UPCOMING
​Repetition Rhythm Ritual

October 3 - 26, 2025 
Second Saturday Reception: October 11, 5 – 8 pm

Axis Gallery
625 S St, Sacramento, CA 95811
Gallery Hours: Friday - Sunday, 12 - 5 pm
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My studio at 6394 13th Street presents From West Africa to the American South, a collection of masks from the West African countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, Gabon, Nigeria, and Democratic Republic of the Congo, in conversation with face vessels from Georgia. Face masks have a deep history in rituals and festivals across the African continent, embodying spirits and powers in the community. American face vessels or jugs were originally made by black slaves in the South in the mid-1800s. According to the Smithsonian, “the vessels may have had religious or burial significance, or that they reflect the complex responses of people attempting to live and maintain their personal identities under harsh conditions.” It was not until the late 1800s that white Southern potters started producing these vessels.


Presented in this exhibition is a small sample of the collection by Ernie Boone, an avid collector of African masks, sculptures, and Southern folk art.


A FEW WORDS FROM ERNIE

I would hope he/she takes away an appreciation of the prevalence and value different cultures place on art and how it can be expressed in so many ways. Many cultures create masks for a variety of reasons (tradition, ceremony, dance, spiritual, lamenting loss, seasonal change, marriage, transition to adulthood, etc.). Masks are used for one reason or another in the South Pacific, Japan, China, by both West and Northwest indigenous people, Mexico, South America, Nepal, Africa, and a host of other countries. I find African masks to be the most expressive, interesting, and decorative. Whether a wall bears a single mask or a collection, I think they make for great viewing, contemplation, and discussion. 
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I am excited to share that I have been awarded a Creative Growth Fellowship grant by the City of Sacramento's Office of Arts and Culture. I am thrilled to use this grant to enhance and uplift my community! This support will allow me to share more art from the community, in the community.
Verge Regional Residency Program

I am honoured to be the regional artist in residence this summer at the Verge Center for the Arts.
                                                    Ethnic Heritage Art Gallery
Artist Spotlight

In addition to the main exhibition showing in the Seattle Municipal Tower, the Ethnic Heritage Art Gallery looks to highlight the works of artists on our roster and in the community with our Artist Spotlight. Click here for this virtual exhibit where we will be highlighting selected works of Fiona K. Lau. 
© 2025  Fiona K. Lau