Get ready for the return of Sutter Health’s Midtown Second Saturday on May 11! We’re thrilled to introduce you to this year’s featured artist, Jaya King. Jaya is a Sacramento-based artist focusing on contemporary abstract and semi-abstract acrylic art. Join us as we chat with Jaya about her artistic journey and involvement in Second Saturday.

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what initially drew you to pursue art as a passion or career?

A: Art has always been my passion. Ever since I was a kid I knew I would grow up to be an artist. Although I’d been exhibiting since 2003 and had my own teaching practice, it was in 2015 that I truly grasped what it takes to succeed in the art world. I made a deliberate shift to approach my art as a serious business.

This change in mindset allowed me to better understand the practical aspects of being an artist in business, such as marketing, taxes, and financial management. This shift has enabled me to not only pursue my passion but also thrive as a professional artist.

Q: How did you first get involved with Second Saturday, and what does it mean to you as a local artist?

A: I first learned about Second Saturday through a friend a while back. I was intrigued by the art scene in Sacramento so I decided to see what it was all about. When I experienced Second Saturday for the first time in 2015, I was truly impressed by how many people were out enjoying the event. It was a vibrant atmosphere with a real sense of community. Fast forward to 2024, I’m excited to now be a part of revitalizing the event and raising awareness to support local artists. Second Saturday is not just about showcasing art; it’s about recharging the vitality of the community, encouraging people to explore different venues, purchase artwork, and immerse themselves in the creative experience.

Q: How would you describe your artistic style and what sets your work apart from other artists?

A: My artistic style revolves around color; I’m a huge color nerd. My inspiration slides on  a spectrum of monochromatic to vibrant Technicolor. My current body of work is heavily textured, colorful, semi-abstract acrylics. That being said, I also create large-scale monochromatic portraits using pencil and charcoal. My style is diverse, ranging from murals to abstract paintings. In galleries, my work tends to be textured contemporary pieces bursting with color, offering a different vibe from my murals.

Q: How has living or working in Sacramento influenced your artistic style?

A: Living and working in Sacramento has been immensely influential on my artistic career. Moving here was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The moment I transitioned to Sacramento, I experienced a surge of art opportunities. It’s been a fun journey becoming part of the community, making connections, and immersing myself in the local art scene.

Sacramento has provided me with the platform to explore my artistic themes more deeply. Since moving here, I’ve delved into large-scale mural projects and abstract works, expanding my artistic skill sets in ways I hadn’t imagined before.

Q: What are some of your aspirations or goals as an artist, both in terms of your personal growth and the impact you hope to make through your art?

A: One goal has always been a solo museum show. I’m proud to say I have a solo exhibition now scheduled for 2027 at the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara, this is a significant milestone for me. I aim for this exhibition to travel to major institutions. Creating an impact through art is really the broader conversation. Through my actions I hope to inspire others by embodying the change I wish to see, and motivate future artists to harness their creativity and take the leap.

Q: How does participating in events like Second Saturday allow you to connect with your audience or community in ways that are unique compared to other platforms or venues?

A: Participating in events like Second Saturday offers a unique opportunity to connect with my audience and community in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. I find the casual vibe allows people to support their friends’ shows while also exploring new restaurants and activities in Midtown. It’s not uptight; instead, Second Saturday fosters a sense of ease and inclusivity. This makes it an ideal platform for newcomers to the creative scene to take their first steps.

Limited Edition Midtown Second Saturday Poster

Jaya painted an original abstract art piece for Second Saturday titled Local Color.

Follow @exploremidtown on Instagram to enter a giveaway to win your own limited edition Midtown Second Saturday poster.

Connect with Jaya