Maria Luz, the piece that took 1st Place - © Melinda Arredondo

Congratulations to ArtCenter Photography student Melinda Arredondo (BFA '20) on her first place win at the 2018 California Open!

The California Open, now in its 13th year, is a juried exhibition celebrating contemporary art created by emerging artists. The competition is hosted by TAG Gallery.

This year's juror was artist and curator Kim Abeles.

“This exhibition was selected from the 1547 works submitted to the TAG juried show," Abeles said. "It represents many talented and inventive artists nationwide. My curatorial choices reflect an eclectic interest in art, and the exhibit expresses a range of impressions including homages to nature and neighborhoods, gentle or forceful portraits, conceptually-based and process-driven work, and urgent political discussions. The work is spirited, sometimes humorous or enigmatic, and in various ways, creates images representing human life in this existential moment. The exhibit includes photography, video, sculpture, painting, drawing, and printmaking.”

The exhibition is currently on view at the gallery until Friday, August 24th. See all the submitted work here.