Upcoming Exhibition Upcoming Exhibition
Let Me Fix You a Plate Let Me Fix You a Plate
April 18 - June 29 , 2025
In Let Me Fix You a Plate, Keith Magruder invites us to gather around the table—not just for a meal, but for a conversation about history, memory, and the power of storytelling. Inspired by the lessons passed down from his grandmother stories often absent from mainstream history Magruder reflects on the ways knowledge is shared within families and communities.
Central to this exhibition is the dining table, a domestic space where food becomes a metaphor for culture, heritage, and the resilience of Black communities. Magruder considers Manhattan Beach’s own history through the lens of Bruce’s Beach, a once-thriving Black-owned resort seized from the Bruce family in the 1920s. This exhibition serves as both a celebration of Black prosperity and a meditation on the Black Renaissance honoring the past while envisioning a future of renewal and success.
Employing trompe-l'œil techniques with paper and watercolor, Magruder recreates everyday objects with striking realism, evoking nostalgia and the warmth of home. Butterflies, delicately incorporated throughout the installation, symbolize both ancestors and migration drawing parallels between the movement of species, the influence of food, and the global diaspora of Black people.
Through this immersive installation, Magruder offers a space for reflection and reconnection, reminding us that history is not just recorded in textbooks but passed from hand to hand, from plate to plate.
Me Fix You a Plate Let Me Fix You a Plate
Friday, April 18th from 5pm to 7pm
Join us at the Manhattan Beach Art Center on Friday, April 18th from 5pm to 7pm for the opening reception of Let Me Fix You a Plate. The event is free and open to the public.
Let Me Fix You a Plate by Keith Magruder will be exhibited at the Manhattan Beach Art Center, located at 1560 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 from April 18 through June 29, 2025.
ANNUAL COMMUNITY EXHIBITION
CLASS REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!
BASICSINPENCILDRAWING
Ages8-13
Apr7,2025-Jun9,2025
Mon4:30PM-6:00PM
ADULTARTJOURNALING
Adults
Apr23,2025-Jun11,2025
Wed11:30AM-1:00PM
INTROTOOILPAINTING
Adults
Apr9,2025-Jun11,2025
Wed6:30PM-9:30PM
FOUNDATIONSDRAWING
Adults
Apr11,2025-Jun13,2025
Fri9:00AM-12:00PM
DIGITALDRAWING
Adults
Mar31,2025-Jun9,2025
Mon6:30PM-9:30PM
ARTLAB
Ages5-9
Apr23,2025-Jun11,2025
Wed3:30PM-5:00PM
INTROTOCHARCOAL
Adults
Apr10,2025-Jun12,2025
Thu6:30PM-9:30PM
FOUNDATIONSPAINTING
Adults
Apr11,2025-Jun13,2025
Fri12:00PM-3:00PM
Interested in starting to oil paint? How about drawing with charcoal? Or jewelry making in our one-day workshop? You can even get your kids started on their artistic journeys here!
Check out our Spring 2025 class and workshop offerings at the Manhattan Beach Art Center by clicking the link below to get registered today! Stay up-to-date on Activity Registration HERE!
Workshops with Keith Magruder
Only at the Manhattan Beach Art Center will you get an exclusive opportunity of experiencing the one-day workshops with the artist showcased in our upcoming exhibition! Keith Magruder will be offering teen and adult workshops focusing on screen printing and watercolor workshops.
Screen Printing Workshop w/ Keith Magruder
Join artist Keith Magruder for a hands-on screen printing workshop inspired by his exhibition Let Me Fix You a Plate In this session, you'll learn how to create DIY screen prints using everyday household items no traditional equipment required! Keith will guide you through alternative screen printing techniques using simple tools like embroidery hoops (just like the ones he remembers from his grandmother’s home), fabric, mesh, and paint. By the end of the workshop, you'll transform these materials into functional printing tools. All Materials included!
10:00am-1:00pm Ages 13+ #45997
Saturday, May 3
Saturday, May 10 10:00am-1:00pm Ages 18+ #45995
Watercolor Workshop w/ Keith Magruder
Discover the versatility of watercolor in this hands-on workshop with artist Keith Magruder. Designed for all skill levels, this class focuses on using affordable, easily accessible paints and paper to create beautiful works of art. Keith will introduce fundamental watercolor techniques such as layering, blending, and creating texture, all while exploring storytelling through color and composition. Whether you ' re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will help you gain confidence and develop your unique painting style without the need for expensive materials. All Materials included!
10:00am-1:00pm Ages 13+ #45998
Saturday, May 31
10:00am-1:00pm Ages 18+ #45996
Saturday, June 7
Silver Metal Clay Pendants with Chris Brooks
Ages 18+
Saturday, May 31 #45223 9:30am-3:30pm
In this workshop, beginning and returning students will learn several ways to set a 8mm stone in a large faceted stone in silver clay. This small class offers plenty of individual attention in an intimate setting. Fee includes all materials and the use of all tools.
Please bring your own lunch, and glasses for detailed work if you need them. Firing will be done offsite and you will pick up your pieces at the Art Center. The class is located at the Manhattan Beach Art Center.
Summer Camp Registration Available!
Summer is right around the corner and the best thing to do is by getting your artists registered for camp today!
Let your artists creative mind come to life with our Kids Clay Intensive camp, where they will have a hands-on basic pottery learning experience. Or join us for Art Lab Camp where your artist will focus on a different creative process/material everyday!
Check out more of our Summer Camp 2025 offerings at the Manhattan Beach Art Center by clicking the link below and getting registered today!
Stay up-to-date on Activity Registration HERE!
Summer
Kids Clay Intensive Camp Kids Clay Intensive Camp
Join us at the Manhattan Beach Art Center for our new Kids' Clay Intensive to explore the foundational skills of working with clay while creating fun & unique projects. Let your imagination come to life as you design & craft one-of-akind creations, including functional items, decorative pieces & projects inspired by your own creativity!
For ages: 8 through 13 Mon-Fri 9:00am -12:00pm
To register for this Camp, please visit: Art Lab Camp
Glaze Lab Camp Glaze Lab Camp
To register for this Camp, please visit: Kids Clay Intensive Camp
Art Lab Camp Art Lab Camp
Art Lab is an inclusive art exploration opportunity for kids to focus on developing the innate artistic voice. Each day of camp will focus on a different creative process and /or material. Example projects may include drawing, working with beads, collaborative creation & always an art journal that the kids can work on throughout the week!
For ages: 5 through 10 Mon-Thurs 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Explore the world of ceramics where artists will be able to choose a ceramic piece to glaze from our curated selection of mugs, bowls, figurines, & more! Artists will then be guided through the process of glazing & learn about the ceramic's process. Items will be fired & available for pickup 2 weeks after class ends. All items are food & dishwasher safe!
For ages: 6 through 17 Tues or Thurs 12:30pm - 2:00pm
To register for this Camp, please visit: Glaze Lab Camp
Kids’ Classes
Basics in Pencil Drawing with Nida Amin Art Lab with Natalie Strong
Unlock your creative potential in this beginner-friendly drawing class! Perfect for young artists, this course covers essential techniques for pencil drawing, from exploring different pencil types and grades to mastering line work, shading, and texture. Students will build confidence and skill with hands-on activities, learning to create realistic and expressive artwork step-by-step.
For ages: 8 through 13
Mon, April 7 - June 9
4:00pm - 6:30pm #44421
To register for this class, please visit: Basics in Pencil Drawing
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: 5 through 9 Wed, April 23 - June 11
3:30pm - 5:00pm #44420
To register for this class, please visit: Art Lab
Digital Drawing with Lucy Cui
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 a tablet. Discover the joy of bringing your imagination to life on a digital canvas, from dynamic animals to vehicles to captivating characters. Let's sketch, swipe, and soar together! Supplies are not included. Please review the attached supply list before the first day of class. No class on 5/26.
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
Wed, April 23 - June 11 11:30am-1:00pm #44415
Intro to Oil Painting & Intro to Charcoal with Lucy
Cui
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. All skill levels are welcome! Supplies are not included.
For ages: 18 and up Wed, April 9 - June 11
6:30pm - 9:30pm #44441
To register for this workshop please visit: Intro to Oil Painting
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. All skill levels are welcome! Supplies are not included.
For ages: 18 and up Thurs, April 10 - June 12
6:30pm - 9:30pm #44440
To register for this class, please visit: Intro to Charcoal
Foundations Drawing & Foundations Painting with Edgar Silva
Students will advance their grasp of spatial illusion via atmospheric and linear perspective. Edgar's approach emphasizes practical exploration of visual elements like line, shape, value, volume, texture, space, light, and composition. All skill levels are welcome! Supplies are not included.
Focusing on value and color relationships, this class will walk you through a monochromatic, limited, and finally a full palette. You will learn how the function of light dictates the color relationships we see on the form. Students will work from their photo references to paint as a final project. Supplies are not included.
For ages: 18 and up
Friday, April 11 - June 13
9:00am - 12:00pm
For ages: 18 and up
Friday, April 11 - June 13
12:00pm - 3:00pm #44438
To register for this workshop please visit: Foundations Drawing #44439
To register for this workshop please visit: Foundations Painting
CULTURAL ARTS CALENDAR
BasicsinPencilDrawing
4:30PM-6:00PM DigitalDrawing 6:30PM-9:30PM
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
BasicsinPencilDrawing
4:30PM-6:00PM DigitalDrawing
6:30PM-9:30PM
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
BasicsinPencilDrawing
10:00AM - 5:00PM Glaze Lab
10:00AM - 4:00PM
10:00AM - 5:00PM Glaze Lab
10:00AM - 4:00PM
4:30PM-6:00PM DigitalDrawing
6:30PM-9:30PM
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
6:30PM-9:30PM
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
BasicsinPencilDrawing
4:30PM-6:00PM DigitalDrawing
6:30PM-9:30PM
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION IntrotoOilPainting 6:30PM-9:30PM
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
MBAC CLOSED FOR INSTALLATION
10:00AM-9:00PM AdultArtJournaling
11:30AM-1:00PM ArtLab
3:30PM-5:00PM GlazeLab
4:00PM-8:00PM IntrotoOil
6:30PM-9:30PM IntrotoOilPainting
10:00AM-9:00PM AdultArtJournaling
11:30AM-1:00PM ArtLab 3:30PM-5:00PM GlazeLab 4:00PM-8:00PM IntrotoOil 6:30PM-9:30PM
10:00AM-9:00PM GlazeLab 4:00PM-8:00PM IntrotoCharcoal 6:30-9:30PM IntrotoCharcoal 6:30-9:30PM
- 7:00PM
FoundationsDrawing 9:00AM-12:00PM FoundationsPainting 12:00PM-3:00PM TBA
10:00AM-5:00PM FoundationsDrawing 9:00AM-12:00PM FoundationsPainting 12:00PM-3:00PM MBAC MBAC
10:00AM - 5:00PM Glaze Lab 10:00AM - 4:00PM