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Manhattan Beach Art Center
January 2024 Newsletter
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Upcoming Exhibition
Return to Form
The Manhattan Beach Art Center (MBAC) is pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition, "Return to Form," a study of classicism through a contemporary lens.
For centuries, classical art stood as the stalwart cornerstone of Western culture, its enduring legacy shaped by artists who underwent rigorous training, with the human form serving as both the measuring device of their competence and the quintessential vehicle to express profound ideas. As Friedrich Leighton articulated in 1879, "We have within us the faculty for a range of emotions of vast compass, of exquisite subtlety, and of irresistible force, to which Art and Art alone amongst human forms of expression has the key." Yet, in the last hundred years, the landscape of artistic expression has undergone a transformative shift, as classicism made room for the rise of conceptual and abstract art.
Return to Form ushers in the resurgence of classical ideals through the works of exceptional artists: Nora Ann-Francis Martin-Hall, Edgar Silva, Lucy Cui, and Brittany Ryan. Each of these contemporary artists pays homage to traditions of the past, adopting a classical approach in their creative endeavors. By way of the human form, these artists rethink how beauty is defined and reframe tenets of classicism in a contemporary landscape.
Return to Form will be on view at the Manhattan Beach Art Center January 19 through March 31, 2024.
Opening Reception
Return to Form
Join the Manhattan Beach Art Center on Friday, January 19 at 5pm to 7pm for the opening reception of Return to Form featuring artists Nora Ann-Francis Martin-Hall, Edgar Silva, Lucy Cui, and Brittany Ryan
Return to Form will be on view at the Manhattan Beach Art Center January 19 through March 31, 2024.
Meet the Artists
Return to Form
Nora Ann-Francis Martin-Hall
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Nora Ann-Francis Martin-Hall spans a range of artistic media and visual imagery dabbling in photorealism, illustration, sculpture and fabrication. Nora Martin-Hall’s work is known for a quirky, playful aesthetic grounded in traditional representational painting and drawing. Nora mines a vast pool of personal interests ranging from Southern California culture and biology to drag queen aesthetics to make statements on consciousness, alternate realities, and identity. Nora Martin-Hall has exhibited work in Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Palm Springs, with works in private collections in the United States, Japan, Sweden, Canada, England, and Turkey.
View Nora Ann-Francis Martin Hall’s artwork at the Manhattan Beach Art Center’s upcoming exhibition, Return to Form.
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Edgar Silva
Edgar Silva’s work focuses on capturing the hard work, culture, and aspirations of the working-class community in Los Angeles, depicting family, friends, and community members in a naturalist style with oil paint. Influenced by masters such as Diego Velazquez and John Singer Sargent, the artist studied on a full scholarship at Art Center College of Design with notable instructors and now teaches classes at various art colleges and workshops. The artist is also available for commissioned portraits.
View Edgar Silva’s artwork at the Manhattan Beach Art Center’s upcoming exhibition, Return to Form.
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Lucy Cui
Lucy Cui is a highly skilled concept artist, specializing in environmental and set design. Her artistic pursuits center around the film and video game industries, and she diligently seeks to expand her knowledge of various cultures, histories, and storytelling techniques to enhance her world-building abilities. In addition to her artistic passions, Lucy enjoys watching cartoons and embarking on scenic hikes.
View Lucy Cui’s artwork at the Manhattan Beach Art Center’s upcoming exhibition, Return to Form.
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Brittany Ryan
Brittany Ryan is a California-based artist who specialized in sculpture. She graduated from Laguna College of Art and Design in 2005 with a BFA in Illustration and a minor in Sculpture, and in 2010 with an MFA in drawing and painting. Brittany has won several awards for her work, including the Gold Medal award at the National Sculpture Societies 87th Annual Awards show in 2020 and first place in sculpture at the Portrait Society International competition in 2021. She has also completed a monumental sculpture project called "Canyon Walkers" and worked as a sculpture department coordinator and instructor at Laguna College of Art + Design since 2014. Brittany's art strives to find a balance between modern and classical aesthetics while still maintaining a sense of identity and narrative.
View Brittany Ryan’s artwork at the Manhattan Beach Art Center’s upcoming exhibition, Return to Form.
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Meet the Instructor
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Introducing MBAC’s newest instructor, Lucy Cui, a talented concept artist whose expertise lies in environment and set design. Lucy's passion lies in the film and video game industries, and she constantly strives to learn about different cultures, history, and storytelling to improve her world-building skills. Along with her dedication to art, Lucy has a love for watching cartoons and exploring scenic hiking trails.
Lucy will be teaching the following classes at MBAC:
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Intro to Oil Painting
Join us for our Introduction to Oil Painting class and immerse yourself in the realm of oil painting. This course will walk you through how to set up your materials and brushes, teach the fundamentals of design, and help you produce your very own paintings under the guidance of a trained instructor. Let your imagination go wild as you bring white canvases to life and experience the delight of using the rich medium of oil paint to express yourself. All skill levels welcome!
Supplies are not included. For ages 18 and up.
Intro to Charcoal
Dive into the expressive world of our Charcoal drawing class! Explore the interplay of light and shadow, get a feel for the materials, and refine your skills in creating expressive compositions. Whether you are a beginner or looking to enhance your artistic abilities, this class offers a productive space to hone your craft. Unearth the power of charcoal to create stunning visual drawings. All skill levels welcome!
Supplies are not included. For ages 18 and up.
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Raku Workshop
Explore the exciting art of Raku firing in this hands-on workshop! Students will glaze and fire their pieces, participating in the entire process. Students are limited to bring 3-4 pieces, space is limited so not all work may be fired. Pieces limited to no more than 4” wide and 8” tall. Pieces must be bisque fired prior to workshop. An information sheet about this workshop and requirements will be emailed to participants. Fire safe clothes and closed toed shoes must be worn. Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Workshop is conducted outdoors, behind the Manhattan Beach Art Center.
⟟ Wednesday, March 20 from 1pm to 4pm
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Art Lab
with Natalie Strong
Come explore the possibilities with a variety of materials and mediums. Projects inspired by current working artists are just the starting point for you to discover your own style and process. Artists of all abilities welcome.
⟟ Tuesday, January 23 through March 19 from 3:30 pm to 5pm for ages 8 to 12 years old
⟟ Wednesday, January 24 through March 20 from 2:30pm to 4pm for ages 5 to 9 years old
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Adult Art Journaling
with Natalie Strong
Come experiment with the freedom and self-expression of art journaling. Working in a provided sketchbook (you may bring your own if you prefer), learn various approaches to capturing your thoughts, feelings and ideas using mixed media materials and drawing techniques. All skill levels are welcome.
⟟ Wednesday, January 24 through March 27 from 11:30 am to 1pm for ages 18 and up
⟟ Thursday, January 25 through March 28 from 10am to 11:30am for ages 18 and up
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Foundations Drawing
with Edgar Silva
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Dive into the art of drawing with this captivating introduction led by the accomplished artist and professor, Edgar Silva. Students will advance their grasp of spatial illusion via atmospheric and linear perspective. Edgar's approach emphasizes practical exploration of visual elements like: line, shape, value, volume, texture, space, light, and composition. All skill levels are embraced in Edgar's inclusive academic drawing approach. Supplies are not included. Click link to see attached supply list.
⟟ Friday, January 26 through March 29 from 9 am to 12 pm for ages 18 and up.
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Foundations Painting
with Edgar Silva
Immerse yourself in the art of painting through this introductory course guided by accomplished artist and professor, Edgar Silva. Students will explore the complexity of painting through direct observation of a still life. Focusing on value and color relationships, this class will walk you through a monochromatic palette, a limited palette, and finally a full palette. Through this process, you will learn how the function of light dictates the color relationships we see on the form. Finally, students will work from their own inspiration, providing photo references to paint as a final project. Supplies are not included. Click link to see attached supply list.
⟟ Friday, January 26 through March 29 from 12pm to 3pm for ages 18 and up.
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Silver Metal Clay: Charms Workshop
with Chris Brooks
In this workshop, beginning and returning students will learn how to make silver charms with Silver Metal Clay. The charms will be about 1 inch so they could be a small pendant or possibly earrings if preferred. Bring your own designs or use the patterns provided for the class. Participants will learn how to work with Silver Metal Clay including how to cut, texture, layer and shape. One of the projects includes setting a 5mm faceted stone. After the clay dries, students will learn how to refine and engrave their pieces. This small class offers plenty of individual attention. The workshop fee includes all materials. Tools will be available for use during the class. Firing will be done offsite. Bring your lunch and glasses for detailed work if you need them.
⟟ Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 9:30am to 3:30pm for ages 16 and up.
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Glaze Lab
Begin your journey into the world of ceramics by visiting Glaze Lab! The fee includes all materials, firing, and labor. No need to make reservations, all you have to do is bring in your creativity.
⟟ Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm at MBAC
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Ceramics Bucks
 Ceramics Bucks are now be available for purchase at the Manhattan Beach Art Center, card payments only. For more information please visit or contact the Manhattan Beach Art Center at 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 | Wednesday-Sunday, 10am to 5pm | (310) 802-5440
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Exhibition
 For more information about the exhibition or about the Manhattan Beach Art Center please visit or contact the Manhattan Beach Art Center at 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 | Wednesday-Sunday, 10am to 5pm (310) 802-5440
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Manhattan Beach Art Center
1560 Manhattan Beach Boulevard Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm | (310) 802-5440
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