Native Californian artist Greg Fritsche is currently showcasing his art at The Center in honor of the organization’s ongoing exhibits which showcase LGBTQ artists. He is the second artist to exhibit work in The Center’s new space designated for art.
Fritsche, a Long Beach native since 1980, will display his “California Landscapes” exhibit through April 30, exemplifying the artist’s talent in depicting California’s myriad vistas through oil painting.
Inspired by landscape masters such as western muralist Edgar Payne and California landscape painters William Wendt and Franz Bischoff, Fritsche’s work harnesses an old-school style that is often hard to find amongst contemporary artists.
“The Center has a long history of profiling local and LBGT artists, dating back to the 1980s,” said Chairman Ron Sylvester to the Post. “Artists like Ray Lowen and Carlos DeAvila would often be profiled at The Center. In the early days it was just another way to connect with the community… With the lack of available gallery space in the local area, we thought this would give local and LGBT artists a home to show off their work, while raising some money for The Center.”
Fritsche personally echoed Sylvester’s sentiment regarding a lack of space.
“I am sad to say the art scene in Long Beach seems to be struggling a bit,” he said. “There are fewer places for artists to show their work than there was a few years ago. That’s why I applaud the non profit organizations such as the Center, and The LB Playhouse for there interest in providing venues for unknown artist to be shown.”
Though space is becoming more limited, Fritsche doesn’t necessarily deem space as some type of essential cog in the inner workings of artists.
“As an artist,” Fristche explained, “I would create art whether or not I had a place to show it. I think that is really at the core of most artistic people: the love of art and the need to express ones self. I think it’s an uphill battle when it comes to the arts, but Long Beach is doing its best to help, to turn things around.”
Fristche’s exhibit, “California Landscapes,” can be viewed at The Center through April 30 for free. The Center is located at 2017 E. 4th Street.
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