The Ontario Museum of History & Art, in collaboration with the Ontario Museum Associates and The Arts Area, once again brings the 13th Biennial Ontario Open Art Exhibition to the Inland Empire. This juried exhibition, opening Thursday and running through July 20, showcases over 150 artists from Southern California and offers an opportunity to experience the diverse voices and visions of contemporary artists from the region.
“This exhibition has become a staple event with the artist community in the region. We received the highest number of submissions for the Open in its thirteenth-year tenure at the museum, which is a reflection of the vibrant and ever-growing arts community in the Inland Empire and broader Southern California,” said Samantha Herrera, curator of exhibits. “We wanted to showcase as many artists as possible with this year’s Open exhibition. Out of the 150 artists in the exhibition, we are delighted to have over 130 artists who will be featuring their artwork for the first time in the museum.”
Among the first-time artists is Christen Austin, whose painting “Living Water” merges figurative and portrait narratives to explore Black culture in America. Austin celebrates the beauty and resilience of Black identity through a surrealistic lens, affirming its rightful place in all spaces. Another first-time artist, Ahrong Ferreira, presents a powerful watercolor and pencil work of art entitled “The Night in November” that evokes deep emotions tied to memory. Ferreira’s work draws from nature, inviting viewers to connect with her personal reflections on the world around her.
Visitors will also see a number of returning artists, including Richard May, who presents his mixed media piece “Sax Formations.” May captures the energy and motion of live jazz musicians, using vibrant cool shades of blues and greens to depict the musician, with warm tones of yellow highlighting the saxophone in action.
The exhibition celebrates a wide range of mediums, including ceramics, photography, digital art, and painting, among others.
Guest jurors will select nine artworks for the following awards: first, second, and third place, four honorable mentions, the City Council Liaison Award, and the Steve Thomas Photography/Conservation Award.
The winners of the juried show will be announced at a special reception on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., hosted by the Ontario Museum Associates and The Arts Area.
