Golden State of Mind
California Dreamin’:
A Celebration of Art, Imagination and the California Spirit
Sun Gallery
Ongoing – July 31
Mondays 10am – 1pm
Fridays & Saturdays 11am – 5pm
A vibrant new group exhibition celebrating the beauty, diversity and creative spirit of California through the eyes of local artists and young, emerging creators. The exhibition brings together a dynamic collection of artwork inspired by the landscapes, culture, dreams and stories that make California unique.
From bold abstract paintings and mixed-media works to imaginative sculpture and expressive contemporary pieces, California Dreamin’ invites visitors to explore what California means on both a personal and collective level. The exhibition showcases the work of talented local artists, each offering their own interpretation of California’s energy — our coastlines, colors, people, resilience and endless possibilities.
A special highlight of the exhibition includes artwork created by students from the Sun Gallery 2026 Summer Art Camp, whose creativity adds a joyful and inspiring dimension to the show. Their pieces reflect the wonder, optimism and fearless imagination of young artists. One standout work, the colorful rainbow, beautifully captures the eternal optimism of the Golden State and the spirit of the exhibition — hopeful, playful and full of possibility.
California has always represented dreams, reinvention and creative freedom,” explains Dorsi Diaz, the Sun Gallery curator. “This exhibition celebrates not only the incredible talent in our local arts community, but also the voices of young artists who remind us to keep dreaming big. California Dreamin’ is about joy, connection, and the many ways art helps us see ourselves and each other.”
Special Event
Local artist, teacher and co-curator Lamberto Roque Hernandez will have a stunning exhibit: The Immigrant Experience inside the Ken Cook Room at the Gallery. Roque, originally from San Martin Tilcajete, in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, uses acrylic paint and incorporates natural materials such as cochineal, charcoal and dirt. His work combines acrylics with colors extracted from plants, red peppers and mushrooms.
On Saturdays from 11am – 1pm, Roque will be offering hands-on demonstrations working with cochineal, a traditional Oaxaca die technique. If you are interested in participating in the chocineal demos, please email the gallery at info@sungallery.org.
Donations to Sun Gallery are encouraged.
