New exhibition highlights works by local artist Bill Harris

The Carnegie Arts Center presents 'Valley Focus: Bill Harris – From Life' featuring photographs, paintings, and prints by the renowned Modesto artist.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock, California is hosting an exhibition showcasing the work of renowned local artist Bill Harris. The exhibition, titled 'Valley Focus: Bill Harris – From Life,' features a collection of Harris' photographs, paintings, and prints that span his 40-year career as both a photographer and painter in the Central Valley region.

Why it matters

The exhibition provides an opportunity for the community to appreciate the artistic talent and contributions of a long-standing fixture in the local art scene. Harris' work, which captures everyday scenes and people, encourages viewers to slow down and experience an emotional connection with the images.

The details

The exhibition will be on display at the Carnegie Arts Center's Ferrari Gallery from now through May 16. A free public reception celebrating the artist will be held on February 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The exhibition surveys Harris' career, from his early days as a young artist in the Bay Area to the extensive body of photorealist paintings and photographs he has created in the Central Valley over the past four decades.

  • The exhibition 'Valley Focus: Bill Harris – From Life' is on view now through May 16, 2026.
  • A public reception for the artist will be held on February 20, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The players

Bill Harris

A renowned Modesto artist who has been a fixture in the region's art scene for 40 years, working as both a photographer and painter.

Carnegie Arts Center

A cultural institution in Turlock, California that is hosting the exhibition showcasing Bill Harris' work.

Lisa McDermott

The director of the Carnegie Arts Center, who provided commentary on the exhibition and Harris' artistic approach.

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What they’re saying

“Through street photography, translated into photorealist paintings and watercolors, I want to capture slices of life that, in the hurried pace of everyday living, are often overlooked or simply passed by. Across both photography and painting, my work encourages viewers to slow down, question what they are seeing, and experience an emotional connection with the image.”

— Bill Harris, Artist

“Through photography and paintings, Bill has been closely observing people and places throughout his long career. The relationship between what Bill takes pictures of and then what he chooses to paint reflects his interest in carefully representing his surroundings. His skill as a photorealist painter is remarkable; when you walk through the exhibition, you'll be drawn in close to see whether you are looking at a photo or painting – it's a fun challenge.”

— Lisa McDermott, Director, Carnegie Arts Center

What’s next

The Carnegie Arts Center will host a free public reception celebrating the artist on February 20, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The takeaway

This exhibition showcases the remarkable artistic talent and dedication of Bill Harris, a long-standing fixture in the Central Valley art scene. His work, which captures the everyday moments and scenes that often go unnoticed, encourages viewers to slow down, observe, and connect emotionally with the images.