Sacramento (Nov. 11, 2024) - The Mayor’s Gallery features “Luminous Wall" and "Fields of Light #22” by Joseph Bellacera and four pieces from Paula Bellacera's Sacramento Icon Polaroids series - "Two Scoops, Please," "Tower Records," "Fox and Goose," and "What's Playing?" for the months of November and December.

Joseph Bellacera

In "Luminous Wall" and "Fields of Light #22," Bellacera explores the perception of space, light and the vastness of nature, focusing on aerial or horizon views of the sky, sea, and land.

“I use the alchemy of color and light to create the experience of seeing something, as if for the first time, before we define, name and categorize it. In this way, through painting or sculpture, the mystery and awe of discovery and creation is continuously renewed,” said Joesph Bellacera.

Bellacera studied at the Massachusetts College of Art, earned an MA at Humboldt State University, and an MFA at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His work has been exhibited in museums and fine art galleries throughout the United States and has been acquired by many private and corporate collections. In addition, he has executed numerous public art commissions for institutions such as hospitals, libraries, and colleges.

For more about his work, visit https://www.josephbellacera.com/ or IG @joseph.bellacera.art

Paula Bellacera

Paula Bellacera is a Sacramento native and founding member of Viewpoint Photographic Art Center Gallery. She has worked with various photographic techniques and focused on Polaroid Manipulation using her Polaroid SX-70 camera and Time Zero film for this exhibition. Her technique creates images that combine elements of photography and painting. She starts with Polaroid SX-70 photographs, manipulates the emulsion, enlarges and prints the photographs, and finally embellishes the works on paper with mixed media.

The four images at City Hall are part of a photo-based mixed media series depicting Sacramento's structures, landscapes, and communities from the late 1990s. Her artwork explores shared memories and experiences, often expressing nostalgia to capture moments before these locations change or disappear.

Bellacera received her art and photography training at various colleges and universities in Northern California after earning a Ph.D. in experimental psychology from Tulane University. Since 1990, she has exhibited her work both domestically and internationally, in cities such as Chicago, Kathmandu, San Francisco, Santa Fe and Seattle. Her pieces are part of numerous public and private collections. In addition to photography, her artwork includes sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Her work is featured in the November/December 2024 issue of Sactown Magazine.

For more about Paula's work, visit https://www.paulabellacera.com/ or IG @paulawenzlbellacera

A heartfelt thank you to William Ishmael (www.iamishmael.com, IG: @iamishmael) for his incredible dedication in curating the Mayor's Gallery since 2017. Thanks to his volunteer efforts, our modest gallery has had the privilege of showcasing the work of over 55 local artists, each representing a rich diversity of mediums and perspectives. We are immensely grateful to William and to all the talented artists who have graciously shared their art with us at City Hall. Your contributions have truly enriched our community. Thank you!