HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-06; Arts Commission; 01; Update on upcoming exhibit in the William D. Cannon Art GalleryMeeting Date: Feb. 6, 2025
To: Arts Commission
From: Alyson Benford, Curator of Exhibitions
Staff Contact: Alyson Benford
alyson.benford@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5154
Subject: Update on upcoming exhibit in the William D. Cannon Art Gallery
District: All
Recommended Action
Receive an update on the upcoming William D. Cannon Art Gallery exhibit, “Silent Storytellers.”
Executive Summary
The William D. Cannon Gallery is a focal point for visual art in the City of Carlsbad and
throughout San Diego County. Opened in 1999, it strives to engage individuals and community
through visual arts exhibits and programs. The space is in the Carlsbad City Library Complex
which receives more than 2,000 visitors per day. The upcoming exhibition, “Silent Storytellers,”
affirms the city’s enduring support of exceptional California artists who are exploring themes
relevant to our communities, such as our coastline environments.
Explanation & Analysis
The city is honored to present more than sixty paintings and drawings by Laguna Beach-based
artist Fredric Hope in the William D. Cannon Gallery, on display Feb. 7 through June 28. Through
his art, Hope emerges as lifelong observer and contemporary interpreter of Southern
California’s evolving shores, transforming his recollections and relationship with coastal
artifacts – shells, stones, tidepools and the shoreline – into visual meditations on time, place
and interconnectedness. The artist’s distinctive compositions reveal nature’s surfaces and
geometries as visual codes of environmental wisdom, reminding us of our shared past, present,
and future.
Admission to the exhibition is free to the public. The Gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m.,
Tuesday through Saturday.
Community Engagement
This exhibit is supported through an artist residency including educational labels, on view
catalog, artist lecture, and Open Studios program. Additionally, a sit-down interactive visitor
response area featuring books, physical objects, drawing materials and prompts is incorporated
ARTS COMMISSION
Feb. 6, 2025 Item #1 Page 1 of 2
Staff Report
into the design. Staff will implement a thorough communications plan to ensure the public is
aware of the exhibition, including a media release, social media posts, web page and other
promotional materials.
Fiscal Analysis
Exhibitions in the William D. Cannon Art Gallery are supported by the city’s General Fund as
appropriated in the approved fiscal year 2024-25 operating budget, as well as funding from the
Cannon Endowment. Total artist compensation for the “Silent Storytellers” exhibition is
$10,000.
Options
None.
Next Steps
All Arts Commissioners are invited to the opening reception at the William D. Cannon Gallery
from 3 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 22.
Environmental Evaluation
This item does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a project within
the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under California Public Resources Code
Section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the
environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
Exhibits
None.
Feb. 6, 2025 Item #1 Page 2 of 2
Upcoming William D. Cannon Art Gallery Exhibit
Fredric Hope
Silent Storytellers
Alyson Benford
Curator of Exhibitions
Library and Cultural Arts
February 6, 2025
{ City of
Carlsbad
2
ARTIST FREDRIC HOPE
California Native
Enduring Themes
Lifelong Practice
Remarkable Ouvre
Expansion of Traditional Influences
Upcoming William D. Cannon Art Gallery Exhibit
{ City of
Carlsbad
Fredric Hope
Silent Storytellers
Through his art, Hope emerges as lifelong observer
and contemporary interpreter of Southern
California's evolving shores.
He transforms his recollections and relationship
with coastal artifacts – such as shells, stones, and
tidepools – into visual meditations on time, place
and interconnectedness.
His distinctive compositions reveal nature's
geometries as visual codes of environmental
wisdom, reminding us of our shared past, present,
and future.
{city of
Carlsbad
4
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Reception
Artist Talk
Artist Open Studios
Explore More (youth)
Learning Center + Baby Lapsit
Library Book Display
Upcoming William D. Cannon Art Gallery Exhibit
{city of
Carlsbad
5
IN-GALLERY ENGAGEMENT
Educational Labels
Dedicated Interactive Area
Face- Out Bookshelves
California Shells and Stones,
Sketching Materials and Prompts
Community Response Wall
Upcoming William D. Cannon Art Gallery Exhibit
( City of
Carlsbad
Fredric Hope: Silent Storytellers
February 7 –June 28, 2025
Opening Reception
Saturday, February 22,
3-6 p.m.
WILLIAM D. CANNON ART GALLERY
{ City of
Carlsbad