Arts picks: Up in the sky, it’s a recycled Rocket Man

Who gets better reviews than “Batman v Superman”? Rocket Man, that’s who. A creation made from recycled materials is saving the world (or at least the landfill) at the Chris Sorensen Studio and Galleries. He’s part of the “The Green Show,” and tops my arts picks for the week.

Repurposed art

▪ The event: Forty-one artists participated in “The Green Show,” which required each submitted artwork to be composed of at least 50 percent recycled/repurposed materials. The show was curated by Amy Kohl and Todd Runberg and judged by Jessica Vera and the staff of Mid Valley Disposal Educational Outreach program.

▪ The draw: You’ll find a lot in common with the Fresno Art Museum’s “Trashique” fashion show, and there are lots of clever (and beautiful) entries. But one of the best is Runberg’s whimsical “Rocket Man.” The piece won Best Use of Recycled Materials. It is made from a truck bumper, Freon tank, Harley exhaust parts, knife handles, a trolley toll taker and scrap metal. As it’s hung in the show, this recycled superhero might not quite look as if he can leap a tall building in a single bound, but maybe a short one.

▪ Details: “The Green Show” runs through April 30 at Chris Sorensen Studio and Galleries, 2223 S. Van Ness Ave. www.chrissorensenartstudio.com.

Chinatown treasures

The event: The 96th annual meeting and program of the Fresno Historical Society will include a chance to explore the past in “Treasures From the Vaults: Artifacts From Fresno’s Historic Chinatown.”

The draw: Chuimei Ho and Bennet Bronson, who have written extensively on Chinese-American history and religion, were able to inventory and study the elaborately carved altars and statues, embroidered silk tapestries and other Chinese artifacts that were moved from buildings in Fresno’s Chinatown demolished in the 1960s. They will speak about the significance of these artifacts and the prospects for restoration. Images and a few smaller artifacts from the collection will be on display during the event.

Details: The event begins with wine and appetizers 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at the Fresno Art Museum, 2233 N. First St. (A members-only meeting starts at 6 p.m.) The program follows at 7 p.m. www.valleyhistory.org, 559-441-0862. $25, $20 students.

Clay show

The event: Clay Mix presents a ceramic art exhibition by Craig Easter, who has been working in clay for more than 40 years.

The draw: Easter certainly brings a lot of experience to the role of ceramicist. He started pottery while attending Reedley College and has exhibited nationally with The American Craft Council since 1978. He is an emeritus member of the Association of California Clay and Glass Artists. The exhibition includes his most recent 18-panel wall piece and a series of white bowls with a focus on form and texture.

Details: The exhibition runs through April 30 at Clay Mix, at 1003 N. Abby St. www.clay-mix.com, 559-485-0065.

This story was originally published April 14, 2016 at 3:49 AM with the headline "Arts picks: Up in the sky, it’s a recycled Rocket Man."