JANUARY
2024
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH CULTURAL ARTS NEWSLETTER
MANHATTAN BEACH ART CENTER 1560 MANHATTAN BEACH BLVD. MANHATTAN BEACH, CA 90266 (310) 802-5440 | INFOMBAC@MANHATTANBEACH.GOV WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY 10 AM - 5 PM
Upcoming Exhibition Return to Form The Manhattan Beach Art Center (MBAC) is pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition, "Return to Form," a study of classicism through a contemporary lens. For centuries, classical art stood as the stalwart cornerstone of Western culture, its enduring legacy shaped by artists who underwent rigorous training, with the human form serving as both the measuring device of their competence and the quintessential vehicle to express profound ideas. As Friedrich Leighton articulated in 1879, "We have within us the faculty for a range of emotions of vast compass, of exquisite subtlety, and of irresistible force, to which Art and Art alone amongst human forms of expression has the key." Yet, in the last hundred years, the landscape of artistic expression has undergone a transformative shift, as classicism made room for the rise of conceptual and abstract art. Return to Form ushers in the resurgence of classical ideals through the works of exceptional artists: Nora Ann-Francis Martin-Hall, Edgar Silva, Lucy Cui, and Brittany Ryan. Each of these contemporary artists pays homage to traditions of the past, adopting a classical approach in their creative endeavors. By way of the human form, these artists rethink how beauty is defined and reframe tenets of classicism in a contemporary landscape. Return to Form will be on view at the Manhattan Beach Art Center January 19 through March 31, 2024.
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Opening Reception Return to Form
Join the Manhattan Beach Art Center on Friday, January 19 at 5pm to 7pm for the opening reception of Return to Form featuring artists Nora AnnFrancis Martin-Hall, Edgar Silva, Lucy Cui, and Brittany Ryan "Return to Form” will be exhibited at the Manhattan Beach Art Center January 19 through March 31, 2024, located at 1560 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. The event is free and open to the public.
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Meet the Artist Nora Ann-Francis Martin-Hall
Nora Ann-Francis Martin-Hall spans a range of artistic media and visual imagery dabbling in photorealism, illustration, sculpture and fabrication. Nora Martin-Hall’s work is known for a quirky, playful aesthetic grounded in traditional representational painting and drawing. Nora mines a vast pool of personal interests ranging from Southern California culture and biology to drag queen aesthetics to make statements on consciousness, alternate realities, and identity. Nora Martin-Hall has exhibited work in Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Palm Springs, with works in private collections in the United States, Japan, Sweden, Canada, England, and Turkey. View Nora Martin Hall’s artwork at the Manhattan Beach Art Center’s upcoming exhibition, Return to Form.
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Meet the Artist Edgar Silva
Edgar Silva’s work focuses on capturing the hard work, culture, and aspirations of the working-class community in Los Angeles, depicting family, friends, and community members in a naturalist style with oil paint. Influenced by masters such as Diego Velazquez and John Singer Sargent, the artist studied on a full scholarship at Art Center College of Design with notable instructors and now teaches classes at various art colleges and workshops. The artist is also available for commissioned portraits. View Edgar Silva’s artwork at the Manhattan Beach Art Center’s upcoming exhibition, Return to Form.
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Meet the Artist Lucy Cui
Lucy Cui is a highly skilled concept artist, specializing in environmental and set design. Her artistic pursuits center around the film and video game industries, and she diligently seeks to expand her knowledge of various cultures, histories, and storytelling techniques to enhance her world-building abilities. In addition to her artistic passions, Lucy enjoys watching cartoons and embarking on scenic hikes. View Lucy Cui’s artwork at the Manhattan Beach Art Center’s upcoming exhibition, Return to Form.
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Meet the Artist Brittany Ryan
Brittany Ryan is a California-based artist who specialized in sculpture. She graduated from Laguna College of Art and Design in 2005 with a BFA in Illustration and a minor in Sculpture, and in 2010 with an MFA in drawing and painting. Brittany has won several awards for her work, including the Gold Medal award at the National Sculpture Societies 87th Annual Awards show in 2020 and first place in sculpture at the Portrait Society International competition in 2021. She has also completed a monumental sculpture project called "Canyon Walkers" and worked as a sculpture department coordinator and instructor at Laguna College of Art + Design since 2014. Brittany's art strives to find a balance between modern and classical aesthetics while still maintaining a sense of identity and narrative. View Brittany Ryan’s artwork at the Manhattan Beach Art Center’s upcoming exhibition, Return to Form.
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Meet the Instructor Lucy Cui Introducing MBAC’s newest instructor, Lucy Cui, a talented concept artist whose expertise lies in environment and set design. Lucy's passion lies in the film and video game industries, and she constantly strives to learn about different cultures, history, and storytelling to improve her worldbuilding skills. Along with her dedication to art, Lucy has a love for watching cartoons and exploring scenic hiking trails.
Intro to Oil Painting Join us for our Introduction to Oil Painting class and immerse yourself in the realm of oil painting. This course will walk you through how to set up your materials and brushes, teach the fundamentals of design, and help you produce your very own paintings under the guidance of a trained instructor. Let your imagination go wild as you bring white canvases to life and experience the delight of using the rich medium of oil paint to express yourself. All skill levels welcome! Supplies are not included. For ages 18+. Wednesday, February 7-April 10, 2024
6:30PM-9:30PM
#42634
Intro to Charcoal Dive into the expressive world of our Charcoal drawing class! Explore the interplay of light and shadow, get a feel for the materials, and refine your skills in creating expressive compositions. Whether you are a beginner or looking to enhance your artistic abilities, this class offers a productive space to hone your craft. Unearth the power of charcoal to create stunning visual drawings. All skill levels welcome! Supplies are not included. For ages 18+. Thursday, February 8-April 11, 2024
6:30PM-9:30PM
#42633
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Raku Workshop Manhattan Beach Art Center
Explore the exciting art of Raku firing in this hands-on workshop! Students will glaze and fire their pieces, participating in the entire process. Students are limited to bring 3-4 pieces, space is limited so not all work may be fired. Pieces limited to no more than 4” wide and 8” tall. Pieces must be bisque fired prior to workshop. An information sheet about this workshop and requirements will be emailed to participants. Fire safe clothes and closed toed shoes must be worn. Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Workshop is conducted outdoors, behind the Manhattan Beach Art Center. For ages: 18+ Wednesday, March 20 1PM - 4PM
To register for this workshop please visit: Raku
#41720
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Art Lab With Natalie Strong Come explore the possibilities with a variety of materials and mediums. Projects inspired by current working artists are just the starting point for you to discover your own style and process. Artists of all abilities welcome.
For ages: 8 to 12 years old
For ages: 5 to 9 years old
Tuesday, January 23 through March 19
Wednesday, January 24 through March 20
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
#41467
#41466
To sign up please visit: Art Lab
To sign up please visit: Art Lab
To register for this class please visit: Art Lab
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Adult Art Journaling With Natalie Strong Come experiment with the freedom and self-expression of art journaling. Working in a provided sketchbook (you may bring your own if you prefer), learn various approaches to capturing your thoughts, feelings and ideas using mixed media materials and drawing techniques. All skill levels are welcome.
For ages: 18 and up
For ages: 18 and up
Wednesday, January 24 through March 27
Thursday, January 25 through March 28
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
#41462
#41463
To sign up please visit: Adult Art Journaling
To sign up please visit: Adult Art Journaling
To register for these classes please visit: Adult Art Journaling
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Classes with Edgar Silva! Unleash your inner artist and discover the joy of creating with the Manhattan Beach Art Center's (MBAC) latest addition to their team of talented instructors - Edgar Silva. As an accomplished artist and professor, Silva brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his captivating introduction to drawing and painting. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore your creative side and enroll in his Foundations Drawing and Painting classes today! Supplies are not included.
Foundations Drawing
Foundations Painting
For ages 18+
For ages 18+
January 26 - March 29
January 26 - March 29
9 AM - 12 PM
12 PM - 3 PM
#41471
#41472
To register please visit: Foundations of Drawing and Painting
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Glaze Lab Manhattan Beach Art Center Begin your journey into the world of ceramics by visiting Glaze Lab! Glaze Lab offers an array of premade ceramic pieces for participants to glaze. The fee includes all materials, firing, and labor. No need to make reservations, all you have to do is bring in your creativity. For more information please visit: Glaze Lab.
Glaze Lab Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10AM - 4PM
Glaze Lab Closed: MBAC Gallery Installation: January 6, 7, 13, 14, 2024 April 6, 7, 13, 14, 2024 Holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day CULTURAL ARTS NEWSLETTER 12
$ attn:
CERAMICS BUCKS Now available at the Manhattan Beach Art Center! Card payments only
For more information, call or visit us at: 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Wednesday-Sunday, 10-5pm (310)802-5440
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CULTURAL ARTS CALENDAR
JANUARY SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
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City Hall - CLOSED
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
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MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
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MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
Raku 1-4PM Behind MBAC
Return to Form 10-5PM Glaze Lab 10-4PM
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23. Art Lab 3:30-5PM MBAC
MBAC
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Return to Form 105PM Glaze Lab 10-4PM MBAC
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Art Lab 3:30-5PM MBAC
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19.
MBAC CLOSED Return to Form FOR INSTALLATION Opening
Reception 5-7PM MBAC
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
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Return to Form Return to Form 10-5PM 10-5PM Adult Art Journaling Adult Art 11:30AM - 1PM Journaling 1011:30AM Art Lab 2:30-4PM MBAC MBAC
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Return to Form Glaze Lab 10-4 MBAC
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Return to Form Return to Form 10-5 10-5PM Glaze Lab 10-4 Foundations MBAC Drawing 9AM-12PM Light Gate Sunset Foundations 5PM Painting 12-3PM Between City Hall MBAC and Library
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Return to Form 105PM Adult Art Journaling 11:30AM - 1PM Art Lab 2:30-4PM MBAC
*Hybrid = In City Council Chamber and via Zoom
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