“Red Cow” by Nancy Kolliner, “The White House” by Robert Burridge, “Ceres” by Terry DeLapp
After far too many years of planning, dreaming and false starts, San Luis Obispo is finally growing its much too small Museum of Art into the reality of a proper first-class receptacle for the visual arts in our community.
Over the years I’ve heard numerous people speak about SLOMA’s permanent collection and how much they wish it could be exhibited at some point. Now, in preparation for the museum’s expansion into its new space on Higuera Street, SLOMA has at long last delved into it. A portion of it will be exhibited in both the Nybak Gallery and the Gray Wing of the current museum until next summer when the Higuera space is completed and open.
“Vista” is comprised of 31 pieces selected by staff from the collection’s 210 works based on subject matter and well-deserved homages to the artists represented.
It’s clearly up to each visitor as to which pieces are standouts. Art, after all, is subjective and personal. One of my favorites was “Feminist Fan: Frida Kahlo” by Ruth Fash. Comprised of a large fan woven and embellished with various tributes to Kahlo, its vibrancy and subtle energy is visceral.
“Red Cow” by Nancy Kolliner also caught my eye. While seemingly simplistic in its subject matter, the longer you look at it the more the detailed realism becomes evident.
There’s something always enticing about Robert Burridge‘s work. He has been a strong artistic voice in our community for many years, and has a gift for communicating through his use of abstract shapes and color pallets. His “The White House” is a subtle comment on our current events.
The serene sunset depicted in “Ceres,” created by Terry DeLapp, is also a piece I stopped and studied. I found the same sense of peace viewing it as I frequently do when mesmerized by so many of our incredible Central Coast evenings.
“Vista” is a wonderful opportunity for the public—free of charge!—to view some exceptional works by local artists that aren’t frequently on display. Accompanying the exhibit is an excellent visual presentation of what the Higuera Street addition will look like when finished.
With more space available for exhibits, I hope SLOMA will be able to share even more of these treasures from its permanent collection with us.
“Vista” runs through February 7, 2027.