Our invited judge for the November 2024 Creative Art exhibit was Zach Fleming-Boyles.
Zach, a Coachella Valley native and self-described "desert rat," found his passion for art through music and painting. While pursuing a B.A. in Art Practice at UC Berkeley, Art History broadened his perspective, solidifying his career in visual arts.
The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point, leading him to embrace painting full-time after being laid off as an art educator. His signature motif, the cactus, emerged from both personal gardening failures and a desire to bring color to dark times. His work explores balance, repetition, and rhythm, often infused with neon hues and surreal elements.
Zach’s art career flourished post-pandemic, with grants from the California Desert Arts Council and Desert X, public art projects like the Palm Springs Mainstreet Bench Project, and teaching roles at CREATE Center for the Arts. His recent work, “The Green Painting,” reflects a deeper engagement with nature and a dynamic evolution in his style. Now balancing teaching and painting.
The Fall Judged Creative Art exhibit was on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley from November 16 to December 11, 2024.
Our seasonal judged shows are open to the public and judged by an invited professional artist or instructor and they provide a fantastic glimpse into what our local creators have been focused on.
A total of twenty-two (22) entries were received that came in from eight (8) participants. Please pass along the word for upcoming judged exhibits! More participation increases variety. We are challenging one another to seek out new scenes. We are making note of new and renewed photographic styles. Participation in these judged shows hones our skills as we learn from one another.
The entries were sorted into a three categories - Nature, Creatures and Abstract, with first, second, third, and best of show awards given out. Moneys received during intake go entirely toward prizes and material fees.
The Judge
Our invited judge for the November 2024 Creative Art exhibit was Zach Fleming-Boyles.
Zach, a Coachella Valley native and self-described "desert rat," found his passion for art through music and painting. While pursuing a B.A. in Art Practice at UC Berkeley, Art History broadened his perspective, solidifying his career in visual arts.
The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point, leading him to embrace painting full-time after being laid off as an art educator. His signature motif, the cactus, emerged from both personal gardening failures and a desire to bring color to dark times. His work explores balance, repetition, and rhythm, often infused with neon hues and surreal elements.
Zach’s art career flourished post-pandemic, with grants from the California Desert Arts Council and Desert X, public art projects like the Palm Springs Mainstreet Bench Project, and teaching roles at CREATE Center for the Arts. His recent work, “The Green Painting,” reflects a deeper engagement with nature and a dynamic evolution in his style. Now balancing teaching and painting.
Nature's Kaleidoscope
First-place
"Whispers"
Raini Armstrong
"Love the energy/Movement of the composition. Osillates between Abstract and Representational"
Second-place
"A New Beginning"
Nancy Miehle
"Great texture. There's a lot of confindense in the gesture. Optomistic message"
Third-place
"Lovely Lotus"
Sharon George
"Immediately caught my eye. Really dynamic color. Almost looks like its glowing"
Beautiful Creatures
First-place
"Raven Girl Creates the World"
Victoria Sebanz
"Unique use of mixed media. Great details and shading"
Second-place
"Love's Reflection"
Donna Webb
"Beautiful watercolor work. Love the texture. Great use of color"
Third-place
"Watching"
Raini Armstrong
"Splendid brushwork. Really used the medium to its full advantage"
Honorable Wisdom
"Pearl of Wisdom"
Victoria Sebanz
"Fascinating use of materials. Very psychedelic. Extremely unique. Stand out work"
Abstract
First-place
"Spring Blossoms"
Victoria Sebanz
"Excellent user of color. Dynamic composition. I like the fluidity of the marks"
Second-place
"Yuteca"
Raini Armstrong
"Nice balance of warm and cool colors. A lot of depth to the composition. Line work in the foreground really jumps out"
Third-place TIE
"Melody in Mauve"
Victoria Sebanz
"Serene use of muted colors. I found the metallic colors a little distracting when viewed up close."
Best of Show
"Midwest Bliss"
Raini Armstrong
"Excellent little painting. The use of complementary colors, attention to details, and presentation are top notch"
Thanks go to the participating creators that shared their work with us. To Rainbow Stew and all visitors that make these shows possible. And congratulations to the creators that placed!
If you find yourself out and about, make sure to stop by Rainbow Stew and enjoy the Judged show. It will be displayed until December when we transition into a next open to the public, judged show, the Creative Photography exhibit!
We all want to take advantage of this great space because it sees a constant stream of traffic throughout the week. Chaparral Artists see sales through this venue, so do not pass up the opportunity to hang your art with us when you can during these shows.
Stay unique, find ways to flourish, be the amazing person you are, and continue being YOU!