The opening reception for "+1" on April 19th welcomed 170 guests and featured remarks from Manhattan Beach’s Mayor, Joe Franklin. The exhibition showcases the work of 18 Southern California artists dedicated to advancing pottery culture. Spanning mid-century to contemporary pieces, this survey of Southern California ceramics highlights established and emerging artists.
+1 will remain open to the public until June 30th, so don’t miss your opportunity to delve into this collection of pottery culture and history! This exhibition is brimming with resources, including written statements by the artists, a free pottery-related craft, and numerous historical statements about the artists' contributions to pottery culture. Whether you’re a seasoned potter or not, there’s no shortage of pottery culture and history!
Gallery Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 10 AM to 9 PM
Friday & Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM
Among the diverse array of works on display, Heather Scott Peterson's installation entitled "Gastrula: A Landscape" offers a unique perspective. Here's what Heather says about her installation:
"In 1988, science fiction writer and iconoclast, Ursula Le Guin, penned in her brief but potent essay The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction, that the vessel may have been our ancestor’s first and greatest invention. The founding function of any vessel is to hold, to gather. Gastrula, the name given to the earliest multi-cellular marine animal, distinguished itself from its predecessors through the adaptation of an opening and a cavity, thereby adopting an ability to hold and filter seawater.
Remarkably, evolutionary biologists believe that life may have started on clay. As the only earthen material with an electrostatic charge, it could have been the substance on which matter jumped from the non-living to the living. Its plasticity has allowed it to shapeshift and occupy states from the fluid to the brittle. Its abundance and ubiquity in the tectonic envelope of the planet have ensured its emergence in nearly every culture, and its endurance—even when broken—testifies to its legacy as the medium of our first cities and writing surfaces.
A clay vessel is then, an object of two ancient expressions, the substrate on which life may have emerged, and an echo of ageless impulses to collect.
Gastrula: A Landscape, an installation by Los Angeles-based artist Heather Scott Peterson, is a collection of dozens of fired porcelain vessels embedded in pools of unfired porcelain slip—like pelagic animals set in the sediment of the ocean floor—in groupings that suggest evolutionary families and genetic deviations across eras of biological, geological, and technological time."
After viewing the exhibition, make sure to check out the side gallery, for kid-friendly, educational resources.
Pattern-making in pottery transcends mere aesthetics, serving as a universal language rich in cultural significance. From the geometric markings of Greco-Roman amphoras to the delicate arabesques of Chinese pottery, patterns are vehicles for communication and storytelling. Geometric elements pay homage to structured civilizations, while elaborate vessels denote social hierarchy and prestige. Across civilizations, pottery patterns convey myths, spirituality, tribal affiliations, and more, encapsulating the essence of diverse cultures. Each stroke on clay becomes a window into history, beliefs, and societal structures, showcasing the craftsmanship and sophistication of civilizations through the ages.
Take inspiration from these shapes and symbols of civilizations past and create a new and unique pattern that encompasses your story, culture, and beliefs!
Renowned artist Dave Titus has captured the hearts of locals with his latest masterpiece, "High Tide." Commissioned by the City of Manhattan Beach, this stunning mural is a testament to Titus's unwavering passion for transforming urban landscapes into captivating works of art.
Titus, renowned for his mastery of trompe-l'œil, collaborated with his apprentice, Armin Bantowsky, to bring "High Tide" to life. The mural seamlessly blends realism with imagination, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its intricacies. Reflecting on the project, Titus expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community.
"High Tide" is another milestone in Titus's journey to ignite the public imagination and share his profound love for art. Through his skillful use of trompe-l'œil, Titus continues to captivate audiences and enrich the cultural tapestry of Manhattan Beach. As "High Tide" graces the city's streets, it is a beacon of creativity and inspiration, inviting passersby to pause and marvel at its beauty. Dave Titus's mural is not just a work of art; it's a testament to the transformative power of creativity in our communities.
Calling all local artists! Applications will be opened and posted here on Monday, May 6th. The Annual Community Exhibition does not have a particular theme this year. However, preference is given to artists with close ties to the Manhattan Beach community.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION DATES:
APPLICATION FOR ANNUAL COMMUNITY EXHIBITION OPENS: Monday, May 6
APPLICATION FOR ANNUAL COMMUNITY EXHIBITION CLOSES: Monday, June 3 at 12:00 PM
The Manhattan Beach Art Center's Annual Community Exhibition will be on view starting July 26 through October 6, 2024.
Get ready to groove, because Concerts in the Park are BACK and better than ever for the 2024 season. Get your dancing shoes on because we ' ve got TEN concerts lined up just for you! Join us every Sunday from June 30th to September 1st, as we transform Polliwog Park Amphitheater into a musical playground! Mark your calendars from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for a sensational evening of live music, good vibes, and unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on the hottest event of the summer!
June 30
July 7
July 14
July 21
July 28
The Satin Dollz SEGA 90s
Scot Bruce’s Rockin’
Tribute to Elvis
Stevie Ray Visited
Psychedelic Summer Band
August 4
August 11
August 18
August 25
The Matt Mauser Big Band
Radio Royalty
The Tom Nolan Band
The Kings of 88
September 1
The Blue Breeze Band
For more information please visit: Concerts in the Park.
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 style and process. We have five summer camp sessions offered, which will take place at the Manhattan Beach Art Center on Monday through Friday. Artists of all abilities are welcome. Age: At least 5 years old but less than 14.
June17th-June21st
MondaythroughFriday2:00PM-5:00PM Code:#42356
July8th-July12th
MondaythroughFriday9:00AM-Noon Code:#42357
July29th-August2nd
MondaythroughFriday2:00PM-5:00PM Code:#42358
August5th-August9th
MondaythroughFriday9:00AM-Noon Code:#42359
August12th-August16th
MondaythroughFriday9:00AM-Noon Code:#42360
In this workshop, beginning and returning students will learn several ways to set a large faceted stone in Silver Clay. Bring your own pendant designs or use the patterns provided for the class.
Participants will learn how to work with Silver Metal Clay including how to cut, texture, layer, and shape After the clay dries, students will learn how to refine and engrave their pieces. This small class offers plenty of individual attention. The workshop fee includes all materials Tools will be available for use during the class Firing will be done offsite
Bring your lunch and glasses for detailed work if you need them.
Ages 18+
Saturday, June 15 9:30AM - 3:30PM Workshop: Sign up HERE
Workshop Sign Up: Code: #42985
Unleash your inner artist with our new Digital Drawing Class! Whether you are new to drawing or want to grow digitally, our Instructor, Lucy Cui will teach you how to draw anything with just a tablet! From dynamic animals, vehicles, or captivating characters, discover the joy of bringing your imagination to life on a digital canvas. Let's sketch, swipe, and soar together!
Supplies are not included. Please review the attached supply list before the first day of class.
Monday, July 15 - September 16
6:30pm - 9:30pm
#43034
Join us for our Introduction to Oil Painting class and immerse yourself into the world 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 are welcome! Supplies are not included.
For ages: 18 and up
Wednesday, July 17 - September 18 6:30pm - 9:30pm
To register for this workshop please visit:
Intro to Oil Painting
Dive into the expressive world of drawing with charcoal! 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 are welcome! Supplies are not included.
For ages: 18 and up
Thursday, July 18 - September 19 6:30pm - 9:30pm #42719
To register for this workshop please visit: Intro to Charcoal
Explore drawing with this engaging introduction led by artist and professor, Edgar Silva. Participants will learn about spatial illusion through atmospheric and linear perspective. Edgar focuses on a practical exploration of visual elements like line, shape, value, volume, texture, space, light, and composition. All skill levels are welcome in Edgar’s inclusive drawing approach.
For ages: 18 and up
Friday, July 19 - September 20
9:00 am - 12:00pm
#42717
To register for this workshop please visit: Foundations Drawing
Gain a comprehensive understanding of painting in this introductory course, led by the accomplished artist and professor Edgar Silva. Students will explore painting complexity through direct observation of still life. The course will focus on dissecting value and color relationships, progressing from a monochromatic palette to a limited palette, and finally to a full palette. Emphasis will be placed on how light influences color relationships observed in forms. For the final project, students will work from their inspirations, using photo references to guide their painting.
Friday, July 19 - September 20
12:00pm - 3:00pm
To register for this workshop please visit:
In this workshop, children will explore the process of casting concrete. They will learn to mix, tint, and cast their concrete using pre-made silicone molds. Participants will have the option to create a planter, trinket tray, or lidded container. Finally, participants will refine their pieces through sanding before taking them home. It’s important to note that the objects created are not suitable for food use.
For ages: 8-15 years old
Wednesday, Jun 19, 2024
10:00 AM - Noon
#42785
For ages: 8-15 years old
Wednesday, Jul 31, 2024
10:00 AM - Noon
#42786
To register for this workshop please visit: Makers Series: Concrete Casting
Make your block-printed wall art! In this workshop, kids will learn how to mix custom inks, try out block-printing tools, and create a patterned print on fabric. Kids will leave this class with new skills and understanding of printmaking, as well as a framed, hang-ready piece of art.
For ages: 8-15 years old
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
42788
For ages: 8-15 years old
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM #42789
To register for this workshop please visit: Makers series: Fabric Printing
Glaze Lab - Explore the world of ceramics at the Manhattan Beach Art Center. Participants will choose a ceramic object to glaze from our curated selection of mugs, cups, bowls, figurines, and more! Children will be guided through the glazing process by our Recreation Staff and learn about the ceramic process. Items will be fired and available for pickup 2 weeks after class ends. All items are food and dishwasher-safe.
OneDayActivitySessions:
June20th
Thursday10:00AM-Noon Code:#42778
July11th
Thursday1:00PM-3:00PM Code:#42779
August1st
Thursday10:00AM-Noon Code:#42780
August8th
Thursday1:00PM-3:00PM Code:#42781
August15th
Thursday1:00PM-3:00 Code:#42783
Toviewallofthesessionspleasevisit:GlazeLab V
To view the Cultural Arts Calendar please visit: CALENDAR