NEWS + MEMBER EXHIBITS
by Patrice Boyes
POMONA, CA – On descent to the basement of the converted Progress Building, a warm exhibition space unfolds into the home of the eponymous Sasse Gallery. Owned by Gene Sasse, a commercial photographer, the exhibition space hosted NAWA’s first West Coast show in years, Pacific Influence. Although NAWA does not (yet) have a California chapter, there are numerous Signature Members actively producing remarkable work.
Named after the Roman goddess of fruit, the city of Pomona is located in eastern Los Angeles County and was settled in the 1830s. Sasse founded the nonprofit venue in 2015 to increase public access to art. He delights in hosting exhibitions for local college students among other artists and photographers. He was busy with the finishing touches of NAWA’s exhibit (which was on display January 2 to January 30, 2026) when we arrived shortly before New Years Eve for a special preview of the exhibition (organized by NAWA signature member Jeni Bate).
NAWA’s exhibition flier for “Pacific Influence” held at the Sasse Museum in Pomona, CA.
NAWA Signature Artists’ work interpreted the theme widely, as the prospectus invited. West Coast scenery, figurative work, sculpture and interpretive pieces paid homage to the striking influence the Pacific Ocean has had on the coastal geology, terrain, economy and vitality of California not to mention other West Coast states. For instance, in the San Diego region, the famous Sunset Cliffs are 75-million-year-old sandstone remnants of fierce tidal forces that scoured out the former bay-turned-oceanside terrain. It has long influenced artists.
Sandstone deposited 75 million years ago was constantly eroded by tidal action to form Sunset Cliffs in San Diego, CA. Photo credit: P. Boyes
Searching for Answers by NAWA Signature Artist Heather Stivison at the Pacific Influence show. Photo credit: P. Boyes
NAWA Signature Artist Marian Harris at the opening reception of Pacific Influence. Photo credit: J. Bate
An opening reception was held at The Sasse on January 16, 2026, at which Jeni Bate captured the essence in her image below:
The opening reception of Pacific Influence. Photo credit: J. Bate.
The Award winners for the show were: First Place: “Far from the Tree” by Mary Millman (pastel); Second Place: “Searching for Answers” by Heather Stivison (Acrylic); Third Place: “La Distance qui nous Unit” by Louise Durocher (Sculpture); and Honorable Mention(s): “Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse Sunset” by Carolyn McLeod (photography) and “She Moves in Blue” by Anne Pollard James (oil).
