City Hall Gallery Opening Reception: "Edge of Memory" and "Not Just A Looking Glass"

The Solana Beach Public Arts Commission proudly presents Edge of Memory, a collection of art from Sarah Baek, and Not Just A Looking Glass, a collection of mosaics by Yuriy Akopov, on view now through August.

Sarah Baek’s work transforms shifting memories into emotional landscapes through images of nature and layered surfaces. She draws inspiration from subtle natural sensations that remain in her memory over time, including soft light, gentle colors, and impressions from her childhood. These traces settle into her paintings as calm textures and tones that evoke comfort, healing, and nostalgia. In Edge of Memory, Baek reflects on how recollections change and return with new meaning as time passes. Nature appears in her work as it is remembered rather than seen, creating an intimate space where viewers can pause and sense the quiet movement of memory. Her paintings invite a moment of stillness and offer a subtle experience of emotional reflection.

Yuriy Akopov's exhibit is meant to spark your imagination. The name 'Not Just A Looking Glass' asks us to look beyond ourselves and rather into the feeling of childlike joy. Like a mosaic, life is full of jagged cuts and smooth edges, which, when put together create a whole picture. No one piece is more important than the other, they must all work in harmony. 

Artist Biography:

Sarah Baek is a painter based in San Diego. Her work explores how memories change over time and how feelings can be expressed through color, nature-inspired shapes, and layered surfaces. Born in Korea, she earned her MFA in Painting from Hongik University. She often works with recycled and handmade paper, soft textures, and gentle layers of color to turn childhood memories and emotional moments into calm, atmospheric landscapes. Baek has held solo exhibitions at SukAm Museum of Art in Daegu, Gallery GB in Seoul, and Kim Jung Suk Gallery in Incheon. She has also shown her work in exhibitions across the United States, Korea, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Her awards include Second Prize at the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Art Exhibition and an Honorable Mention at the 91st Ken Exhibition in Japan. Her paintings have been featured on KUSI Channel 7 News in San Diego and published in art books and journals.

Visit her website at www.sarahbaekart.com or follow her on Instagram at @sarahbaekart

Yuriy Akopov began his journey as a mosaic artist when he immigrated to the United States in 1998. Since then has been working hard to perfect his craft in creating Mosaic sculpture and pieces. Every piece has its own story and he works hard to incorporate his community and all he sees around him to create his art. 

Visit his website at www.glassmosaicmaster.com or follow him on Instagram at @glassmosiacmonster

Opening Reception:

The community is invited to attend a special opening reception on Thursday, July 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at City Hall Gallery. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artist, explore the exhibit, and enjoy light refreshments. This reception is a great chance to connect with fellow art lovers and celebrate this exhibit.

For more information this program, please visit the Solana Beach City Hall Gallery webpage.