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The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

Artistic masterpieces on display at Atkinson

The stunningly vivid monotypes make a lasting impression at “Gifted,” the Atkinson Gallery‘s current exhibition of contemporary art donated to City College over the years.

Most of the prints are not only artistic masterpieces; they show the craftsmanship of Garner Tullis, who moved his workshop from the Bay Area to Santa Barbara in 1985.

Tullis collaborated with many renowned artists, like Lynda Benglis, David Reed, Don Gummer, Rick Stitch, Sam Messer, Italo Scanga, Peggy Wirta Dahl, David Row, Charles Arnoldi, Richard Nonas and Catherine Lee, who all have at least one monotype on display.

Benglis’ untitled print shows a sample of her playfulness with color and abstractions, while a giant blue composition by John Walker is one of the most striking monotypes at the exhibition.

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David Reed is the only artist represented by two pieces.

Jerry Smith’s ink-like lithograph “Faces, Klee si Lagee Lauck” in black and red depicts a story from Native American mythology.

One of the most eye-catching artworks at the exhibition is Richard Ross’ “Triptych” from 1987. Three colorful photographs depict blurred close-ups of a human body. Two sculptures are also noticeable in mixed media by Roland Reiss, which was donated by Leatrice Luria and shown for the first time.

Robert Frame’s “Red Still Life” is the only oil at the exhibition. It was given to the college by the artist and depicts a sliced melon and other fruits. The painting, which is one of the highlights at the exhibition, uses a perfect balance of color and form to absorb the viewer.

There are also six ceramics on display. Many of these artworks are reminiscent of objects for ordinary usage, like a vase, a jug, and a teapot. They are all high quality in design and craftsmanship.

“Gifted” also shows two photos of Fletcher Benton’s painted steel sculptures “Three Triangles” and “Fold Circle Arch,” and one photo of Aristides Demetrios’ bronze fountain “Mentors,” which is commonly known as the fountain on West campus.

Most of the exhibited artists are Americans, but there are also artworks by a few international artists. Four out of the 26 artists are women.

Eleven monotypes at “Gifted” are from Tullis’ collection of 33 prints donated to City College in 1990. Other donors at the exhibition are Barry Berkus, J.W. & Susanne Colin, Henry Huglin, Lee Luria and Michael Torbes. There are also artworks given by the different artists.

The exhibition will continue until Friday at the Atkinson Gallery, located in the Humanities Building on East Campus.

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