Robert Olsen 2006 Gas Pump Painting Series
St. George’s Episcopal Church is holding their 2nd Annual Art Sale featuring several local artists in the Sacramento area on May 13, 2023. Many of these local artists have grown their art through local school and community programs as well as through the love and support of their families. Featured artists include Robert Olsen, Father Ray Hess, Mel Rose, Ellie Nelson, Bridget Engler, Thomas Jeske and many more.
Organizer Bridget Engler has led the Art Sale for the past two years. Her inspiration for the event was American River College’s The Art Club at ARC, where local art students came together to create during art sessions and share their art passion. Bridget started the Art Sale initially as a fund raiser for the church’s parking lot and other related infrastructure needs. This year’s Art Sale is focused on community outreach and bringing together local artists.
The St. George’s community supports its local artists through this event. Several pieces on display will be for sale through silent auction or direct purchase with a listed price. Fifty percent or more of all sale proceeds go to support St. George’s Episcopal Church. Artists may keep up to fifty percent of the profits from all sales. All donated art must be delivered to the event location on May 13th from 10-12 a.m.
Deacon Bob and Sandy Olsen are sharing their son, Robert Olsen’s, critically acclaimed art that focuses on outdoor urban objects. This year, the sale will be featuring one of his gas pump paintings shown above. Robert completed a series of gas pump and station paintings between 2006 and 2009. Bob shares that Robert very rarely titled his paintings, because he didn’t think it was his job to tell you what you saw in his paintings. The gas pump painting shown in this article was first displayed in 2006 at the Monte Clark Gallery in Vancouver, Canada. The initial bid amount for this gas pump painting is still being determined however, similar paintings sold for $4,000 – $5,000 in New York City and Los Angeles galleries. Robert graduated with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the California College of Arts and Crafts (Oakland) in 1998 and with a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of California Los Angeles in 2002. His work has been shown in galleries and museums all over the country and Canada as well as featured in television and film. You can find more information on the works of Robert Olsen here.
Several photography pieces were donated by the family of Mel Rose for this event. Mel was a local artist and beloved member and leader of the church. He was very supportive of the community’s youth and their growth in the arts and technology. Mel was also a talented stained-glass artist who designed and built the beautiful stained-glass windows in the church. He was truly a master of his crafts and had many talents he shared with others.
The art sale will be featuring watercolor paintings by Father Ray Hess. Father Ray was an art major at Stanford and graduated in 1969. His paintings are of watercolor landscapes from places around the world that he has visited with his wife Deborah. The paintings are based on photos taken on site. His mother was a professional watercolor artist in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. She sold many paintings in that area, taught art classes, and had several one-person art shows. Father Ray inherited his ability to draw and his love of art from her.
3D printed craft and art creations by Thomas Jeske will be available for sale. Thomas is a local 12-year-old artist who has combined in his love for art and computer programming. He is inspired by his love of gaming and his love for functionality.
Ellie Nelson, a Sophomore at El Camino High School, will have her ceramics on display and photography for sale. She likes to take close up photos of natural objects to give focus on aspects that you would not normally see. Her photography allows the viewer to enjoy the smallest part of nature in its largest form. She became interested in art when she was young. She was given many opportunities at Cowen Elementary School and Arcade Middle School to learn many different art mediums. She is thankful for the parent volunteers and teachers that dedicated their time to art education.
Bridget Engler is featuring several paintings and collages. Her collage work has been published in the American River Review. She always enjoyed art even as a small child. Mr. Peterson, from her Elementary School, was a big influence on her development and love of art. Bridget obtained her Fine Arts degree from American River College and continues to serve as a leader in our local art community.
This year, the event will be offering a new Youth Art Center. Children and teens of all ages are welcome to attend. The Art Center will offer free activities from 2-5 p.m. Activities include the following:
- Explore self-expression through words and pictures by creating an “I AM” book.
- Design your own sketch, poetry book or journal with the art of collaging.
- Learn sketching skills.
- Express yourself with the art of watercolor painting.
- Use shapes to create a modern art piece.
- Leave a mark at the chalk art station.
All are welcome to attend this fantastic free local event located at 5600 Winding Way in Carmichael California. For more information on the Art Sale and the artists please visit https://stgeorgeca.org , or like us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you have questions or would like to donate art pieces for this event please contact St. George’s at stgeorge@sgec.us or 916-487-5600.
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