Beginnings

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

Rod Briggs

Roderick Briggs (March 30, 1927-July 26, 2017) was an artist and
educator who exhibited throughout Southern California and was a
prominent member of the Long Beach art community for over 60 years.
His work is part of the Long Beach Museum of Art permanent collection
and Brigg’s work was included in the LBMA Downtown Seven Decades
of Art in September 2019.
His detailed photo-realistic style of oil painting evolved over decades,
showcasing scenes in and around Long Beach, and highlighting his
meticulous attention to detail. With a unique eye for imagery among
the ordinary, he captured varying landscapes that some would have
overlooked or deemed mundane.
From his perception come scenes that evoke particular moods, showcase
change, contrast varying elements, and chronicle the history of the Long
Beach area through the mid to late 20th and early 21st centuries. Brigg’s
work covers many different periods and styles, from textured abstract
expressionism, interactive experimental sound paintings, “raked” three
dimensional canvases, watercolor landscapes, sculpture, and realism
amidst urban and suburban sprawl. sometimes evoke themes of isolation
and loneliness amidst urban and suburban sprawl. His oil on linen canvases
invite the viewer to contemplate the scene, and the story behind it. Others
challenge us to see overlooked and commonplace landscapes with new
eyes and from a different perspective.

LBCG Board of Directors

Marka Burns: Founder and President
Helen Cox: Exhibit Coordinator, Secretary
Dorte Christjansen: Membership Director
Michiel Daniels: Project Art Director/Installation
Liz Talbot: Treasurer

Auxiliary Members:
Mic Burns: Graphic Designer
Sander Wolff: PR/Website Manager
Michele Morgan: Outreach Coordinator
Carlos Cordero: Outreach Coordinator
Karena Massengill: Outreach Coordinator
Maddison Lamothe: Social Media

 

 

Hours of Operation:
Friday-Sunday 1-4 pm
Phone: 562-400-5166

Parking
Street parking is available.