Vanessa Avilez
Staff Writer

Entering Progress Space Gallery in Pomona can make you feel as if you are in a fantasy or dream. 

“Wild Things," presented by Shameless Self-Promoters, exhibited stunning artwork by instructors and up-and-coming artists that was on display from Jan. 6 to Feb. 25.

This happens to be Shameless Self-Promoters’ second art show. The work is outstanding and one is able to notice the hard work and dedication in every art piece.

“We wanted to give students the opportunity to display their work,” said Lucien F.A. Van Oosten, a co-founder of Shameless Self- Promoters. “The second half of what the artist has to do is present the work.”

Van Oosten is not only the co-founder of this group, but also an artist who tries to preserve nature and wildlife in his artwork. His paintings mainly consist of predators of the sea.

“I like to be realistic and natural in the presentation, the colors used and the animals being depicted in the environment they live in,” Van Oosten said.

The concrete walls of this underground space were covered in paintings and pictures that were made from pencil, ink, charcoal, watercolor, pastels or oil. It also contained 3-D portraits, porcelain sculptures and remarkable photos that captured animals and nature such as mountains, lakes and clouds.

The artwork ranges from a reasonable price of $50 up to $10,000. There were also “Wild Things” T-shirts on display designed by some of the artists.

The portraits had a wide selection of sea creatures, the human figure, insects and even paintings of Marilyn Manson.

“We have something for everyone in here,” said Tracy Pritchard, an artist. “What’s really important is we have a variety of artwork. It’s also important for the group to have contemporary art and keep it fresh and exciting.” 

Pritchard, whose main focus is on the human figure, has specializes in acrylic painting and collages.

“People inspire me; people’s emotions, and the things that people do,” Pritchard said. “My art is cerebral, thought provoking and emotional.”

What would also get anyone’s attention are the small porcelain sculptures of the female nude because they are delicate and beautifully made. 

“The poetry and motion, the curves, the hair, just a simple walk of a woman inspire me,” said Alex Garcia, a multimedia artist.

Garcia has experienced art shows before and had some advice for up-and-coming artists.

“Always document your work, never overprice, and put yourself out there regardless of what you’ve done,” Garcia said.

This art show was a must see, but whoever missed it can still see some of the art work in the third show, “From the Depths,” in the Progress Space Gallery this summer. It will feature art that comes from the depths of the artist’s mind, imagination, and creativity.

Progress Space Gallery is located at 300-B S. Thomas Street in the Art Colony in Pomona.

The Art Walk at the Art Colony, which includes artwork for sale and entertainment, is open the second Saturday of every month.

For more information, visit Shameless Self-Promoters’ Web site at www.ssp-art.com or call Progress Space Gallery at (909) 469-1599.

Vanessa Avilez can be reached at vavilez@ulv.edu.