The City of Santa Clarita recently unveiled a new art exhibit, “Endangered and Endeared: A Retrospective of the Art of Diane Bruckner in Memoriam,” on display through July 11, 2014in the Community Room at the Old Town Newhall Library.  Bruckner was a local artist who won numerous awards for her ability to capture the essence and character of animals and for her depictions of endangered species.

The “Endangered and Endeared: A Retrospective of the Art of Diane Bruckner in Memoriam” exhibit features a collection of 35 art pieces from longtime artist Diane Bruckner, including oil paintings, pastels, and charcoal and graphite drawings.  In addition to creating artwork using several mediums, Bruckner considered her work as an education tool with information available on the species from the Division of Wildlife.  

“Santa Clarita is home to some remarkable artists and Diane Bruckner was one of them.  Her attention to detail and love of wildlife shines through in her work.  It is our privilege to showcase some of her very best art in our community and to celebrate her many contributions,” said Mayor Laurene Weste.

A free, public reception will be held on July 9, 2014 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Old Town Newhall Library, located at 24500 Main Street, to celebrate the exhibit and some of Bruckner’s best work.  

Bruckner was a member of the Santa Clarita Artists’ Association (SCAA) who held many positions throughout her career, including Treasurer, Webmaster, Newsletter Editor and Art Classic Committee Member.

Throughout her lifetime, Bruckner was active in the art world through many other noteworthy positions including: California State reporter for Sunshine Artist Magazine, a national art show publication; editor of the online newsletter Festivalnet.com; editor of the Ohio Arts and Crafts Guild (OACG) newsletter and advising board member; reporter for the Wildlife Artist Association in Southern California; and webmaster for the Santa Clarita Artists’ Association.   

“Diane Bruckner was a multi-talented and beloved member of the Santa Clarita Arts Community. Known for her realistic portrayals of animals, the upcoming retrospective, ‘Endangered and Endeared’, is a stunning exhibit featuring wildlife that showcases Diane’s passion for animals and her desire to create awareness of species nearing extinction,” said Arts Commissioner John Dow.  “In this exhibit, Diane’s deep respect for wildlife shines, creating a personal connection between the artist and the viewer.   I encourage everyone to come out and view this wonderful exhibit by this “endeared” local artist.”

The “Endangered and Endeared: A Retrospective of the Art of Diane Bruckner in Memoriam” exhibit is sponsored by the City of Santa Clarita and former arts commissioner Sandy Fisher.  For more information, please contact Arts and Events Supervisor, Jeff Barber at (661) 250-3779 or visitArts.Santa-Clarita.com/arts/galleries/.