CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Sacramento Fine Arts Center recently created two decks of playing cards with landscapes from Sacramento. Seventy-one artists participated in the Sacramento Playing Cards Exhibit that celebrates Sacramento’s history and community.

Each card features a Sacramento iconic and historical event, location and local artist.

The artists were charged with recreating the iconic and historical locations throughout Sacramento in a variety of media including oils, watercolors, sculpture and more. The art was then turned into beautiful playing card decks.

The original art from the Sacramento Playing Cards is on display from Feb. 4 through March 29 in the foyer and small gallery of the Sacramento Fine Arts Center at 533 Gibbons Drive, Carmichael. 

“The idea was from our President Mary Hargrave and her daughter, Missy. They came up with the idea while traveling. We try to do one ‘community project’ every year,” said Sacramento Fine Arts Center Executive Director Angelia Gordon. “It is something many artists can participate in and in some way celebrates the community. Last year, we made an artist cookbook. It features food-themed artwork from local artists and recipes from community members. We are always looking for fun new ideas.” 

The funds from the playing cards support the Sacramento Fine Arts Center’s ongoing programs, according to Gordon. The two decks can be bought at the Sacramento Fine Arts Gallery.

Among the artists are Don Taylor, Louise Vidaurri, Janet Kruse and Shannon Garrison from Carmichael, and Linda Zempel from Fair Oaks. Also participating are artists Kristen Fuller from Rancho Cordova, Phyllis Brady from Citrus Heights and Kate Blue from Rio Linda.

The Sacramento Fine Arts Center gallery is open to the public 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The gallery is free and open to the public.

Sacramento Fine Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation and presentation of the visual arts. The center is entirely self-supported by a small staff and local volunteers. Its mission is to encourage the creation and presentation of original visual arts, to support the cultural life of the community, and to encourage all artists to fulfill their potential.

For more information about the Sacramento Playing Cards exhibit’s card locations and artists, go online to SacFineArts.org/cards or call 916-971-3713.