The Friends of Harris Center Art Association—comprised of a dedicated and exceptional group of artists, volunteers, and Harris Center supporters—are displaying their works from May 18 through June 15 at the center’s Bank of America Gallery. All proceeds from the show are being donated by the individual artists back to supporting the Harris Center and its mission of enriching the community by providing opportunities to experience artistic work. David Grenier—volunteer artist, photographer, and the association’s chair—is honored for the opportunity to give back to the center he’s supported since day one. “I’m a lifelong fan and supporter of the performing arts; having a theater of this caliber so close to where I live has played a major role in my life,” shares Grenier. 

HLB: WHen did the Friends of Harris Center Art Association begin?  

DG: The association was formed last year, and the members are all artists who also volunteer at the Harris Center, with some having helped since it first opened in February 2011. Each artist will donate all proceeds from their artwork sold at the exhibit directly to the center. It’s the desire and intent of the Friends of Harris Center to make this event an annual fund-raiser and gradually grow the membership, scope, and success.

HLB: How is volunteering rewarding and motivating for you as an artist? 

DG: I know that most, if not all, performing arts theaters cannot survive without the invaluable job that volunteers provide in running the theater and performances. It also can’t survive without the generous donations that individual patrons provide annually. The Harris Center plays a critical role in the community of Folsom—it provides an incredible venue for the staging of some amazing artists, both from around the world and locally, including the visual and performing art students of Folsom Lake College, and partner organizations like El Dorado Musical Theatre. I find it gratifying that my contributions have supported this theater from the beginning and helped achieve its mission.  

HLB: Why are art exhibits so impactful? 

DG: In my humble opinion, creativity is humankind’s highest purpose—with art, in all its various forms, being an essential result of this calling, as it leaves behind an important and essential legacy for all future generations. Leo Tolstoy said: “Art is the activity by which a person, having experienced an emotion, intentionally transmits it to others.”

Art Beat

May 5-June 3 – Moon Over Buffalo. Don’t miss this hilarious play presented by Sutter Street Theatre about George and Charlotte Hay—fading stars of the 1950s who are battling relationship woes and hopeful for one last shot at stardom. Show times are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. sutterstreettheatre.com/moon-over-buffalo 

Note: The Bank of America Gallery is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and one hour before and during the intermission of scheduled performances at the Harris Center.    916-608-6888; harriscenter.net