Whether you have $25 or $2,500 to spend on artwork, the Long Beach Museum of Art is encouraging those curious about collecting to get their feet wet during EMERGE: Art Fair this weekend.
Inspired by the collections of Long Beach art collectors, the museum’s education department selected seven emerging to mid-career artists from Southern California, as well as Long Beach, to sell their work in an effort to facilitate meaningful interactions between hard-working artists and burgeoning collectors.
“The price point is reasonable for both the collector and the artist,” said Lisa Marsh, LBMA’s director of education. “This aspect was important to us so emerging collectors would be comfortable purchasing their first piece of art.”
Each artist will be given their own space to transform with a curated selection of their own works. Prices will range from $25 to $2,500, according to Marsh, with all proceeds going to the artists:
Karla Camacho
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpvrtm8B-8r/
Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Camacho resides in Long Beach and makes art that combines her genderqueer, migrant and Latinx identities, from creating vibrant pottery to tackling difficult topics. Find out more about Camacho’s work on Instagram @art_dekarla.
Sharif Farrag
While Farrag was an Artist in Residency at the museum this past summer, Marsh had a chance to get to know him and his work.
“I love drinking my morning coffee out of a mug created by Sharif. Some mornings I relate to the blue, others I focus on the hahand-drawnharacters,” Marsh said. “Most important to me is that the piece was made by hand and brings back memories of discussions with Sharif when he was an artist in residence.”
See more of the artist’s work on his website here and Instagram @sharif5.
Narsiso Martinez
With Martinez’ solo exhibition, FARM FRESH, up at the museum through January 6, you’ll want to take a look at what this Oaxaca-born artist has to offer. Learn more about the work that went into creating this exhibit here.
Spenser Little
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkrx4qHgTVY/
An artist in the third Vitality & Verve exhibit at the museum and a past participant of POW! WOW! Long Beach, it’s no telling what wire creations Little will have ready for attendees this weekend. Follow the artist on Instagram @spencerlittleart.
Jaye Joslin Russell
This Los Angeles-based arts educator has a way with water and movement. You’ll have to request to follow this artist on Instagram, but their light-hearted works are sure to please.
Judson Studios
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgpNTitAWWt/
These Los Angeles-based stained glass designers collaborate with some of today’s best-known contemporary artists, including James Jean, with a respect for traditional craftsmanship while pushing the boundaries of the medium. Learn more about Judson Studio on their website here.
Joel Michalski of Joel Thomas Design
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhP2jk4A5PX/
Michalski adds an artistic touch to all his works, whether he’s designing cabinet panels, wooden hula hoops or architecture for dogs. Check out more of the artist’s functional art and furniture on his Instagram @joel.thomas.design.works.
EMERGE: Art Fair is free to attend and will take place Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum’s Anderson House, located at 2300 E. Ocean Boulevard. For more info, visit the website here.