Pollett is one of two Tracy artists featured in the “Something Obscure” exhibit on 10th Street, which displays works from several Bay Area artists. The work on display highlights an abundance of pieces, including several sculptures, paintings and drawings from each of the young artists.
“It’s what Tracy has needed for a long time,” said Mercedes S. Gouveia, who attended the premiere. “I think it’s fantastic. The thing I enjoy the most is the youth, how involved they are. It’s the best thing that’s happened to Tracy.”
Gallery owner Eddie Reyes said he wanted a show that featured Tracy talent. He said everything came together after he spoke to Pollett about doing a show of his own. Because he wanted to showcase a variety of styles, he said, he told Pollett to invite his fellow artists studying at the Academy of Art in San Francisco.
“The whole point of opening the gallery was to inspire the (local) youth,” Reyes said. “There will always be a wall (open) for them.”
Hailing from Tracy in the show are Pollett, a graduate of Delta Charter High School, and Kyle Thaw, who graduated from West High School, both in 2007.
“It’s really exciting,” Pollett said. “I’m glad something like this can happen in Tracy.”
One unique and exciting aspect to the show was a live demonstration of the art forms. Thaw sketched a man’s portrait, and sculptor Anderson Lewis formed clay into human form. Pollett took his art a step farther by inviting onlookers to pick up a brush and add a stroke or two to his portrait.
“I wanted people to feel engaged,” he said. “To feel a part of something.”
Pollett watched as people looked at his paintings, many over 4 feet tall. He said he was curious to see how they responded to his work.
Lewis, who set up a stand next to Pollett’s easel, said it was the first time he had worked on a sculpture during a show. He said he didn’t mind the many onlookers, because he often gets into an artistic “zone” while working on a piece.
“This is really great,” said the Bay Area-based artist. “I really like it a lot — great vibe.”
Halfway through the show’s opening, Thaw set up his drawing easel to work on a sketch. Working in front of an audience was new to Thaw, said his mother, Heidi, who watched from a distance.
“I’m his biggest fan,” she said. “I’m so proud of him.”
She said she was happy that Tracy had a venue for artists like her son. Drawing since he was a child, she said, she always thought he was amazing, and now she was hearing people in the art world saying the same thing.
Members of Pollett’s family were also in attendance, including his mother, Paula. She said he’s been drawing since he was old enough to pick up a pencil, but his work didn’t progress into paint until just a few years ago.
Other artists featured in the show are Mariangela Le Thanh, Trevor Strand and Alex Welch.
During the well-attended premiere, people flowed in and out of the exhibit to check out the different pieces.
“I think it’s amazing,” said Paul Hernandez, who came to the show with his son Kristopher. “I kind of like them all. Unique styles. I try to catch all the shows. It drives, motivates me as an artist.”
The “Something Obscure” exhibit will remain open to the public throughout April.
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