different media to create a unique style of contemporary art on canvas.

She found her creative side while caring for a relative suffering from dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. Art was her personal therapy for coping with being a caregiver. She finds such joy in painting, from the initial thought process and inspiration, to the first moment she puts paint on to canvas. She often asks herself, “Where will this painting take me?” Sonia participates in art festivals in Ontario and Claremont.

Artist Statement:

Because I paint with oil, acrylic, watercolor and oil pastel, I consider myself a multi-disciplinary artist. My favorite style of creating is abstract art. I enjoy using bold colors in my artwork, and creating new colors by mixing different colors. Being able to create something from a single thought is a glorious thing! I enjoy taking workshops from established artists, reading about different techniques, and viewing art in person at local galleries and museums.

Artist Biography

Despite her deep passion for art and international success in painting, Arzu Castel Can was forced to pursue a career in the opposite direction. Ultimately family pressure could not stop her from secretly pursuing an education in interior architecture during college and taking many painting classes after graduating.

Artist Statement

During the pandemic, Arzu finally had the opportunity and time to become more deeply engaged in her artistic pursuits. She exhibited her art at the Claremont and Pomona Art Walks in several galleries, as well as the Fullerton Art Town exhibition hosted by the Fullerton Museum. In April 2023, Arzu curated the You Are Not Alone art exhibition, a fundraising event at the Ginger Elliott Gallery in Claremont to help victims of the earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria.

My artwork explores the myriad women residing within me. I hold a firm belief that life is a continual self-creation, and I find myself actively engaged in this journey of self-reinvention. My aim isn’t to attain perfection; instead, I derive great pleasure from embracing the voyage itself. Within my paintings, you’ll encounter a fusion of abstract and figurative elements, accompanied by various drawing styles. I relish the opportunity to experiment with diverse techniques and mediums while challenging the idealized concept of the “perfect woman” ingrained in our collective consciousness.

Artist Biography

Angela Koenig is an award-winning artist who is recognized for a variety of mediums and genres. Her spontaneous assembly of color and texture propels her bold and distinct style. She has been featured in KOI USA magazine, News Net’s Southern California Lifestyle Show, KFON TV and California magazines including the Art Patron. Angela is active in the regional art scene as a teacher, juror, demonstrating and workshop artist and as a facilitator for many art groups and organizations. Her work has been included in numerous invitational and solo exhibits. Angela uses a variety of artistic mediums – oil, watercolor, acrylic, encaustic, pastel, printmaking, mixed media and Chinese Brush.

Artist Statement

This collection is entitled Nature Walk and was inspired by the changes of the seasons, the splendor of the great outdoors and the reflections of a calm and serene moment in time. I hope you can imagine yourself on a walk through the woods or areas of water and that you feel the quiet moments of nature in their glorious beauty.

Artist Biography

Jen Shakti has been painting and making art her whole life. She was raised in an artistic family spanning four generations. Her formal education includes two years at the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Laguna College of Art and Design where she received her BFA in 1995. Jen creates at her home studio in Yucca Valley, Ca. with views of an ancient forest of iconic Joshua trees from her windows.

Artist Statement

Nature is my spiritual path – I consider myself a “back-yard biologist”. I paint the unusual and fantastic details of plants and the habits of animals that I encounter. My paintings showcase the treasures of the earth by bringing the viewer into my mystical, playful and humorous experiences with nature. I share the feeling of support and rejuvenation I get from the earth that is available to everyone. I paint in acrylic but I enjoy working with a variety of materials and techniques to express a multitude of ideas. The hallmarks of my style are realism, mystical symbolism, and botanical detail and sharing my love of the natural world. I use bright color, movement, juxtaposition of size, scale and humor to uplift the spirit.

Artist Biography

Artist and educator Pat Watson creates unique works of art in a variety of media, with an emphasis on work relating to life in California: from the coast to the deserts, from expressive representation to surrealistic suggestion. Creative exploration is a defining characteristic of Pat's work and he frequently combines media and techniques to achieve a look and feel a bit unlike anything you've seen before.

Artist Statement

These paintings evolved from my life in the high desert of California and represent my attempt to interpret the dynamic life and landscape with a unique technical approach that combines ink, watercolor and gouache. In my application of media to the surface, I'm challenging myself to explore the depth and detail of what I see in a meditative way, seeing each detail as a facet of the metaphysical jewels found in the desert.

Artist Biography: Paul Kelley is an Inland Empire-based artist who combines photographs, video, projection and found objects to create images, animations and installations. His driving force is to find ordinary items and materials from everyday surroundings and turns them into subjects for focus and attention. The work is built on the idea of playful observation and documentation. Paul has exhibited artwork throughout Southern California. He received his BA in Studio Art from the University of California, Riverside and his MFA in Visual Art from Claremont Graduate University. He is the recipient of CGU’s Joe Sonneman Photography Prize.

Artist Statement: Initially, I thought about how fences could be understood as measurement devices. Certain materials and the surrounding environment can be instruments in observing change. Upon photographing fences throughout the inland Empire, I discovered that some had a very sculptural presence in the environment or took on the look and feel of collage. I began to see them as inadvertent works of art. It became interesting to think about the choices in material – the oddments, the activity, the property and the overall surroundings. How did it all come together? How might these spaces change over time?

Artist Biography: I sell my works in Palm Springs galleries and artisan fairs.

Artist Statement: These are functional yet artistic pieces inspired by my uncle Little Crow, a Chiricahua Apache who earned his two eagle feathers while growing up at St. Boniface Indian School in nearby Banning, California. He is a legend to all who knew him. I have been working with clay for over ten years and almost everything is an inspiration. I always make something worthy of the effort. To me, failure is a crucial foundation for success. Work with clay, be patient and success will come.

Artist Biography

These paintings are a new series for my art practice. They show the conjunction of realism and abstraction as I explore how to use abstract methods to reveal a scene. These are not traditional abstract paintings. Rather, they provide a totally new view to the viewer, who has space to image and open the mind. It is influenced by Chinese calligraphy and traditional Chinese paintings.

Artist Statement

These paintings are a new series for my art practice. They show the conjunction of realism and abstraction as I explore how to use abstract methods to reveal a scene. These are not traditional abstract paintings. Rather, they provide a totally new view to the viewer, who has space to image and open the mind. It is influenced by Chinese calligraphy and traditional Chinese paintings.

Artist Biography

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Haesook “Hannah” Lee came to the United States with her family during college. She received her BFA in painting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Since 2011 Hannah has been exhibiting her art in solo and group exhibitions in various galleries located in Pomona, Los Angeles, Santa Clairita, Huntington Beach, Inglewood, Imperial, Whittier, South Pasadena, La Canada, Fullerton, Visalia and New York City.

Artist Statement

My work is inspired by the wooden lines and structures of the traditional Korean architecture I grew up with. In my painting I create diagram-like artwork to convey the essential meaning of life by reducing lines and simplifying shapes. My state of mind when painting is to transform my inner self from old to new, resulting in a life where the new self is represented.

Artist Biography

Born in Orange, California, Gabriel Jeronimo's artistic journey began with a childhood fascination for drawing. Encouraged by parents and teachers, he presented his work in class, fostering confidence. Art school prompted him to explore oil painting, refining his technique and style, illustrating the power of support and education in his creative evolution.

Artist Statement

The modern Mexican-American household is a dynamic fusion, influenced by a vibrant cultural legacy, tales of the supernatural, and varied individual pasts. It's an ever-changing realm encompassing both contemporary and traditional principles. With a strong emphasis on family, community, and cultural roots, it embodies a profound dedication to preserving identity.

Artist Biography

A professional, self-taught and compassionate photographer, Genessi considers her camera to be her best friend. She loves going out in nature, never knowing what she will encounter. Her journey in photography has taken her to many wonderful locations in the United States. She has been rewarded with amazing wildlife images and spectacular bird photography. She hopes that sharing her work will inspire others to get out more and enjoy nature and all its wonders through childlike eyes.

Artist Statement

While traveling to Edinburg, Texas in April 2023, I encountered many birds I had never seen. It was a magical moment every time I came across a new bird with these amazing colors and lively chatter. The Painted Bunting was my favorite bird; it looked like it was dipped in various colors of paint. The colors of this Green Jay were striking.

Artist Biography

Following her retirement, Trish Franco began studying various painting techniques – oil, watercolor, acrylic – as well as multimedia from several teachers. Her excitement and strong passion for texture and color is the element that drives a unique perspective in her 3D artwork. Her goal is to express the universal and united spirit in humanity as she interprets it.

Artist Statement

My attraction to both the past and present natural, aquatic worlds unites a universal connection to past and living flora and fauna for me. I am pleased to represent their quiet life and beauty in their natural elements that continually surround us. Time stands still for me as I unfold and produce a world full of concepts, which results in forging a connection with my soul.

In 1923, ONT was just a small airstrip. Today, it has grown into an international airport with two terminals and one of the longest runways in So Cal. Check out ONT’s biggest milestones in the past 100 years here!

In 1923, ONT was just a small airstrip. Today, it has grown into an international airport with two terminals and one of the longest runways in So Cal. Check out ONT’s biggest milestones in the past 100 years here!

Artist Biography: Katie’s passion has been art since the age of three. It helps her to express herself.

Artist Biography: Dillon never lets anything stop him from doing what he enjoys in life. His true passion has always been art. Whatever he sees on family trips, stories he hears about, or animals he loves, he will create beautiful artwork depicting those things. He always creates something magical with such love and dedication.

Artist Biography: Sydney has been painting for over 10 years. She lacks the ability to speak and learned to type to communicate at the age of 10. She enjoys exhibiting with local artists and enlightened the public about the potential in people with autism.

Artist Biography: Micah attended a charter school. He has taken private art classes. Besides art he enjoys playing his guitar and video games. Someday, he would like to be a video game designer.

Artist Biography: Grant likes to draw and paint. He has taken art classes at a local community college. He most enjoys drawing Disney characters. He is a member of a few art associations. He participates in art shows and sells his work. His artwork is on display at a sandwich shop in San Bernardino, My Hero. He takes special requests. 

Artist Biography: Mario Solorzano is a mixed media artist with a passion for creating art that evokes emotion and surprise. Self-taught and driven by love of creativity, Mario began painting during the pandemic and quickly found success – his work was exhibited in galleries across the state and displayed in businesses. His talent for blacklight reactive art and unique style incorporating hidden surprises won Mario awards at the Del Mar County Fair. He has also painted murals for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. Besides his artistic pursuits, Mario gives back to the community by curating the gallery wall for the Klownski Foundation and donating his time and talent to various charitable causes. With a love for portraits and a desire to continue to create bigger and better art, Mario is an artist to watch.

Artist Statement: My art aims to evoke emotions by drawing inspiration from beauty, nostalgia, humor, and love. Through a unique blend of mixed media, particularly blacklight reactive art, I strive to create pieces that resonate with viewers on a deep and personal level. Each creation is a journey into the realms of human emotion, and my passion lies in surprising and connecting with audiences through my artistic expression.

Artist Biography: Christine Bauer conveys the struggle of a heavy interior dialogue using the medium of photography. Although the subject matter is vast and varied, her predominant theme is dealing with emotions, isolation, internal struggle and how time affects these things. When Chris seizes on a thought, she uses her camera to capture emotion and release its energy into the world for others to see.

Artist Statement: Writer, photographer, over thinker and day dreamer. I ascribe to all these things. As the child of deaf parents, my existence was based in silent communication. I found comfort inside of the habitat of silence; a safe space within my mind to play, find thoughts, let some go, and keep some captive to form my own creative language.

In early adulthood I found a passion in the medium of photography and later combined that with my writing. The inner workings of my mind are like a damp and dark cocoon. Inside this space, squirming and struggling, are my thoughts. They grow in that comfortable and silent room within. When visiting this playground of mental grey space and its soundless visuals I desire to have these images resonate loudly within the inner workings of my viewers.