Work by four enormously influential Southern California artists and art professors, Ken Jewesson, Ciel Bergman, Irma Cavat and Florence 鈥淔iFi鈥� Russell, will appear in three exhibitions July 7 - Aug. 6 in the with a free, public opening reception at the museum on Thursday, July 7, from 4-6 p.m.
鈥淔inding Beauty in Structure: Works of Ken Jewesson鈥� includes more than 30 pieces of art in the museum鈥檚 main gallery. Jewesson enjoyed a long career working as a ceramic designer, printmaker, painter, draftsman, collage artist and jewelry maker. 鈥淗is work is important as he was among a group of avant-garde artists to introduce modernism to Santa Barbara,鈥� says Judy L. Larson, Askew professor of art history and museum director. 鈥淗is colorful works represent an intersection of science and art and express his heartfelt sense that art connects us to the divine.鈥�
鈥淭wo New Acquisitions: Irma Cavat and Ciel Bergman鈥� celebrates two pioneering women artists in Santa Barbara and the first women to teach in the UC Santa Barbara Art Department. 鈥淭hey were spirited women, both feminists, both interested in the environment,鈥� Larson says. 鈥淭heir styles in art were very different, but they are united in their efforts to put a spotlight on the contributions of women artists to modern art. We are so pleased to exhibit these important new acquisitions to the permanent collection.鈥�
鈥淔lorence 鈥楩iFi鈥� Russell: Artist and Art Educator Turns 100鈥� is part of a community-wide 100th birthday celebration for the adventurous artist and long-time Santa Barbara resident. Her watercolors will also be displayed through the month of July at CLAY Studio, Corridan Gallery, 10 West Gallery, Gallery 113, Goleta Valley Art Association/Goleta Library, La Cumbre Center for Creative Arts/Fine Line;/Illuminations Galleries, Larry Iwerks Studio Gallery, Santa Barbara Art Association/Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara Public Library and Santa Barbara Fine Art Gallery.
The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. It鈥檚 closed Sundays and college holidays. For more information, please visit or contact the museum at (805) 565-6162.