Natomas Artist Featured In Woodland Exhibit

Photo: M. Laver

BY ROBYN EIFERTSEN
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The work of thought-provoking Natomas artist Jim Vetter is currently on display in Woodland.

The Natomas resident’s show “Harvest Gypsies” – which evokes the desolate conditions of America’s Dust Bowl – runs through Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Gallery 625.

Photo: M. Laver

Inspired by John Steinbeck’s news stories about Dust Bowl migrant workers, Vetter applied normally discarded materials, such as cardboard and unwanted paint, to transform canvasses into dust-like barren abstracts.

“There is a fluid and spontaneous approach to my painting,” said the collage and assemblage artist. “As well as a practical reality of working with local colors and found materials.”

Vetter, 37, and his wife Brandee Reimers moved to Natomas six years ago. The couple is active in the community’s libraries and has three children.

Vetter has increasingly shown his art locally. His work appeared in a 2012 Friends of North Natomas Library fundraiser exhibit and at the Celebrate Natomas community festival.

Vetter earned his bachelor’s degree in studio art from San Jose State University in 2000. He’s currently finishing a second degree in anthropology and teaches for YoloARTS at Yolo County schools. He also has a blog here.

YoloARTS’ special projects manager Janice Purnell said the local art scene is fortunate to have an artist whose work ignites curiosity and conversation.

“When you see the concepts behind (Vetter’s) art and the stories and the vision behind his work,” she said, “it really enhances your understanding of what he is trying to do.”

Gallery 625, located at 625 Court St., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more gallery information call (530) 406-4844 or click here.