Fall might not bring an immediate chill to Southern California, but the change in season still offers a chance to slow down, seek out something new and maybe spend a little more time getting inspired. Luckily, the region’s art scene is stepping into autumn with plenty to explore.
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From exhibitions spotlighting the photographers who captured decades of Chicano/a life in Los Angeles to outdoor art walks, artist markets and a weekend devoted to treasures shaped by the sea, this season offers plenty of ways to experience art beyond simply wandering through a gallery.
Here are 10 art exhibitions, markets and events to check out across Southern California this fall.
‘Every Minute is History: Five Views of Los Angeles’
Five photographers turn their lenses toward Los Angeles in this new exhibition at the Getty Center. Featuring work by Laura Aguilar, Reynaldo Rivera, George Rodriguez, Patssi Valdez and Ricardo Valverde, “Every Minute is History” explores the representation of Chicano communities in Los Angeles during the second half of the 20th century. Their work draws from social documentary photography, staged scenes, fashion and the popular press to capture the city and its changing cultural landscape from distinct perspectives.
When: Sept. 1-Jan. 3
Where: Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles
Details: Free; timed-entry reservation required. Parking is additional. getty.edu/exhibitions
Paint & Print Fair
Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore is bringing its annual Paint & Print Fair back to Sylmar for a fourth year. The afternoon artist vendor fair gives visitors a chance to shop directly from creatives selling original paintings, prints and other artwork while supporting a cultural center dedicated to arts, literacy and creative engagement in the Northeast San Fernando Valley.
When: Noon-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12
Where: Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore, 12677 Glenoaks Blvd., Sylmar
Details: Free. tiachuca.org.
‘Flesh Witness’
Opening at Redcat this September, “Flesh Witness” examines the effects of militarism across Asia and the Pacific, with a focus on Hawai‘i, Korea, Okinawa, the Philippines and Samoa. Co-curated by Korean arts nonprofit GYOPO and scholar Amy Kahng, the group exhibition brings together 11 artists and collectives working across sculpture, photography, mixed media, video and installation.
When: Sept. 12-Dec. 13
Where: Redcat, 631 W. Second St., Los Angeles
Details: Free. redcat.org.
Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival
Beachcombers and ocean lovers can head north for a weekend dedicated to sea-inspired treasures. The Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival brings together artists from around the country, offering handmade ocean-themed art and jewelry made with authentic sea glass.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13
Where: Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara
Tickets: Early bird admission starts at $12; Single-day admission starts at $7; children 12 and younger are free with a paid adult. santabarbaraseaglassandoceanartsfestival.com.
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115th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition Closing Day Paint/Sculpt-Out
The California Art Club will close out the 115th edition of its Gold Medal Exhibition with a day that lets visitors see artists at work. The exhibition features more than 200 paintings and sculptures selected from hundreds of submissions, with this year’s installment focusing on California’s 175th and the country’s 250th anniversary. On closing day, visitors can watch California Art Club artists create new works during a live Paint/Sculpt-Out, with additional family programming and a painting demonstration scheduled as part of the day.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13
Where: Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University, 167 N. Atchison St., Orange
Details: Free. californiaartclub.org.
‘Monica Majoli: Countervision’
Los Angeles artist Monica Majoli brings contemporary drawing into conversation with LGBTQ+ history in “Countervision,” presented by Los Angeles Nomadic Division at the June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives.
When: Sept. 19-Nov. 21; viewing hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday by appointment
Where: June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives, 626 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood
Details: mazerlesbianarchives.org.
Legacy Park Art Walk
For an outdoor art outing by the coast, the Malibu Arts Association and City of Malibu Arts Commission are hosting a free Art Walk at Legacy Park. Local artists will display and sell original artwork and prints, with much of the work drawing inspiration from Malibu’s landscapes and natural surroundings. The event is part of a series of free art walks designed to showcase the area’s creative community.
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13
Where: Legacy Park, 23500 Civic Center Way, Malibu
Details: Free. malibuartsandculture.org.
‘Artifacts from an Unborn Empire’
Timed with the 250th anniversary of the United States, “Artifacts from an Unborn Empire” invites visitors to reconsider how civilizations are built, whose stories become history and who gets to define the symbols of power. Curated by Jason Jenn and Vojislav Radovanovic, the exhibition brings together 22 artists using natural and manufactured materials to explore cultural myths, legacies, belonging and the forces shaping contemporary life.
When: Sept. 26-Dec. 31; opening reception 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Where: Brand Library & Art Center, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale
Details: Free. brandlibrary.org.
Beverly Hills Art Show
The Beverly Hills Art Show returns to Beverly Gardens Park for two days this October, turning four garden blocks along Santa Monica Boulevard into an open-air gallery. The free show features hundreds of artists working across painting, sculpture, watercolor, photography, mixed media, ceramics, glass, jewelry, drawing and printmaking, with all work represented by the artists themselves. Beyond browsing and buying art, visitors can catch artist demonstrations, live music and community exhibits or stop by the food trucks and wine and beer garden.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 17-18
Where: Beverly Gardens Park, 9439 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills
Details: Free. beverlyhills.org.
‘Hold Each Other’s Hands: Trans Mutual Aid, 1966-1996’
“Hold Each Other’s Hands” looks back at the ways transgender and gender-expansive individuals have built communities rooted in mutual aid and care. Through archival materials, contemporary artwork, guest speakers and community programming, the exhibition highlights how people have come together to support one another while inviting visitors to think about what collective care can look like today.
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When: Now through Dec. 5; gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Where: Oxy Arts, 4757 York Blvd., Los Angeles
Details: Free. oxyarts.edu.