Photographer Ron Ciamaga Honored by Arts Council

By Bill Zimmerman, Arts Council Menifee

 

Whenever we stroll through an art gallery contemplating each framed piece, we find ourselves wondering where the artist’s inspiration came from.  Artists find that their portraits are an expressive way to communicate their inner soul. Similarly, it seems that many photographers possess the ability to capture alluring images that are so much more than a snapshot.

 

Each month, Arts Council Menifee selects an “Artist of the Month”, and the recipient for January is local photographer Ron Ciamaga.

 

Ciamaga started his art career back in New York in 1970 initially working with oil and acrylics. After moving to Southern California in 1978, he began concentrating on fine art photography and unique digital art pieces. His latest works include a series of limited edition giclée images on paper and canvas, some of which have been exhibited recently at U.S. Bank in Sun City, “Artist in the Park” event at Menifee Lakes and at a juried show in the Southern California area.

 

"I have always been interested in all forms of art. I spent many Sunday afternoons at galleries in the New York area and have developed a deep appreciation for the creativity and imagination that goes into producing a piece of fine art”, said Ciamaga.

 

More recently, his travels around the globe with his wife Joan have given him the chance to capture exciting photographic images from other countries and cultures. “I now have the opportunity to turn those images into framed pieces that I enjoy sharing with others", said Ciamaga.

 

In addition to Fine Art Photography, Ciamaga has developed several one of a kind digital art pieces which have been displayed at Arts Council Menifee gallery receptions this past year at the Kay Ceniceros Center. Having a strong background in computer operations and graphic design gives him the ability to use his technical skills coupled with his artistic ability to create digital images that can truly be classified as fine art. Ciamaga personally designs, prints, mounts and frames all his work for display and sale.

 

Ciamaga is relatively new to the Arts Council Menifee family, having joined only one year ago in November 2013.  He stated that "I attended my first Arts Council Menifee gallery reception last November and after having met the other artists I knew that this was the right place for me to participate in the activities of the group, display my work and grow as an artist”.

 

Art lovers can view Ciamaga’s photographic artwork at Arts Council Menifee’s gallery reception event on Sunday January 11^th at 2 p.m., at the Kay Ceniceros Center. The receptions are always free, and guests enjoy refreshments and music while viewing the newly hung artwork at the community center.

 

Ciamaga has been a valuable patron member to the Arts Council. He volunteers his time and expertise to the Visual Arts division by assisting the team with changing out the gallery before each new showing. The organization appreciates his friendly attitude and helpful spirit.

 

“I have felt a very strong association with all the members of the organization and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. There is such a wide variety of talent, with artists who have unique and highly developed skills and the best thing is the fact that everyone is always willing to share their knowledge in order to help others grow", he said fondly.

 

Ron Ciamaga and his wife Joan are looking forward to their next European adventure which will include stops in London, Paris, Amsterdam and a trip down the Rhine to Zurich. Ciamaga states that he is anxiously awaiting this new opportunity to capture more photographic images to add to his fine art portfolio.

 

For more information about local art activities, please visit: www.artscouncilmenifee.org