As part of its Art in Public Places program, the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission assembles exhibits at three public galleries. Curated by Lorrie Kempf, the shows exemplify the diversity of the region’s artists. From abstract paintings to historical photographs, Kempf has organized a hard-to-miss series of shows for May.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ CHAMBER GALLERY—Oil paintings by artist and poet Laura Hohlwein are on display in a show titled “Lyrical Abstraction.” The Pushcart Prize nominee creates often-poignant abstract paintings that open themselves to interpretation. The exhibit continues through July 7. 700 H St.
SMUD ART GALLERY—At SMUD’s customer service center, “Encore” examines individuals’ relationships with material consumption by repurposing discarded materials into more than 25 artworks by Sacramento artists. The exhibit features Lee Ann Brook, Julie Bjorgum, Paul Dessau, Eileen Downes, Maureen Gilli, Cherie Hacker, Bethanie Humphreys and Virginia Ray. It runs from May 13 to July 6. 6301 S St.
ROBERT T. MATSUI GALLERY AT CITY HALL—“Celebrating Sac-ramento’s Preservation” features photographic works that have captured the historic character of the city’s neighborhoods. Artists such as Rudy Calpo record the architectural landscape. The exhibit runs from May 13 to Sept. 16. 915 I St.
