The City of Santa Clarita, in partnership with the NOMAD Program, will unveil a new Common Spaces: Art in Public Places display at the Small Space, Big Stories Gallery at Westfield Valencia Town Center. The exhibit, “Art Making for Change: NOMAD LAB,” will be on display beginning Friday, Jan. 18, through May 18.

The community is invited to enjoy this new exhibit and attend a free reception in recognition of participating artists on Saturday, January 19, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Westfield Valencia Town Center located on the 2nd floor near Sears. The reception will include light appetizers, live music and a chance to meet the artists.

“Public art enriches our City by adding personality and encouraging participation among community members,” said Mayor Bob Kellar.  “The Arts in Public Places exhibits not only enhance our community’s quality of life, it also provides a unique opportunity for local artists to showcase creations in prominent areas throughout Santa Clarita.”

In addition to the new art exhibits on display at the Town, artists from NOMAD LAB are inviting community members to participate in two free live art projects at the Common Spaces exhibit area.  Participating artists will help community members create off-the-wall graffiti art pieces during the NOMAD art unveiling reception on Saturday, January 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Residents can also create learn how to create self-portraits based on ancient Mandala art form at the “Mandalas Hands-On Art Activity” on Saturday, February 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All ages are welcome and no previous experience is needed.

Bowman student art piece

The reception will also include artists from the new exhibit, “The Left Brain: Art from Bowman High” which is now on display at the Valencia Westfield Town Center.

Founded in 2010, NOMAD LAB program is supported by the Anti-Gang Task Force and serves as a laboratory of creativity, collaboration and community for youth and their families. The program is part of the Valle del Oro committee’s efforts to provide positive options for youth in the area as a deterrent to gang involvement and crime.  NOMAD LAB workshops take place in vacant apartments at different locations around town which makes the nature of the program nomadic.

The Small Space, Big Stories Gallery is located on the 2nd floor, just off the Patios on the Sears side of Westfield Valencia Town Center.

For more information about the “Art Making for Change: NOMAD LAB” exhibition or any other Common Spaces: Art in Public Places exhibits, please contact Arts and Events Supervisor Jeff Barber at (661) 250-3779 or visit santa-clarita.com/arts.

Bowman students with their exhibit, “The Left Brain: Art from Bowman High”