Apr 18 • Artist Reception | Baumann & Stryker

Artist Reception

Sierra Arts Riverside & Annex Galleries

April 18, 2026 | 1:00-3:30

Exhibiting Artists:

Beck Baumann | Pawn Shop – Sequins have been Beck’s primary medium since 2020. As a self-taught artist, she was inspired by a mid-century craft where styrofoam fruits or ornaments were covered with sequins and beads that were pinned in place. In Beck’s process, a styrofoam understructure is carved and painted, and then a variety of sequined fabrics, trims, and loose sequins are glued and pinned in place. She incorporates garbage styrofoam and thrifted sequined clothes into her work whenever possible to give these items a second life. This mix of materials gives her the freedom to make anything that comes
to mind.

Beck’s theme for her 2026 shows is “Pawn Shop.” She will recreate the treasures that are typically pawned, all in her signature sequin style. It’s a kind of bittersweet nostalgia, seeing the jewelry, musical instruments, designer bags, and electronics that people surrender when they need cash. Because of their inherent value, these items will never be thrown away, but find new value with new owners. And just like a real shop, the contents of “Pawn Shop” will change with each showing, as pieces are sold and added.

Karen Stryker | Colorful Natures Impressionism – Karen Stryker strives to capture the feeling of each moment, the play of light, the vibrancy of color, and the unique story every scene tells. She begins with a vibrant acrylic underpainting before layering oils, places complementary colors side by side, and masterfully creates depth. Her philosophy is: “Crawl inside your painting like you are really there and paint from your heart!”  
Her oil and acrylic paintings reflect her passion for a vivid, whimsical, and delightful Impressionist style.

Gallery Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday 11:00am to 4:00pm

For information about the exhibit and the artist, please contact the gallery curator, Maria Partridge • maria@sierra-arts.org