Since its inception in 1978, Sonoma State University’s Art Gallery has promoted the understanding and appreciation of modern and contemporary visual art from around the world. Now, 40 years and over 200 exhibitions later, the University Art Gallery is celebrating its four decade history with a panel discussion featuring those involved with giving it the national and international significance it has today.
The discussion is a part of the gallery’s “40 by 40: The Fortieth Anniversary Exhibition,” which, until Dec. 9, presents one work each by 40 artists who have been featured in either solo or group shows since the Gallery’s opening. The panel, titled “Art and Conversation: History of the University Art Gallery at SSU,” will include current gallery director Michael Schwager, former gallery directors Bob Nugent and Inez Storer and professor emeritus Susan Moulton to commemorate the 40 year anniversary. All three former faculty members were instrumental in getting the gallery built and will share stories about how it has become such an important part of the North Bay art world over the years.
"It feels great to be able to look back at such a long and impressive history for the University Art Gallery," said University Art Gallery Exhibition coordinator Carla Stone. "The fact that the gallery is still going strong at 40 shows SSU's ongoing commitment to the visual arts as part of its mission to provide outstanding liberal arts programs for the campus and surrounding communities."
The event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the University Art Gallery. Admission is free and open to the public, with the reception beginning at 5:30 and the program beginning at 6 p.m. Parking is $5-$8 on campus. For more information, call (707) 664-2295 or visit the University Art Gallery website.