2017-2018 Exhibitions
Beloved Object
Sept. 2 – Nov. 11, 2018
Opening Reception Saturday, Sept. 8, 5 – 7 p.m.
Family Open Studios Saturday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Featuring treasured objects from each lender, this exhibition celebrates favorite items from various Southern California collections and organizations. Each of the beautiful and engaging objects is a beloved possession. Some reveal the personal taste of the collector, others preserve a cherished memory or meaningful moment, and still others symbolize a relationship between the artist and the collector or museum. All have a special significance.
Shown at right: Hope Wilmarth, Urban Cathedral. Courtesy of Visions Art Museum.
Stellaluna
July 1 - August 19, 2018
Reception: Saturday, June 30, 5 - 7 p.m.
Janell Cannon's picture books have won many awards and are treasured around the world. One of her most beloved books is Stellaluna, the tender story of a lost young bat who finally finds her way safely home to her mother and friends. Written and illustrated by the Carlsbad artist, Stellaluna was first published in 1993 and is now reaching its second generation of readers. It has been translated into nearly 30 languages. This exhibition celebrates the 25th anniversary of Stellaluna by presenting all of Janell’s original artwork created for the book.
Prom Dress: Seventeen on Being 17
April 29 - June 17, 2018
Seventeen female artists evoke and interpret being 17 years old through the great American Prom. In their work, the artists explore this girlhood rite of passage and all its uncertainty, excitement, doubt and hype. Why does Prom still carry such meaning for many, even years later? Featuring work by Maite Benito Agahnia, Manuelita Brown, Diana Carey, Bronle Crosby, Susan Darnall, Ellen Dieter, Kaori Fukuyama, Julia C R Gray, Diane Hall, Kathleen Kane-Murrell, Kathy McChesney, Lori Mitchell, Gillian Moss, Alison Haley Paul, Julia San Roman, Christine Schwimmer, Gail Titus, Theresa Vandenberg Donche, Brenda York
Opening Reception ● Saturday, April 28, 5 - 7 p.m., Free
Hosted by the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts
Focus on Local Young Filmmakers ● Thursday, May 3, 6:30 p.m., Free
Join us for an evening of prom-themed film shorts by young filmmakers from Carlsbad High School Film Academy. Films will be shown in the Gallery after this event.
Schulman Auditorium
Family Open Studios ● Saturday, May 12, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Free
Carlsbad City Library Complex
A Treasured Collection of Haitian Art
February 11 – April 15, 2018
Despite political, economic and natural upheavals during much of Haiti’s history, Haitians have developed a unique culture, with art and music that speaks to the expressiveness, vitality and indomitable spirit of the people of this small island nation. This exhibition highlights the stunning private collection of Carlsbad resident Lawrence Kent. Featuring more than 45 works from the 1940s to present, the Kent Collection illustrates the diverse and distinct characteristics of Haiti’s visual traditions.
Opening Reception ● Sat., Feb. 24, 5 – 7 p.m., Free
Hosted by the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts
Collector’s Talk ● Sat., Feb. 24, 4:30 p.m., Free
Lawrence Kent shares his thoughts on collecting
Schulman Auditorium
Family Open Studios ● Sat., March 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Free
Carlsbad City Library Complex
Retooled: Highlights from the Hechinger Collection
Oct. 22, 2017 – Jan. 27, 2018
The culmination of a relationship between man and his tools is the collection of John Hechinger, the owner of a successful chain of hardware stores, who began collecting tool-inspired art in the 1980s. This exhibition features 40 pieces of his 400 piece collection and includes a variety of 20th century modern and contemporary pieces, highlighting 28 visionary artists including Jacob Lawrence, Jim Dine, Walker Evans, Fernand Léger, Claes Oldenburg, James Rosenquist, Roger Shimomura and Bernice Abbott. Organized by International Arts & Artists, Washington D.C. Gift of John and June Hechinger.