Swell endeavors to illuminate the culture of surfing as it relates to visual art. Contributing artist Alex Weinstein offers this statement about the exhibition: "It is hard to overstate the impact of the Pacific Ocean on the culture of California. Surfers know the feeling best: immersion into overwhelming, tempestuous grandeur. For artists in their studios; the act is similar. Bringing an artwork to completion is no less an encounter; often its fruition is inevitably the account of a struggle between maker and medium for something greater, ineffable, sublime. Since the 1960’s, surfing has brought millions of people into the ocean; thanks in large part to an industry born here in the South Bay. In emotional terms, what happens in the sea is at once deeply personal and often, curiously universal. The artists in this exhibition all share a lineage with the broader matrix of estuaries born of the Pacific. In the hands of several, fiberglass, urethane foam, and polyester resin – the very DNA of surfing – is deconstructed and recast. Within this broader context, some are working in a renewed investigation of Light and Space – a decade’s old response to the dour austerity of New York-based Minimalism. Here and now, sleek manufacturing and sunset-tones yield a type of chemical optimism that is distinctly Californian. Others have brought the causal materiality of the sea itself: its primeval erosive/generative forces into their output. There are works here of great gestural mass owing to the heroic sweep and indomitable attitude of the ocean. For other artists in this exhibition, their narratives present more conceptually, perhaps even quietly, sharing larger interior discoveries made among the waves. "
Education Space Swell
After viewing the exhibition, Swell, be sure to check out the side gallery, for kid-friendly, educational resources.
To begin your journey of ink washing, you will follow the steps that are laid out in the space and use the materials that are provided. Staff created this activity for guests to explore and share their creativity.
For more information about the exhibition please visit: Swell.
Call For Artists!
Annual Community Exhibition
Calling all artists! Applications will be closing June 5, at 12PM. The Annual Community Exhibition will not be tied to a theme, however, preference is given to artists with close ties to the Manhattan Beach community. To submit an application please visit:
Annual Community Exhibition Application
Important Reminders:
The following will not be accepted:
Artwork requiring power
Art emitting sound
Video art
Work that is not hang ready
The Manhattan Beach Art Center's Annual Community Exhibition will be on view starting July 28, through October 8, 2023.
Silver Metal Clay Pendant Workshop
with Chris Brooks
In this specialized art workshop, beginning and returning students will learn how to make an open work pendant using Silver Metal Clay. Students will have the option of choosing a variety of designs, or can create their own. In this workshop, you will also learn how to make a wire like bail. This small workshop offers plenty of individual attention. The workshop fee includes all materials, and tools will be included. Firing will be done offsite, and you will be contacted to pick up your artwork at the Manhattan Beach Art Center within 10 days. Age 18+
Workshop:
Saturday, June 24 9:30AM - 3:30PM
Sign up HERE Workshop Sign Up: Code: #41072
Bruce's Beach
Request for Proposals - Deadline Extended
The City of Manhattan Beach is seeking to commission an original, sitespecific sculptural artwork to honor the history and legacy of the Bruce's Beach neighborhood.
Following feedback from artists, we are excited to announce that the deadline to submit proposals for the Bruce’s Beach Artwork has been extended to June 30, 2023 at 5 PM. We are thrilled to see what amazing ideas those passionate about Bruce’s Beach will propose to commemorate its history.
For full details and to apply, please visit Bruce's Beach or email submissions@manhattanbeach.gov
Art Lab Camp
With Natalie Strong
Art Lab Camp - 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. Age: At least 5 years old but less than 14. There are five summer camp sessions that will take place at the Manhattan Beach Art Center on Monday through Fridays.
Camp Sessions:
June 19 - June 23
Wednesday through Friday 9:00AM - Noon
Code: #40128
July 10 - July 14
Wednesday through Friday 2:00PM - 5:00PM
Code: #40129
July 31 - August 4
Wednesday through Friday 2:00PM - 5:00PM
Code: #40130
August 7 - August 11
Wednesday through Friday 2:00PM - 5:00PM
Code: #40131
August 14 - August 18
Wednesday through Friday 9:00AM - Noon
Code: #40132
To view all of the Art Lab Camp sessions please visit: Art Lab Camp
Youth Summer Workshops!
Manhattan Beach Art Center
Exciting workshops are coming to the Manhattan Beach Art Center! Down below is a list of workshops that will be led by Recreation Leaders and/or instructors.
Workshops:
Makers Series: Concrete Casting
Wednesday, June 21 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Code: #40116
Wednesday, August 9 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Code: #40121
Makers Series: Fabric Printing -
Wednesday, July 12 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Code: #40117
Wednesday, August 16 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Code: #40123
Glaze Lab -
Friday, June 23 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Code: #40110
Friday, June 30 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Code: #40111
Friday, July 14 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Code: #40112
Friday, August 4 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Code: #40113
Friday, August 11 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Code: #40114
Friday, August 18 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Code: #40115
For ages: 8 to 15 years old
For ages: 6 to 18 years old
Youth Raku Pottery Workshop
Manhattan Beach Art Center
Explore the exciting art of Raku pottery in this kid-friendly, and hands-on workshop. Participants will choose a premade ceramic object to glaze and have fired by Recreation Staff. Kids will learn about the ceramics process as they watch their object being fired. The excitement culminates as kids safely watch their hot piece go from the kiln, into a smoking chamber that will create amazing, iridescent glaze effects. Objects are not food safe.
Age: 8 to 15 years old.
Raku Schedule:
Wednesday, June 28 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Raku Schedule:
Wednesday, August 2 10:00 AM - Noon
Raku Sign Up:
Sign Up Here: Raku
Code: #40118
Raku Sign Up:
Sign Up Here: Raku
Code: #40119
Manhattan Beach Art Center Glaze Lab
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.
Unavailable on the weekends? Sign up for a Friday morning or afternoon workshop! To sign up please visit: Glaze Lab Workshops
Glaze Lab Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Glaze Lab Closed:
MBAC Gallery Installation: July 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23
Holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day
For more information please visit: Glaze Lab.
Concerts in the Park
Polliwog Park Amphitheater
Concerts in the Park will return for the 2023 season! There will be 10 concerts. Concerts will be on Sundays, July 2 to September 3, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Polliwog Park Amphitheater.
CONCERTS SCHEDULE
July 2
July 9
July 16
July 23
July 30
The Satin Dollz
So Rad U.S. 99
Radio Royalty
Kenny Metcalf as Elton John
August 6
August 13
August 20
August 27
September 3
Psychedelic Summer
The Tom Nolan Band
The Kings of 88
My Generation
The Blue Breeze Band
For more information please visit: Concerts in the Park.
Shakespeare by the Sea
Polliwog Park Amphitheater
For audiences seeking quality, family entertainment, Shakespeare by the Sea's free performances can't be beat. Pack a picnic, a blanket and beach chair, gather loved ones, and settle in under the stars for a night of classic entertainment. The tales are timeless, the admission ticketless, and the experience priceless.
Audience members are encouraged to bring a picnic, low back beach chairs and blankets and enjoy a moving romp under the stars at Polliwog Park, 1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. These performances are open seating and free to the public. There are no dogs, barbecues or wheeled vehicles allowed at any time in the performance area. Your cooperation to keep our parks clean is appreciated. Events subject to change.
Twelfth Night
Thursday, July 20 7:00 PM
Hamlet
Friday, July 21 7:00 PM
For more information please visit: Shakespeare by the Sea.
CULTURAL ARTS CALENDAR
*Hybrid = In City Council Chamber and via Zoom