In January 2019, Arts Visalia’s gallery will usher in the new year with an incredible display of Dr. Dean Hsu’s photography. He recounts, “Growing up in the post-WWII era in a war-torn country, I have longed for a world of peace and harmony with hope, yet without losing the sight of the disadvantages of a progressive civilization. I see the world in the way Norman Rockwell had portrayed the world in his nostalgic illustrations and paintings, reflecting the perfect home and society.” Dr. Hsu started taking pictures in high school and later moved to New York, where he received training. His father visited from Japan in 1972 and bought him an Olympus OM-1 camera to further develop his photography skills. He found himself fortunate enough to be the student of artists whose artwork adorned the walls of museums and galleries around the world. Indebted to his invaluable teachers, advisers, and critics, such as his late wife, who was an accomplished artist herself, Dr. Hsu practiced often and spent much of his time wandering to find the perfect photo. Long before the age of digital cameras, Dr. Hsu worked with film, further elevating the importance of finding the perfect shot. Labeling himself a wanderer, getting lost often led Dr. Hsu to his most interesting discoveries. His experience in traveling is not about “seeing more, but seeing wisely.” Come view the world through his eyes and camera lens in this breathtaking exhibition depicting his passion and encounters with nature, cultures, religions, and unexpected experiences. Dr. Hsu’s exhibition will be displayed January 2nd through January 25th, with an opening reception on First Friday, January 4th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The exhibition is sponsored in part by Jack & Charlie’s, the Vintage Press Restaurante, the Southern Pacific Depot Restaurant, and Kaweah Delta Health Care District. Arts Visalia’s Young Imaginations Gallery will display the artworks of the 5-17 year old participants of our children’s classes year-round. Please stop in and take a look at what they create each month. In February 2019, Arts Visalia’s gallery will be filled with the work of Kirk Cruz. His Sharpie in Light artwork depicts his interest and bold process in color theory and the way light plays a role in art, using Sharpie markers to create. His interest in color theory led him to only using the colored markers, even to depict black. Arts Visalia’s adult and children’s art classes for spring start in February at Arts Visalia. For more information and class descriptions, please go to artsvisalia.org, call us at (559) 739-0905, or visit us at the gallery at 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia, CA 93291.