Safekeeping: The Art of Val Polyanin

Limited Time Art Exhibit by Ukraine born, Val Polyanin, is a Must-See in Crescent City, California.

New Exhibit Opens May 5, 2023 5-7:30pm to the Public.

The public is invited to the opening reception for the retrospective exhibition of local artist, Val Polyanin, called “Safekeeping: The Art of Val Polyanin.  This free art event is on display for a limited time in downtown Crescent City only on the first Friday of the month from May to October 2023.

Where: Old Bank of America Building, 240 H Street Crescent City, California 95531

When: The temporary gallery will only be open on the First Friday of every month 5-7:30pm May – Oct 2023 and part of downtown Crescent City’s First Friday celebration

A Ukraine born resident until 1986, Val Polyanin fled Soviet rule after being creatively stifled and not allowed to make art. He landed in Crescent City and continued to make an abundance of art at his roadside shipping container art studio from 1988 to 2022. If you’ve ever driven through Crescent City prior to 2022, you might remember seeing his studio along Highway 101 near South Beach.

Val gifted over 900 pieces to the City of Crescent City for safekeeping. A group of dedicated City staff and volunteers worked months to bring this unorthodox art exhibit to life. The exhibit is filled with paintings, sculptures, assemblage and more fashioned from a variety of materials, including circuit boards and redwood. It’s something you have to see to believe.

Thanks to Redwood Voice — a community youth-led production and media company and news — for the amazing videos, like this one below!