Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/13061
JULY 2010 HEALTH & HAPPINESS 68 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT : LOCAL ART WRITTEN BY DANIEL ALBERT ART AFTER HOURS When you think of art in the dark, what comes to mind? No, we aren't talking about the "dark arts", with pentagrams and eye of newt — we are talking about the art world at nighttime. What do artists do when the sun sets and the moon rises? On July 15, The Long Beach Museum of Art, one of Southern California's most well- respected art destinations, will show us. The museum will welcome back four fantastic exhibitions highlighting everyone from artists and collectors to donors and patrons. As part its 60th Anniversary Celebration, the LBMA is extending the hours of their increasingly popular LBMA After Dark. This already fan-favorite series has been a wonderful addition to the atmosphere of the museum, and plays host to some top-notch entertainment. The event will feature an evening filled with food, drinks, music, live entertainment, and world-class art from 6 – 10 p.m. That's a full hour earlier than the regular start time, which means an extra hour of filling your stomach with good food and pleasing your ears with great music. The featured exhibitions for this one-of-a-kind event will include a wide range of subjects, media, and artistic styles, ranging from abstract paintings by Kandinsky to ceramics by Polia Pillin, Southern California landscapes by various women to found- object assemblage by Sandow Birk and Elyse Pignolet. The event has something for everyone — no matter what your taste or familiarity to the work is. All of the exhibitions on display in the galleries this summer will conclude the Museum's Celebrating 60 exhibition series. The featured exhibition, "A Light in the Shadow — Decades of Art by Women" will highlight the significant contributions made by female artists since the earliest years of the Museum's collection, and their importance in history as defining artists. Throughout the Museum's 60-year history, LBMA has celebrated a remarkable record of collecting and exhibiting artwork by female artists. Nationally, on average, museums' permanent collections are comprised of 6% of art by women, while LBMA boasts a collection in which an impressive 27 percent of the works were created by women. "A Light in the Shadow — Decades of Art by Women" will be on display June 25 through January 2, 2011, while "Stories from Our Legacy, Chronicles of Collecting and Highlights from Collectors Circle Acquisitions" will be on display through August 29. The Museum will transform into a lounge-style setting that will feature modern furniture, a $4 cash bar, delicious appetizer menu and the musical styling of DJ Chris Ziegler and DJ Plastic Nancy. In addition, since this is the 60th Anniversary, there will also will be a gelato bar, as well as wine tasting for LBMA attendees 21 years of age or older. As for the entertainment, local band, Miniature Houses will kick off the evening, strumming the guitar with a vocal duet in the Ocean View Gallery. They will be followed up by Los Angeles-based band Sweater Girls, performing in the recently renovated, historic Anderson House. Guests will dance the night away on the oceanfront lawn as Tiger Tank Euphoria brings summer alive with hip jazz, pop fusion and an upbeat female vocalist reflecting the theme of women artists. In addition, local artist group Long Beach Craft Mafia will be on site, demonstrating their artistic talents and selling a variety of merchandise. To add to the excitement of summer creativity, LBMA will have an opportunity drawing for one fortunate person to win an Apple iPad. Plus, as part of the City's Bike Friendly Initiative, the Museum will be offering a voucher good for one complimentary drink or appetizer to anyone who rides a bike to the event. The LBMA After Dark event will be held from 6 – 10 p.m.. It will be open to the public with a $10 cover charge at the door. Museum members and one guest have free admission. While this might not be some magical potion concocted with witchcraft, this event is sure to expand your mind and enliven your spirit. With delicious food, great live entertainment, and exceptional art, there will be enchantment for everyone. Who knows — you might just be inspired enough to become the next Jawlensky! n Visit lbma.org for more information. Photo courtesy of Long Beach Museum of Art.