Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/13059
W hen you think of art in the dark, what comes to mind? No, we aren't talking about the "dark arts" with pentagrams and eyes of newt, we are talking about the art world at nighttime. What do artists do when the sun sets and the moon rises? Well I can definitely say that on July 15th I know where they'll be. The Long Beach Museum of Art, one of Southern California's most well respected art destinations, will welcome back summer this year with four fantastic exhibitions highlighting everyone from artists and collectors to donors and patrons. As part of the Museum's 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 excitement. The event will feature an evening filled with food, drinks, music, live entertainment, and world-class art from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. That is a full hour earlier than the regular start time, which means an extra hour of filling your stomach with good eats 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 women to found-object assemblage by Sandow Birk and Elyse Pignolet. This event has something for everybody 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 Sixty 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 sixty- year history, the LBMA has celebrated a remarkable record of collecting and exhibiting artwork by female artists and proudly boasts that this collection is one of a kind. Nationally, on average, museums' permanent collections are comprised of 6% of art by women, while the Long Beach Museum of Art boasts a collection in which an impressive 27% of the works were created by women. "A Light in the Shadow – Decades of Art by Women" will be on display June 25, 2010 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, 2010. Since this event begins an hour earlier this summer, you can be sure the event will be jam- packed. The Museum will transform into the LBMA AFTER DARK –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 after all, there also will be a yummy gelato bar as well as wine tasting for LBMA goers 21 years of age or older. As for the entertainment, Local Long Beach 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 After Dark and bike parking will be provided on the LBMA campus. The LBMA After Dark event will be held from 6:00pm-10:00pm and is open to the public with a $10 cover charge at the door. Museum members and one guest are admitted free. If you're not a member yet, sign up now, or the night of, to start saving! While this might not be some magical potion concocted with witchcraft, Long Beach Museum of Art After Dark still is sure to expand your mind and enliven your spirit. With delicious food, great live entertainment, and exceptional art, this event has enchantment for everyone. Don't hesitate to check out the website at www.lbma.org if you have any questions. Who knows you might just be inspired enough to become the next Jawlensky ! ART IN THE DARK Long Beach Museum of Art Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary With An Extended LBMA After Dark July 15, 2010 By: Daniel Albert 38 LIVEMAGS.NET JULY>>10