From the Editor: Malibu’s art community continues to wow

Art is all around us, literally.

So often, the ocean inspires Malibu’s myriad artists, who strive to capture its brilliance, significance and beauty. Other times, the beach acts as the setting for impromptu art, as you can see in this week’s Photo Op (Page 13).

And in even more rare instances, like in our story on Page 7, the ocean produces a most peculiar creature that, while not technically art, is also open to be interpreted by its many viewers. Is it an organ, a sea hare, a monster? We can’t be certain, but it surely is an interesting sight to see.

Because of its beauty and because of its mystery, the ocean is the perfect subject for art of every form. And that’s what makes Malibu Village’s new “Sea Sick in Paradise” exhibition, which opened this past Saturday, so very special.

You won’t find real-life sea creatures in the exhibition, but you will likely find a sense of great nostalgia, pride and passion that all tie back to the ocean in one way or another.

In case you missed the opening, we have the full details of the exhibition — which remains on display through Sept. 30 — on Page 23.

And while I do recommend checking out this locally relevant and highly diverse exhibition, it’s only the latest in a wonderful lineup of art offerings this summer.

On a regular basis, our calendar also features details on paint outs at local beaches and parks which are led by the Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore, a group which is also having an exhibition through July 31 at King Gillette Ranch (check our calendar, under the ongoing section, for additional details). 

Also in this issue, you can find the details on Vino and Van Gogh painting events led by Alice M. Howe at Spruzzo (Page 27). The events take place each Thursday in July, and Howe said she was considering continuing the offerings into August. 

Another exhibition that remains on display is Pepperdine’s “Process and Reality: Works from the Permanent Collection, Celebrating 25 Years of Acquisitions,” which you have less than a month to catch before it closes on Aug. 6. Like “Sea Sick in Paradise,” this exhibition does not have an admission fee.

Whether you prefer to be a spectator or the one behind the easel, there’s so much beauty waiting to be embraced and admired in your very own backyard — and beyond.