The Long Beach Creative Group, in collaboration with the Long Beach Open Studio Tour, is presenting a tour preview in the Rod Briggs Gallery. The exhibition, featuring 50 participating artists, opens Aug. 19 and runs through Sept. 16.
The Open Studio Tour was founded in 2009 by Lisa Wibroe and Tina Burnight, coinciding each year with October’s national Arts And Humanities Month. Many of the participating artists are professionals whose work is shown in galleries outside of Long Beach. The tour allows local collectors to meet the artists in person, see their studios, and purchase directly from the artists, often at a significant savings. Many artists create small, affordable, works specifically for the tour, so that anyone can purchase a piece of fine art.
“Not only is this gallery show a great opportunity for the public to view some of the work to be featured on the Tour,” said Javier Sola who, with his wife Cherie, have been operating the Tour since 2021, “but it may be the only opportunity for many of the participating artists to view the works of other artists on the Tour.”
“It is very exciting for us to partner with Javier, Cherie, and the LBOST,” said Marka Burns, President of the Long Beach Creative Group. “It will connect their artists with our gallery, and connect our regular attendees with the Tour, which is a fantastic cultural resource.
“Also,” Burns continued, “we will be honoring Lisa and Tina at the opening reception, celebrating the 10 years they ran the Tour.”
The self-guided tour will run every Saturday and Sunday in October, from 1 to 5 pm, with each weekend taking place in a different part of the city. More than 50 artists are scheduled to participate, representing a wide array of media and techniques. Complete information about participating artists, maps, and schedules can be found at LBOpenStudioTour.com.
This exhibition is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Arts Council for Long Beach, the City of Long Beach, and the ongoing support of the Briggs Family Trust.
The LBCG is an established consortium of experienced artists, educators, and art enthusiasts engaged in creating exhibit space and opportunities for local artists through curated exhibits and events. Since 2019, the Rod Briggs Gallery has enabled the group to consistently and professionally present the depth and diversity of artistic expression in Long Beach and the surrounding communities.
During exhibits, the gallery is open to the public. No appointment is required.
Time: 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, opening reception Aug. 19
Cost: Free
Details: LongBeachCreativeGroup.com
Venue: The Rod Briggs Gallery, 2221 East Broadway, Long Beach