The following is a press release from SMC. Image caption :“Sweet Dreams” (watercolor, 15 x 11 inches) will be shown as part of an online exhibition of works by renowned artist and SMC Emeritus student Akemi Watanabe, which opens with an online reception Oct. 24 from p.m.-6:30 p.m. at smc.edu/emeritusgallery.
The Santa Monica College (SMC) Emeritus Art Gallery will present a free online-only exhibition of colorful, highly detailed paintings and drawings by renowned artist and SMC Emeritus student Akemi Watanabe. The exhibition opens Thursday, Oct. 24, with a free, live Zoom Virtual Launch Event from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at smc.edu/emeritusgallery, where a link will go live at event time and take guests directly to the exhibition’s opening reception.
The opening reception — to be hosted by Emeritus Associate Dean (interim) Guadalupe Salgado-Shower and Emeritus Gallery Curator Jesse Benson — will feature a discussion between Benson and Watanabe about selected works, along with a Q&A offering guests the chance to ask the artist questions.
The exhibition of more than 70 artworks — presented online at smc.edu/emeritusgallery — showcases Watanabe’s prolific energy. A signature stylization has driven her work for years, and though beyond language, it is somewhat characterized by an overlap of beauty and material mastery. Lines, edges, and colors within Watanabe’s poetic compositions push well beyond realism in imagery ranging from intricate floral renderings to emotive portraiture. A sort of quiet-yet-potent drama permeates — an almost haunting type of beauty.
“It is with great pleasure that we digitally present the magnificent art pieces created by Akemi Watanabi,” said Associate DeanSalgado-Shower. “Her work is a real treat, blending creativity and innovation like never before. Don’t miss out — join us and take part in something truly special!”
“I’ve known Akemi for over a decade,” said curator Benson. “She is one of the most committed and formed artists in the Emeritus community. Her solo exhibition is long overdue and promises to be unforgettable.”
To see the online exhibition of Watanabe’s art at any time after 5 p.m. on Oct. 24, viewers may go to smc.edu/emeritusgallery and click the exhibition link, available 24 hours a day. The link takes viewers directly to the exhibition album on a Facebook page that is open to public viewing (Facebook account not necessary).
SMC’s widely praised Emeritus program — founded by Santa Monica College in 1975 as a noncredit program to serve the lifelong learning interests of older adults — offers more than 120 noncredit adult education classes and special programs that serve more than 3,000 students each year.
More information is available by visiting smc.edu/emeritusgallery or calling 310-434-4306.
