Elliott Fouts Gallery in Midtown, Sacramento – Pop Art Inspired Ice Cream Social Event
Midtown Sacramento’s Elliott Fouts Gallery recently stirred up nostalgia — serving scoops of sweet ceramic whimsy at its 1970s Pop Art Ice Cream Social, spotlighting the witty and sweet creations of ceramic sculptor Jeff Nebeker. We were invited to preview the new collection and also enjoy some sweet treats!
A Retro Party for the Senses
Held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, the gallery transformed into a vivid retro ice cream parlor: pastel-striped canopies, diner-style pink stools, vintage letter board menus—all honoring the vibrant, playful ethos of 1970s Pop Art. The launch coincided with the gallery’s Second Saturday Art Walk, creating an eclectic cultural mix for attendees.
Meet Jeff Nebeker
Jeff Nebeker — a former pastry chef turned self-taught ceramic artist — perfected a unique approach: squeezing wet clay through pastry tools to mimic whipped frosting, drips, and swirls. His pieces are bound to deceive at first glance—sweet doughnuts, ice cream cones, sundaes — yet they’re all meticulously hand-built ceramics.
Inspired by his 1970s UC Davis stint (under sculptor Robert Arneson and painter Wayne Thiebaud) and fueled by nostalgia for dessert artistry, Nebeker fuses food culture with art, coining his aesthetic as “yum aesthetic”—that instant impulse to taste what you only wish you could eat.
Group Ice Cream Exhibit
The Ice Cream Social exhibition at Elliott Fouts Gallery featured not only the whimsical ceramic work of Jeff Nebeker but also brought together a dynamic group of contemporary artists whose styles complemented the retro pop-art theme.
Participating artists included Chris Leib, Marc Foster, Bridget Flaherty, Jessica Dunegan, Mike McGee, Mimi Yoon, Lisa Kairos, Stephanie Mercado, Steph Blondet and Sara Post. Each artist brought their own playful and colorful interpretation of summertime nostalgia, dessert-themed inspiration, and 1970s flair—ranging from mixed media and resin to abstract painting and figurative sculpture. Their collective works transformed the gallery into a vibrant celebration of sweetness, creativity, and pop culture fun.
Highlights from the Event
Immersive Gallery Vibe
Built over six months, the installation featured reclaimed materials, pastel accents, and immersive flourishes—like a full-service ice cream parlor in Midtown .
Sculptural showcase
Nebeker showcased whimsical ceramic ice cream cones — single- and double-scoop versions, plus sundaes and petit-fours.
A curated group exhibit, Ice Cream Social, also included works by nine additional artists, blending thematic unity and creative diversity through July 31.
A Must-See Sacramento Event
Sensory Delight
The ’70s Pop Art sensibility—bold colors, textures, nostalgia—blended with sculptural illusion delivers a feast for the senses.
Community Charm
Part of the 2nd Saturday Art Walk, it fosters a vibrant arts community atmosphere right in Midtown.
Artist Spotlight
Nebeker’s pieces are lean, quirky, and crowd-pleasing—no wonder his ceramic donuts already sell out fast, drawing viral attention .
Event Details
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Gallery | Elliott Fouts Gallery, 1831 P Street, Midtown Sacramento |
| Event | July 12, 2025 Ice Cream Social (5–8 PM) |
| Exhibition Dates | July 5–31, 2025 |
| Pricing | ~$150+ |
| Extras | All works available to purchase in-gallery & online |
Final Scoop
Elliott Fouts Gallery’s Ice Cream Social is more than an art show—it’s an immersive celebration of Pop Art, pastry nostalgia, and tactile delight. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or just curious about playful sculpture, this event offers a colorful, sweet escape in the heart of Midtown.
Planning a visit? Drop by before July 31. And if you’re craving more of Nebeker’s confectionery clay, his donut sculptures and ice cream cones are now collectible art staples—with viral TikTok fame and fast sell-outs making them even sweeter.
Looking for more midcentury modern art in Sacramento? See our guide to the The Crocker Art Museum!
