Kwei-lin Lum is a collage and mixed media artist. She started out by cutting paper dolls, and over the years her work has evolved into figurative art.

  • Art Across the Valley reflects diversity and uniqueness of San Fernando Valley
  • Exhibit features 206 submissions from 56 different artists
  • Theme of exhibit is people, places, icons, and landscapes of SFV

When she heard about the Art Across the Valley exhibit, she created a piece that she felt reflected the diversity and uniqueness of all the different people in the San Fernando Valley.

"There are a lot of different kinds of people in the valley. And the piece does reflect that. Lots of different complexions, facial types, clothing styles," she said.

Lum was one of 56 artists who submitted 206 pieces of artwork for consideration.

A panel of judges chose a select number of pieces, and Lum's piece garnered the Best of Show award.

"As a group when we sat down and we're looking at all the pieces this one really stood out it was different and unique," said Angela Philips of La Galeria Gitana, one of the judges for the event.

The exhibit is a collaboration between the San Fernando Valley Arts and Cultural Center in Tarzana and LA Galeria Gitana in San Fernando.

"This is the first time that we've ever had a collaboration with another gallery. And we think it's wonderful because the value is a very big place. So we might as well spread out all the good art," said Carolyn Uhri of the SFVACC.

The theme of this exhibit is people, places, icons, and landscapes of the San Fernando Valley.

Nora Koerber loves painting places most people familiar with the valley would recognize. She received first place for her oil painting of the Pink Motel. "

I was absolutely elated, shocked and very happy," said Koerber.

Mary Kay Wilson's piece “More Bob,” conveys her nostalgia for such Valley landmarks.

"There's a lot of emotional memories of, you know, eating there as a child with my family. And people seem to really resonate with that," she said.

This exhibit is also an opportunity for artists like Lum to share some of the hidden meaning in their art.

"The reflections are different from the characters. It’s their other selves," said Lum, pointing to her piece.

The exhibit is at the San Fernando Valley Arts ands Culture Center until February 2, and at La Galeria Gitana until March 8.