About Us

Beginnings
In 2018, Long Beach artists Marka Burns and Donald Tiscareno were speaking about the lack of exhibition space in Long Beach. Soon after, Burns called a meeting at her home, inviting several artists and community art supporters to discuss the challenges and opportunities.

LBCG had already been exhibiting their work at several alternate venues around the city including the Long Beach Community Playhouse and Portfolio Coffeehouse, but they were resolved to find a more permanent solution.

Long Beach’s 3rd District Council representative Suzie Price met 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 culminated at an evening art opening when Burns was approached by Cameron Briggs who,
fortuitously, was looking for artists who might want to exhibit in his father’s studio and gallery. His father, Rod Briggs, was a prominent Long Beach artist. An agreement was reached between the LBCG and the Briggs Family Trust, the group has been hosting exhibitions and other community events there ever since.

With grants and sponsorships from the Arts Council for Long Beach and the Port of Long Beach, the group has continued to expand its reach into the diverse and rich creative landscape of the greater metropolitan Long Beach area, partnering with arts organizations and institutions to serve an ever-more diverse group of artists and arts enthusists.

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
Carlos Cordero: Outreach Coordinator
Maddison Lamothe: Social Media
Karena Massengill: Outreach Coordinator
Michele Morgan: Outreach Coordinator
Sander Wolff: PR/Website Manager