PORTALS, a solo exhibition by local artist Vera Ximenes, is showing through May 28 at the Solomon Dubnick Gallery in downtown Sacramento.

The 11 oil paintings, some as large as 84 x 78 inches, are part of a series completed during the past three years. They are based and focused on the circle form.  While they share a common theme, the paintings are distinctive because of their differing textures, atmospheres, tones and pulsating coronas. The work is installed in a way that it becomes an environmental project. Benches are placed to encourage contemplation.  “I want my work to be of service to viewers, a catalyst to their imaginations, a portal to the unknown and profound,” said Ms. Ximenes.

Ms. Ximenes has worked as a painter since her art student days in the School of Visual Arts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She continued her studies at Sacramento City College and Sacramento State University.  She has shown internationally and nationally. Recently, Lisa Phillips, the director of the New Museum of Modern Art in New York City selected one of her PORTALS in a national, juried competition. The show, “Hidden Cities,” was at the New Century Artists Gallery in Chelsea.

The public is invited to attend a reception on Thursday, May 12, 6-8 p.m. and a Second Saturday opening on May 14, 6-9 p.m. There also will be an artist’s talk and a spoken word event on May 21, from 3-5 pm.

The Solomon Dubnick Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. (916) 444-3868, solomon.dubnick@gmail.com   The gallery is located at 720 Rhodin Lane (between R and S and 7 th and 8 th streets)

Vera Ximenes can be contacted at 916.467.0006 or veraximenesart@gmail.com On the Internet at www.veraximenes.com