Generation Next in CSUN Art Show

The artistic world got a glimpse of what it can expect in the 21st century at the grand opening of Cal State Northridge’s second annual invitational art exhibition for high school students Sunday.

“Future Art,” an exhibit produced by 180 artists from 21 Valley-area high schools, features 248 works in various mediums, including paint, watercolor, airbrushing, mural design, sculpture, ceramics, wood, textiles, graphic design and photography.

“We are so pleased by the response, particularly in an era when we hear so much about the lack of funding for the arts in the schools,” said Louise M. Lewis, director of the Art Dome, CSUN’s gallery.

“It’s extraordinary to see this kind of work come out of high school students,” she said. “It bodes very well for all of us.”

Lewis said the young artists are influenced by historical art movements, such as dada and surrealism, and today’s music videos and animation.

Kathi Martin, art chairwoman at Taft High School in Woodland Hills, was impressed by the diversity of the artwork.

“It reflects a rich variety of life experiences and cultural backgrounds,” said Martin, who has three students taking part in the exhibition. “This culture is such a cool one that to see students be expressive is very moving.”

A grand opening reception was held for the teen artists and their high school teachers.

Also attending were Ximena Monotta of the education department at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Flora Ito of the education department at the Museum of Contemporary Art; and Rick Moss of the history department at the California African American Museum.

The exhibition is open to the public through Jan. 10 from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays and Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. The Art Dome, 18111 Nordhoff St., will be closed Thanksgiving Day through Sunday and from Dec. 20 through Jan. 4.

For more information, call the Art Dome at 677-2226.