2016 Exhibitions
The 3rd MFA Biennial Exhibition was on display from January 23 to March 11, 2016. Fresh and introspective, this exhibition featured bodies of artwork from a selection of Masters of Fine Arts students attending local schools and universities. As this biennial show has transformed into another proud tradition at the Brea Art Gallery, this third collaboration expanded to include exceptional artists from CalArts, CSUN, CSUB, UCLA, and Otis in addition to continuing relationships with CSUF, CSULB, CGU, and UCI. A diverse collection of works including painting, installation, video, photography, and sculpture illustrated the broad range of artwork being made by these dedicated students of the arts.
The 31st Annual Made in California Juried Exhibition was on display from April 9 to June 17, 2016. In this yearly exhibition, California artists united to represent the Golden State. After over three decades, this show has become a household name when speaking of California art. Working in a huge array of mediums and styles, these artists explored the creative movements happening within our great state. With over a thousand entries this year, artists in all stages of their careers competed for a number of prizes, namely the highly sought after solo show opportunity. This year's exhibition was comprised of eighty-six stunning works of art ranging from photography to painting to installation to video. As well, Play Hard or Go Homeby Chrystal McConnell, a full-room interactive installation riddled with hidden secrets, stood out as a fantastic addition to the exhibition as our third ever Solo Show.
The Social Subconscious Exhibition was on view from July 9 to September 16, 2016. Thought provoking works fill this invitational exhibition, shedding light on both local and global topics of concern, from pollution to homelessness. More and more, contemporary artists are using their craft, whether it be traditional mediums such as painting or community engagement projects, to approach these issues. By highlighting artists working in the realm of socially-engaged art, the Gallery hopes to show the potential for art to have an influential voice, while evoking thoughts, emotions, and questions within the viewer.
48th Annual Watercolor West International Juried Exhibition
The 48th Annual Watercolor West International Juried Exhibition was on view from October 15 to December 18, 2016. Beautiful and awe-inspiring, this annual exhibition featured one hundred of the finest watercolor works from around the world chosen by juror Robbie Laird. Leaders in the traditional transparent watercolor technique, Watercolor West continues to partner with the City of Brea Art Gallery to share their love of this mesmerizing medium.