2021 Exhibitions

Taking up space 2021

Taking Up Space

was on view January 30 - March 26, 2021


This deeply personal and intimate group show featured a diverse group of women artists who share their stories, cultures, and perspectives through their artistic practice. Staged to supplement rather than negate the typically male-dominated exhibitions of the past, this show recognized how vital diversity and representation are in galleries and museums, as it is in the world at large. This exhibit sought to highlight the struggles and strengths of these artists, offering visitors the opportunity to gain new insights into experiences outside their own.

MICA 2021

Made in California

was on view April 24th - June 18th, 2021


Every year, this juried exhibit showcases artwork from all over the state of California. MICA strives to highlight artists in all stages of their careers and offers them a chance to compete for a number of awards, including the coveted solo show opportunity. This regional show features artwork from an extensive variety of mediums and explores creative movements happening in California.

Popular Choice Winner: Virus by Gareth Kostolefsky, 2019, Acrylic on Wood

Made in California Solo Show: Poppies and Sampaguitas by Jaana Baker

Applied Practice 2021

Applied Practice:

Constructing Notions on the Contemporary Craft Process

was on view July 17th to September 10th, 2021


This group exhibition will be an exploration of the skill-cultivation and dedication of makers from backgrounds such as ceramics, glass, metal working, fiber arts, and more. Focusing on contemporary art made from craft media and processes, and exploring the life-long relationship creators have with their materials, works on view will explore the ever-evolving questions in the world of craft of form vs function and utility vs conceptualization. By presenting artists working in a variety of approaches and styles, this show invites visitors to delve into the possibilities of these age-old materials and techniques.

Drawn to Paper 2021

Drawn to Paper:
Fresh Perspectives in Mixed Media

was on view October 9th - December 10th, 2021


For this exciting, new approach to an invitational exhibition, many of the talented artists who have shown at the Brea Gallery over the last few years were welcomed back to fill the space with fresh, new mixed media works on paper. Although the featured artwork can be made with any mediums, the artists were challenged to follow only one rule: create something on a piece of paper and leave it unframed. Born from a desire to allow art-making to be more uninhibited and ultimately make exhibiting more accessible for up-and-coming artists by removing the requirements of framing or mounting artwork, this exhibit allows artists the opportunity to share brand new, experimental works on paper with audiences who have seen their work in the past.