Online Art Exhibit Delves into ‘Time, Memory’

Westmont’s popular annual juried art exhibition, forced to go virtual during the pandemic, features 48 works by Tri-County artists through June 20 at westmont.edu/time-memory. Christopher Miles, professor at the School of Art at CSU Long Beach, juried the show, “Time and Memory,” which received 221 entries from 95 artists in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties.

“Obviously, it’s different this year, because we don’t get to come together and celebrate these artists, but it has been so encouraging to see the support and interest in the exhibition,” says Judy Larson, R. Anthony Askew professor of art history and museum director. “I think this platform will allow more people to view the exhibition since they don’t have to physically be in Santa Barbara. It’s exciting to offer that to all the artists.”

James Van Arsdale won first place and $500 for “Electroexplosive Time Machine to the ‘70s.” Lisa Crane won second place and $250 for “Newborn.” Randal Working won third place and $250 for “Permanent Things (Youth and Eternity).”

 “I’m excited and impressed with the diversity of medium and style of the chosen artists,” Larson says. “Though we’re saddened the museum is temporarily closed, we’re pleased to find a way to continue the event and bring our community together.”

Miles, who began teaching art at CSU Long Beach in 1998, is a Los Angeles-based artist who grew up in Southern California surrounded by a family ceramics business. He graduated from UC Santa Barbara and earned an MFA at USC’s School of Fine Arts (now the Roski School), where he worked in ceramics, drawing, painting and sculpture.

Nearly all of the pieces in the show are for sale, with 30 percent benefiting the museum.

The show is sponsored by Alan Griffin of Raymond James, the Upham Hotel, Marcia Rickard, Don Logan, Peter Morris, and Pete and Becky Adams.