From left, Cheryl Gleason, Janelle Noam, Axel Kirby, Carolyn Cunningham, Michael Fritschi, Jennifer Coulter and Valerie Birkhoff. 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Fall Art Exhibit, one of the largest and most anticipated shows of the year, is currently on display at City Hall showcasing a diverse range of artistic works by local talent.

The exhibit, which opened on Oct. 28, is the 49th show hosted at City Hall and features 106 pieces of artwork from 50 different artists, including four youth artists, all of whom either live or work in Rancho Cordova or are members of the Rancho Cordova Arts nonprofit.

Youth artists Axel Kirby won the third-place youth award with his watercolor artwork, “Veggie Pallete.”

The exhibit spans both the first and second floor of City Hall, with artwork featured throughout the building hallways. The pieces range in medium, style and theme reflecting the creative talent of the community.

Cheryl Gleason, Art Director at the Mills Station Art & Culture Center (MACC), served as the juror for the show.

“Because this show is open theme, it’s an opportunity for artists to bring out their best work and show what they are best at,” said Gleason.

The best of show award went to Michael Fritschi for his oil painting titled “San Francisco Morning.”

The coveted best of show award went to Michael Fritschi for his oil painting, “San Francisco Morning.”

“The inspiration came from a weekend trip with my wife to San Francisco. The geometric patterns of the city were catching my eye, and I wanted to get that on a canvas,” said Fritschi. “I started doing oil paintings about a year and a half ago and it has been an explosion of wonderful work. I am very pleasantly surprised by this award; this is a passion that comes from my heart.”

More of his artwork is currently on display at the Placerville Art Gallery, 352 Main St.

The first-place youth award went to Janelle Noam for “California Quail" a framed digital print.

The first-place award was presented to Jennifer Coulter for “The Flower Bed,” a piece created using torn paper monoprints from a gel plate.

“I became really enamored with gel printing, which is a monoprint technique done on a jelly plate,” said Coulter. “The torn pieces of paper I use are not painted, and I think that gives the work a unique texture. Winning this award means the world to me: it’s a validation of my process. It’s a complicated and meticulous technique but that’s what makes it so fulfilling.”

The first-place award was presented to Jennifer Coulter for “The Flower Bed.”

Valerie Birkhoff earned the second-place award for her painted clay sculpture, “Peering Through the Veil.” The third-place award was awarded to Carolyn Cunningham for her mixed-media piece, “Placerville Patchwork.” The First Place Youth award went to Janelle Noam for “California Quail”, a framed digital print.

The exhibit will remain on display until Jan. 25, offering ample time for art enthusiasts and Rancho Cordova residents to experience the show. Most of the pieces are for sale, with sales going directly through the artists. Each piece is accompanied by a tag that includes the artist’s contact information, making it easy for potential buyers to reach out.

“I want to thank Rancho Cordova Art and the MACC for everything they do,” said Coulter.

Valerie Birkhoff earned the second-place award for her painted clay sculpture, “Peering Through the Veil.”

Rancho Cordova City Hall hosts four exhibits a year, allowing the community to enjoy a year-round rotation of art. Looking ahead, the first exhibit of 2025 will carry the theme, “The Golden Age.”