The Valley Center Art Gallery announced the winners of its 'Western Ways' art exhibition, celebrating the spirit, landscapes, and traditions of the American West. Sandy Zelasko won Best of Show for her piece 'Ladies First!', while category winners included Robert Cording (Oils), Connie Luizzi (Photography), Gloria Warren (Watercolor & Gouache), Craia Reesor (Pastel & Charcoal), and Barbara Scharnau (Mixed Media and Acrylic). The exhibition featured photography, painting, and mixed media from regional artists.
This exhibition highlights the ongoing vitality of local art communities and their role in preserving and interpreting regional cultural heritage. By showcasing Western themes through diverse media, the gallery fosters community engagement and provides a platform for emerging and established artists, reinforcing the importance of small-scale art institutions in the broader art ecosystem.