YoloArts’ Gallery 625 presents ‘Harvest Gypsies’

The Dust Bowl-era writings of John Steinbeck, the Dada anti-art movement, squatter settlements and the songs of labor and jazz are alluded to in the paintings, assemblage and combines of artist James Vetter that will be on exhibit at Gallery 625 during February. Vetter’s “shanty” approach to his art offers reference to these historic events and movements.

A painter and poet since 1991, Vetter has a bachelor’s degree in studio arts from San Jose State, and is finishing a second bachelor’s degree at Sacramento State in anthropology. He has an extensive experience with many art forms, and his 706 gallery in the Silicon Valley was a catalyst for the emergent underground gallery scene that began in 2000.

Vetter spent six years as the Skylab youth development director for Cottage Housing Inc., and currently is a member of the administration team for the Youth Development Network in Sacramento and a classroom teaching artist for YoloArts’ countywide arts education program.

The exhibit’s opening reception, featuring wine sponsored by Roth Ranch, is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, coinciding with downtown Woodland’s First Friday Art Walk. Vetter will attend.

“If you check out the show before or after the reception, you’ll miss the bonus combine pieces in the lobby,” Vetter said recently in his blog. “These are some pieces that no one has seen before, and one that will be suspended from the ceiling.”

“Harvest Gypsies” will run through Feb. 25 at Gallery 625, the public art gallery curated by YoloArts and located in the County Administration Building, 625 Court St. in Woodland. Regular gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

For more information, call YoloArts at 530-406-4844 or visit yoloarts.org.