KALEID Gallery is proud to present:
The Winter Solstice
David Mejia Solo Exhibition
In an Age of Ice and Darkness, a man named Feroule has lost his clan to the great Frost. Fleeing South, he encounters the clever and long-living Dwarves, who migrate with mighty herds of reindeer. Some reindeer have a special gift for flight. Having created the first drums, Dwarves invoke shamanistic powers over nature and commune with the spirit world. A sacred covenant exists between them and Twin Reindeer Deities, to watch over the reindeer herds, who in turn pull their sleighs.
Igythar, the oldest shaman who once flew with reindeer, tells of the sun which
traversed the sky a thousand years ago in his youth. Deformed shamans emerged from beneath the earth and stole it, cursing The North Pole with Frost and consuming the world beneath clouds. Today the Frost moves to engulf the planet, and everyone must escape South, despite dark magicians impeding their path. Igythar has dedicated his life to retrieving the sun, or finding the one who can. Feroule’s unique talents might make him the last hope, if he can conquer his fears in time.
My story is loosely based on Northern European myths about deities riding through the sky, the ancient winter solstice rituals to ensure the sun’s return, Sami culture, and Shamanism. While not the direct influence of Santa Claus (Bishop Nicholas of Myrna), these elements played a part in shaping the Winter gift giver. I was inspired to create a proto-Santa legend focusing on those elements. I’ve set it in a mythic Stone Age to play with the full range of primitive themes. It has become a long labor of love, and this art show is what I have done so far. The final result will be an illustrated story book for purchase and a feature length animated film.
About the Artist:
Born and raised in San Jose California, David Mejia has been drawing since age six. He’s presented work in art shows and events throughout the Bay Area and Northern California. Since 2010, he’s been a prolific caricature portrait artist at both private and public events.
Artist’s Reception: First Friday, November 6th 5pm–9pm
Part of the First Fridays ArtWalk SJ, free entry and all ages.
Solo Exhibition: November 6–28, 2026
Gallery Hours: Thursdays – *Fridays 12–7pm, Saturdays 12–5pm, and *First Fridays 5–9pm
KALEID Gallery
320 So. 1st St., San Jose
info@kaleidgallery.com
408-947-1785