Westmont Museum Raises Big $ With Small Artworks

 Large crowds flocked to the 5×5 exhibition in 2014, photo courtesy Westmont College.Large crowds flocked to the 5×5 exhibition in 2014, photo courtesy Westmont College.

An update from Westmont College : Small works of art from several hundred artists from around the country will be auctioned during “5X5: Celebrating Westmont College’s 80th Anniversary” at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. The online auction will begin Thursday, Jan. 11, at westmontmuseum.org and last until Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. However, due to the destruction in the local community from mudslides, an opening reception will be delayed until Thursday, Jan. 18, from 4-6 p.m. The opening reception, which includes coffee and cake, is free and open to the public. This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the museum.

Several hundred small works of art from artists from around the country will be auctioned during “5X5: Celebrating Westmont College’s 80th Anniversary” at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art from Jan. 11-26.

The online auction kicks off with an opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 11, from 4-6 p.m., and bidding will continue until  Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. The opening reception, which includes refreshments, is free and open to the public.  (Event delayed due to flooding) All proceeds from the event will go towards the museum.Artists were invited to create a unique work of art on a five-inch square piece of paper which they received and returned to the museum by mail.

The exhibition features renowned artists Christo, Charles Arnoldi and Chris Raschka along with local luminaries Tony Askew, Mary Heebner, Penelope Gottlieb, Dane Goodman, Richard Aber and author T.C. Boyle.

In the past, the auction has raised upwards of $20,000 for the museum.

“We have been looking forward to bringing the 5×5 exhibition back and Westmont’s 80th Anniversary is the perfect way to celebrate,” says Judy Larson, R. Anthony Askew professor of art history and museum director. “It’s a great opportunity to support the museum’s programs, meet new artists and connect with old friends.”

For more information, visit westmontmuseum.org or contact the museum at 805/565-6162. Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art is located at 955 La Paz Rd. It is free and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed Sundays and college holidays.

Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 11, 2018.

Dug Uyesaka: Long Story Short

A collection of work by Dug Uyesaka will be on view at Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art beginning Oct. 20. Courtesy photo.

A collection of work by Dug Uyesaka will be on view at Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art beginning Oct. 20. Courtesy photo.

The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum opens its fall season with a diverse collection of art objects and images by Dug Uyesaka, on view from October 20 through January 14 in the museum (955 La Paz Rd.).  A free, opening reception for “Dug Uyesaka: Long Story Short” takes place on Thursday, October 20, from 4-6 p.m. in the museum.

Uyesaka, a third generation Japanese-American, enrolled at UCSB in 1975 and was mentored by art faculty William Dole, Howard Fenton, Bob Thomas and Richard Ross.

"Guided by Voices II" by Dug Uyesaka, courtesy photo.

“Guided by Voices II” by Dug Uyesaka, courtesy photo.

“He is such an integral part of Santa Barbara’s art scene,” says Judy Larsen, R. Anthony Askew professor of art history and museum director. “He is a UCSB art graduate; a frequent exhibitor at art exhibitions around town; and an art teacher at Laguna Blanca School. Our mid-career retrospective of Dug’s work will showcase his amazing oeuvre—from prints to paintings and drawings, from collage to assemblage.” 

"Smoke" by Dug Uyesaka, courtesy photo.

“Smoke” by Dug Uyesaka, courtesy photo.

The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art is free and open to the public Monday–Friday, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 13, 2016.