New artists make us feel so surreal
Based on what we’ve personally seen with young, emerging artists in Long Beach, this community is going to make a big impact on the art world. I hope I’m around long enough to see it happen.
Featured artist, Sheila Roman impressed us with her surreal self-portrait shown at the PopSurrealism show which opened this weekend at LBCG. Also recently featured at the Made in California show at Brea Gallery. See more of Sheila’s work on Instagram.
Open Calls
Break out the Deet and hotdog skewers
Shockbox Gallery has a current open call until May 14th for their Summer Camp group show. There are no specific parameters to what type or style of art but they do encourage you to interpret the summer camp theme with the work you submit.
“Artworks will be judged based on creativity, originality, quality of work, composition, and overall artistic ability. The competition will also be featured on ARTSY. Cash Prizes to the top three pieces selected by the jury.”
Wolf Whistle
The new Wicked Wolf cocktail bar in South Wrigley is accepting submissions from local artists for their walls. DM them through their Instagram. Or just go there and get a tasty beverage. Wicked Wolf is at 2332 Pacific Ave, Long Beach.
Catalyst wants you high on their walls
Catalyst in Belmont Shore is moving down the street and has an open call for muralists to decorate their new digs. Deadline of 5/31/23 for applications.
Happenings
Helen Cox at District Wine
It’s time to rotate out the work at District Wine, and as we bid Angie Fegley farewell, we bring in Helen Cox to grace the wall with two very distinct new pieces. Make sure to pay District Wine a visit to see the art in full glory.
New names and talent at LBCG opening
This weekend was the opening of the Pop Surrealism show at Long Beach Creative Group, curated in part by our own Stephanie Han. This show brought out the wild in a lot of artists and brought a lot of wild, new artists whom we hadn’t seen before.
What’s wide open and totally free?
The Mid-City Studio Tour is both open and free, of course, and includes the studios of 25 of Long Beach’s most intriguing visual artists. The tour takes place the weekend of June 3rd & 4th, from 1 to 4 pm, so grab a map of the locations and some walking shoes and go see (and buy) some art.
Kinda Related: Long Beach Open Studio Tour released their schedule and application deadline
Arts Council is hiring
ArtsLB seeks Public Art Associates who share a vision to collaborate with artists and to support hyperlocal communities to foster greater participation in the arts. Apply today! Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis. The start date will be on or before July 5, 2023. We are unable to accept direct inquiries about this position. View this link for more information.
Get out of town
Hyperallergic is one of my favorite art blogs and they recently posted a list of fantastic art shows happening in May that you shouldn’t miss.
Current Exhibitions
Suenos at Munzon Gallery
Pop Surrealism at LBCG
Spectrum Life at Shockbox
As always, drop us a note if you have events, shows, open calls, and any art-related news happening in or around LBC. I’m also cherry-picking artists to feature twice a month in this newsletter. DM me (Dave Conrey) directly on Instagram to put your name in the hat.
See you next time.