Exhibition Features Local Artists
Jennifer Frias, associate curator of the Sweeney Art Gallery, University of California, Riverside ARTSblock, juries Westmont’s annual exhibition featuring Tri-County artists May 19-June 18 at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art.
A free, opening reception for “Joie de Vivre,” which translates to exuberant enjoyment of life, features 18 local artists on Thursday, May 19, from 4-6 p.m. at the museum. The museum will announce the winner of the $1,000 Lorry Hubbard Best of Show prize, first honorable mention, second honorable mention, and the Art Council third honorable mention awards.
More than 115 artists entered the juried show, submitting 263 pieces. Frias accepted 32 pieces, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media and photography by the 18 artists.
Frias, who attended UC Irvine, earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Riverside and a Master of Fine Art from Cal State Fullerton. She has organized exhibitions such as “SECOND WAVE: Aesthetics of the 80s In Today’s Contemporary Art,” which focused on the influence of artistic styles and movements of the 80s and its resurgence in art today. In 2010, Frias co-founded Sixpack Projects, organizing events and exhibitions at phantom gallery venues in Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire.
“The entries in this year’s exhibition truly captured the spirit of its title, ‘Joie de Vivre,’” Frias says. “This opportunity presented artists with the means to convey their own unique interpretation of the theme while using multiple techniques and media to elevate the visual experience.”
The juried exhibition, which Westmont began more than 25 years ago, provides a rare opportunity to showcase the talent of the local area. “We have so many remarkable artists living and working in the Tri-County area,” says Judy Larson, R. Anthony Askew professor of art history and museum director. “It is always a pleasure to see that talent validated by a new juror for our community exhibition each and every year. Jennifer Frias from Riverside selected 18 artists who interpreted our theme of “Joie de Vivre.” We have a variety of styles, media, and approaches to art. This exhibition is definitely worth seeing.”
“Joie de Vivre” artists include Garrett Speirs, Bri Stanley ’15, Marjorie Shipp, Leslie Lewis Sigler, Jill Sattler, Joan Rosenberg-Dent, Alexis Jean Moore ’16, Marilyn McRae, Cynthia James, Stephanie Jamgochian, Annie Hoffman, Keaton Hudson ’14, Britt Friedman, Katie Curry ’12, Cody Cammbell, Lillian Bleuze-Nelson, Beverly Decker, and Rosemarie C. Gebhart.
The exhibition is sponsored by Peter and Becky Adams, Diane Dodds and David Reichert, and Lorry Hubbard.
The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed Sundays and college holidays. For more information, please visit www.westmontmuseum.org or contact the museum at (805) 565-6162.