Slideshow: Art Galleries at Soka

Joseph Raffael's collection of watercolor paintings titled and can be found inside the  Founders hall until April 15.

Raffael's paintings are featured across the walls on the first floor.

"It's rare to see watercolor paintings on such a huge scale," said Earlyn Mosher, manager of community relations at Soka University. "These two galleries have all been spread by word of mouth, and people keep coming."

An artist visiting the gallery and had high praise for Raffael's work.

"His work is some of the finest I've ever seen," said Penny Fedorchak, who visited the gallery for her 70th birthday. "This is a master of the 21st century and is on the level of Van Gogh."

On the second floor is Ryan's ceramic collection. An artist for more than 30 years, Ryan has recently begun creating ceramic sculptures of boats.

"My father was a seaman and also worked as a fisherman," he said. "Later, I became a fisherman too, and that's what inspires my work. I teach here [at Soka] and at Saddleback College."

The two collections will be on display until April 15. Admission is free, and the halls are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Visit Soka's website for more information. Learn more about Raffael and Ryan online.