3 minute read
Meet Your Local Artists
20 Meet your local artists
PRESENTED BY EASTSIDE ARTHOUSE
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WORDS: ALEJANDRA GARCIA PHOTOS: ROSANA ANGUIANO CORTEZ
Willis Salomon
Age: 40 Occupation: Commercial Photographer Instagram: @willisthegorilla @willistakesfotos Website: willisthegorilla.com
Willis Salomon is an Inland Empire based installation artist and photographer, who recently joined Eastside Arthouse in May. He earned his degree in Visual Communications at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Willis is also part of two other organizations in the Inland Empire. There is San Bernardino’s Arts Connection Network, where Willis works as a Communications Director, and Redlands’s non-profit gallery, The Artlands, where he is part of its board. His art medium of preference is photography, and he got his start with commercial and fashion photography, as well as set design and working product display. Willis’s experience led him to explore his own creativity. One of his most recent art installations was “Growing Art in San Bernardino.” The project consisted of printed, postcardlike photographs that he took of the city along with a QR code that led curious bypassers to a questionnaire of what they would like to see in San Bernardino. This project allowed Willis to have an interaction with his audience, and the response was positive. Willis is set to release his second mixed media art book, “floweride vol.2’’ later this year, and he’s also preparing a mixed media piece for Eastside Arthouse’s upcoming show, “Not Made for Exposure.”
Keely Berry
Age: 22 Occupation: Artist Instagram: @keelyberryart Website: keelyberrycreates.squarespace.com
Keely Berry is a Riverside native and has been working as a visual artist for five years. She joined Eastside Arthouse before it opened its doors back in September 2021. Keely finds inspiration in Southern California’s nature, such as the colors of the desert and its flora and fauna, as well as graphic design and her friends, who have been a source of support and inspiration. Her main art focus is traditional painting using acrylics, and her favorite subjects have been creating portraits of her friends and natural landscapes. Her connection to her friends grew because they were able to see themselves represented in art. Keely began her art training through an internship with The Shift Creative and also volunteering with artists whom she connected with on social media. The knowledge she acquired there, as well as co-working with her peers at the Eastside Arthouse gave her more insight of the value of art and building community connections. She has also had the opportunity to create murals for local businesses in Riverside. Now, Keely is preparing for an art show alongside other artists of the Eastside Arthouse. The event is called “Not Made for Exposure,” and it is set to open on September 17th. Keely is currently open for commissions.
September 17, 2022 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Join us at our studio to see Keely Berry and Willis Salomon, along with other studio members at the arthouse’s group show, “Not Made for Exposure. ” This event will be Eastside Arthouse’s one year anniversary and first art show! Visit eastsidearthouse.studio.com for more information.
