Four years ago Donald Tiscareno was talking to a friend and fellow artist,
Marka Burns about the lack of space people for people to show their work.
Soon after Burns called a meeting at her home inviting several artists and
art supporters in the community. Agreeing the problem was very real
indeed, they discussed what solutions might be available. Certainly LBCG
had already been exhibiting their work at several limited venues around
the city including the Long Beach Community Playhouse and others, but
they were resolved to find a more permanent solution.
Long Beach’s 3rd District Council representative Suzie Price agreed to
meet with them and several artists and arts advocates to learn more about
the specific needs and approaches being considered, and several options
including empty store fronts and recreation buildings were discussed.
The search for a more permanent gallery space continued and finally at
an evening art opening Burns was approached by Cameron Briggs, who
coincidentally was looking for artists who might want to exhibit in his
father’s gallery space. His father Rod Briggs, a prominent Long Beach
artist, used the space as both a studio and gallery for his work..
Details were arranged and the beautiful space the LBCG now calls home
was host to several exhibits throughout the 1st year with grants and
sponsorships from the Arts Council for Long Beach and the Port of Long
Beach. Now in their second year LBCG is sincerely appreciative for the
opportunity to realize their mission in acknowledging and providing
exhibition space for the many talented artists in the city.
LBCG members are: Marka Burns, Donald Tiscareno. Dorte Christjansen,
Michiel Daniel, Greg Fritsche, Terry Fontenrose and Phyllis Schmidt