Prominent Sacramento area artists Skinner and Jay Howell, in cooperation with design studio Abide Visuals, came together in late 2004 with a single goal in mind: to elevate the status and recognition of the Sacramento art scene. They see a whole new breed of up-and-coming young artists drafting their own ambitious, modern and energetic aesthetic without the aid of established galleries or commercial support.
These artists, many having shown separately with moderate success, look forward to coming together as one unique, cohesive force to facilitate a well-attended, best-selling art event and installation.
The intent of the show is, foremost, to bring greater recognition to aspiring talent, but also, to the gallery's benefit, to conveniently provide a solid, well-bodied variety of affordable, professional art products within the environment of an impressive installation.
Aaron Winters, Skinner and Jay Howell. Adrienne Yan, Judd Hertzler, Mike Rafter, Nathan Cordero, Blamo!, Jairus Tonel, Kevin Price, Jeff Melendez, and Garin Moore. (John Stuart Berger, among others, joined for the SF show.)
The UltraMega San Francisco debut was a blast. Thanks to the fine people at 111 Minna for a great opening night, and thanks to everyone who came out for the party. The place looked great and was packed and crackin' off until 2am.
Originally published Apr 06, 2005 in The SF Weekly:
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK: The Sacramento art scene — yes, there is one — heads to S.F.
Now's your chance, however, to learn something important about the Sacramento art scene, courtesy of the Ultramega Art Conglomerate. First, there is one. Second, said scene is coming, en masse, to San Francisco -- or at least the members of Ultramega are coming, and they're a big part of it. The collective consists of artists, graphic designers, musicians, skaters, and graffiti kids from the capital city, some of whom had the brilliant idea of working together to command the attention of the outside world.
The inspiration for Ultramega is what you'd expect out of a place with a bit of a chip on its cultural shoulder: "We were tired of Sacramento's long-time shabby reputation," group organizer Aaron Winters said in a recent e-mail, "fed by crummy photocopied record covers; lame, do-nothing art events; a lousy club scene; and a notorious reputation with alcohol." After Winters joined forces with Jay Howell, an illustrator for skateboard companies and record labels, and the one-named Skinner, an artist known outside city limits for his melting monster visions, the trio recruited other members and set about promoting one another's work. "One of the major tenets of the group is to help each other succeed," Winters said. "For example, instead of 10 Web sites requiring 10 different promotional efforts, why not have one that we can all contribute to?" That site, www.theultramega.com, received more than 40,000 hits in its first month alone.
The 24-day show here in San Francisco has the air of a carnival tumbling into town — a wild array of styles and personalities under one big top.
Nathan Cordero, Aaron Winters and Skinner continue to push themselves and Sacramento towards some semblance of larger recognition. Much of the spirit — and members — of The UltraMega can be found in Exit Strategy magazine. Adrienne Yan and Jay Howell have relocated to San Francisco, joining Kevin Price there. Mike Rafter continues to film and run his skateshop, Flatspot. Blamo! relocated to Los Angeles the day of the show and is currently doing design for a leading streetwear company there.
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