Artists to Watch: California

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Clars in collaboration with exhibited.at is honored to present the visionary inaugural auction: Artists to Watch: California. This section will lead the Spring Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction held on March 21st, 2 PM PDT.

Founded by former Christie’s specialist Rodania Leong, exhibited.at focuses on art, community and innovation — empowering artists, curators, and galleries with the ability to archive their rich exhibition history while providing guidance on diverse art initiatives. Together with Clars — the exceptional art appraisers and auctioneers who have over fifty years of expertise in hosting Bay Area auctions — this collaboration harnesses the expertise of both exhibited.at and Clars whilst delving into the rich history and allure of California art.

California has long been a force for artistic innovation, and this auction aims to showcase the work of ten pioneering artists based in the Golden State. A few of the artists who will be featured in this inaugural sale are Gabe Weis and Alexa Arnold.


Gabe Weis (American, 20th century), <em>So What?</em>, 2023, mixed media collage with acrylic paint, oil markers, and graffiti markers on canvas, canvas: 40″ x 30″.
Gabe Weis (American, 20th century), So What?, 2023, mixed media collage with acrylic paint, oil markers, and graffiti markers on canvas, 40″ x 30″.
Estimate: $7,000–$10,000

Gabe Weiss is a mixed media and NFT artist living in the Bay Area. The self-taught artist is inspired by street art and stoic philosophy and uses a stream-of-consciousness approach to his work to explore perceptions of reality. His physical and digital works are shown internationally. This past year, his work has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale, Picasso Museum, Seattle Art Fair, and various galleries throughout Asia and the United States. Gabe is committed to sustainability in his craft. By reusing older materials found around the house, such as cereal boxes, maps, and old dictionaries to create timeless works, he hopes his work inspires others to reuse materials as part of their art practice.


Gabe Weis (American, 20th century), Oppose Reality, 2023, mixed media with watercolor crayons, acrylic paint, and graphite on watercolor paper, paper: 30″ x 22.5″.
Gabe Weis (American, 20th century), Oppose Reality, 2023, mixed media with watercolor crayons, acrylic paint, and graphite on watercolor paper, 30″ x 22.5″.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

Alexis Arnold is a mixed media visual artist in Oakland, CA. Her artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Aspen Art Museum, Napa Valley Museum, Whatcom Museum, Beaux-Arts Mons Belgium, Atlanta Airport, Bergdorf Goodman, di Rosa, and The NY Hall of Science. Alexis’ work is included in the collections of SFMOMA, Meta, VCU, MediaMath, Costa Cruises, University of Pittsburgh, and others.


Alexis Arnold (American, 20th century), Book, ‘Oxford Deictionary of Art’, 2024, Crystallized Book Series, book and borax sculpture, signed verso, overall: 7.75″ x 11″ x 8″.
Alexis Arnold (American, 20th century), Book, ‘Oxford Deictionary of Art’, 2024, Crystallized Book Series, book and borax sculpture, overall: 7.75″ x 11″ x 8″.
Estimate: $1,500–$2,500

The history of art in California holds profound significance, reflecting a dynamic intersection of cultural, social, and environmental influences. As a beacon of creativity and innovation, California has been a canvas for diverse artistic movements — from the early 20th-century Bohemian enclaves to the rise of contemporary art hubs. The state’s artistic legacy truly encapsulates the spirit of experimentation and cultural diversity unique to California, its rich history nourishing the evolution of artistic expression and societal shifts, and the transformative power of the Californian landscape on the creative imagination.


Alexis Arnold (American, 20th century), <em>Torus</em>, 2022, acrylic on cotton rag, signed verso, rag: 26″ x 18″, overall (frame): 29″ x 21.5″.
Alexis Arnold (American, 20th century), Torus, 2022, acrylic on cotton rag, 26″ x 18″, overall (frame): 29″ x 21.5″.
Estimate: $3,000–$4,000

With this inaugural auction, we take great pride in introducing ten esteemed artists who persistently enrich the tapestry of California art. Their work resonates with audiences and collectors worldwide, serving as pioneers in the evolution of artistic expression. We invite you to immerse yourself in this presentation, offering an opportunity to discover, connect, and support those instrumental in shaping the lasting legacy of California’s art history.

Join us in celebrating their creativity, innovation, and enduring impact! For more information or any questions, please reach out to [email protected] and [email protected].

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