Paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works inspired by the sea will be presented at the Long Beach Creative Group/Rod Briggs Gallery, beginning Sunday, Nov. 7 in a new exhibition featuring local talent.

Forty-four artists will be represented in “OCEAN,” showcasing 56 seaworthy pieces.

“The sea has shaped almost every aspect of life on the planet and is an important part of culture, history and economy of our region,” the LBCG group explained of their decision behind the ocean-theme in a statement.

The exhibition was made possible after the LBCG put out an open call for artists in August, inviting any artist who lives in Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood and San Pedro to submit works pertaining to the ocean. Artists who attend or had graduated from Cal State Long Beach or Long Beach City College were also encouraged to submit.

Nearly 200 pieces were submitted to the exhibition, and left with the task of narrowing down the finalists were jurors Andrew Dickson, professor of foundation painting at Cal State Fullerton, Dellis Frank, a celebrated fiber artist and sculptor, and Elana Hagler, assistant professor of art at Alabama State University.

“I am delighted by the quality of work, and the unique perspectives represented in the show,” said LBCG board member Helen Cox, who coordinated the open call. “The jurors have done a great job of representing the diversity and creativity that makes Long Beach so special.”

Chris McGuire’s “Public Market,” an oil on canvas, will be presented at “OCEAN,” on Nov. 7 through Dec. 5. Image courtesy LBCG.
Ziyi Tan’s art piece “Carefree,” a work employing pyrography, will be presented at “OCEAN” Nov. 7 through Dec. 5. Image courtesy LBCG.

Taking note of the exhibition, the Aquarium of the Pacific will be presenting a talk by Leah Young, the aquarium’s Community Outreach Coordinator at the gallery Sunday, Nov. 14 from 3-4 p.m. Young will outline the aquarium’s research programs and their efforts in preserving endangered species such as the white abalone and giant sea bass.

Long Beach Creative Group credits the Los Angeles County 4th District Supervisor Janice Hahn for helping make the exhibition possible through a grant that helped fund the show, in addition to a combination of art sales, private donations, volunteers, and support of Cameron Briggs for helping support the gallery.

The gallery will be available for viewing Friday through Sunday from 1-4 p.m. until Dec. 5. No appointment required.

Shoshanah Siegel’s ceramic “Sea Turtle” will be presented at “OCEAN” Nov. 7 through Dec. 5. Image courtesy LBCG.

The Long Beach Creative Group/Rod Briggs Gallery is at 2221 E. Broadway. Click here for more information.

After local open call, Long Beach gallery to showcase ‘gorgeous’ small works