Exploring the Cultural Significance of Anno Domini Gallery’s Collection

Ms. Cherri Lakey, co-founder of Anno Domini gallery, never had the chance to meet Mr. Zack Luchetti, an artist and teacher who was raised in Oakland and studied under the tutelage of illustrator Barron Storey at San Jose State. However, his work was so impressive that she and her partner, Mr. Brian Eder, decided to produce a tribute show in his honor as part of this week’s South First Fridays art walk in downtown San Jose. Unfortunately, Luchetti will not be there to witness it himself. He passed away from colon cancer in at the age of while residing in Murphys, where he had been teaching.

Last year, Anno Domini held a retrospective of Storey’s work from his “golden age”, and Cathy Luchetti, Zack’s mother, attended the showing due to her son’s admiration for the former teacher. Upon her arrival, she inquired if the gallery at S. First St. would be interested in exhibiting her son’s artwork. Lakey commented that “Typically with submissions, they’re not always a fit, but this was incredible work.” He went on to comment that Zack has an “unique perspective” when it comes to viewing nature and humanity, as well as the BART station and other exotic locations he has visited, making his work stand out from the rest.

The performance was truly distinguished. The show takes its name from a painting of a man illuminating wolves with a lightbulb, which symbolizes the attempt of Luchetti – an elementary educator – to impart knowledge to his recalcitrant students. His other vivid works draw similarities with the works of Pablo Picasso, surrealist Salvador Dali, muralist Diego Rivera, and even underground cartoonist R. Crumb; however, their amalgamation is something novel through Luchetti’s viewpoint. “They are awfully convoluted,” stated Lakey. “His art carries numerous layers of meaning. Those were the parts that really stirred me.

The monthly South First Fridays Art Walk, which has grown in scope to encompass Fountain Alley and Martha Gardens in addition to the SoFA District, runs from pm to pm at various locations. An up-to-date listing of this week’s events, as well as a downloadable map, can be located on the website www.southfirstfridays.com. Some highlights for this week include a reception for “Me Earth”, an exhibition of work by Vietnamese-American artist Tuan Tran who uses found objects in his art, at Chopsticks Alley, the Asian Fusion Art Collective at the new Open San Jose space at S. Second St.

This Friday marks the last opportunity to view “Pertencer: To Belong” at the MACLA gallery before its closure on March . The exhibition offers a range of pieces from more than local artists and can be previewed in greater detail at www.workssanjose.org. Additionally, Open San Jose will be hosting a fashion show featuring the designs of one of its tenants at : p.m. The event is scheduled in anticipation of the community art auction and auction party on March .

In light of the increased likelihood of wet weather this weekend, Bank of America cardholders can make prudent use of their time indoors; as it is the commencement of the month, they are eligible for a gratis entrance to various cultural venues, including the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, San Jose Museum of Art, and Tech Interactive, courtesy of the “Museums on Us” program. This weekend also marks the presence of artworks not belonging to regulars, with Pilar Agüero-Esparza, Rayos Magos, Kristina Micotti, Héctor Muñoz-Guzmán, Vanessa Wallace-Gonzales, and Jennifer White-Johnson notably represented.

What we can learn

The art show “Pertencer: To Belong” at the MACLA gallery is in its last days, offering local artists from the San Jose area a chance to showcase their works. Additionally, Open San Jose will be hosting a fashion show with one of its tenants. These two opportunities provide attendees a chance to explore the creative talent of the San Jose community. With just a few days left on this exhibition, any attendee should consider these amazing experiences before its scheduled closure on March 25th, 2021.