For a cultural outing for the whole family that links outdoor art with the mysteries of geometry, one may head over to the new “Geometry In Art” exhibition in the Sculpture Garden at Santa Rosa’s Luther Burbank Center for the Arts.
The center’s original Sculpture Garden was destroyed by the fires in 2017, and has been remade, better than ever. Now being presented is a new exhibit showcasing noted regional sculptors Robert Ellison, Peter Forakis, Dee Briggs, John deMarchi, Briona Hendren, Michael McGinnis, Rob Senn, Doug Unkrey and Al Voigt.
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, together with the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation, offers this exhibition free to the community, featuring 12 sculptures from nine different regional artists—four created specifically for this show. Later this month, Michael McGinnis will add two additional pieces of new work to the collection of sculpture, bringing the exhibition to a total of 14 pieces.
“‘Geometry In Art’ celebrates the intersection of geometry and artistic expression through the works of nine extraordinary artists, each presenting a unique perspective and aesthetic through their exploration of form, line and negative space,” says Anita Wiglesworth, curator of the show.
Wigelsworth, also a sculptor, originally opened the Sculpture Garden at the LBC with the artwork of Bruce Johnson in 2015 and has worked on the exhibitions there ever since.
“Through their work, these artists invite us to immerse ourselves in a world where aesthetics and mathematical principles harmoniously converge,” says Wiglesworth. “They use the language of shapes, rhythms and repetition to speak to the senses, inspire contemplation and foster a deeper appreciation for the inherent beauty of geometry that permeates our world.”
The Luther Burbank Center in the heart of Sonoma wine country has long been considered Sonoma County’s home for the arts and has been ranked among California’s top performing arts presenters. It’s a great place for the community to come and be enriched, educated and entertained, while engaging artistic curiosity. And the outdoor art is all free to experience.
“We believe it is vital to provide the public free access to the arts,” says Wigelsworth.
The exhibit makes use of the space and the outdoor elements in a way that sings, that invites participants to experience the work in a transcendent way. As part of the magic of outdoor sculpture, the community has a special opportunity to watch it change with the seasons.
“The exhibitions in the Sculpture Garden are up for two years. It gives our community an opportunity to see the works in different lighting and in different seasons,” explains Wigelsworth of the exhibit. And while the Sculpture Garden is central to the outdoor work, there is more to see. “We have works all throughout our campus to create an Art Walk, with the Sculpture Garden being at the heart of the program,” she says.
The “Geometry In Art” exhibition is free to the public. After a picnic and perusal of the sculptures, one may take an art walk through the rest of the campus and experience two recently installed works by muralist Maria de Los Angeles. There are currently 24 artworks on the campus, representing 18 artists, with more to come.
One may see the exhibition now in fall and see it again in winter, when the Northern Lights program launches. “Last year, we piloted a program called Northern Lights, where we lit the garden at night with whimsical lighting to create a beautiful experience with the lights and sculpture,” says Wigelsworth.
“Over 25,000 people visited to experience the garden and view the art during that program,” she recalls. “This year, we are expanding Northern Lights with additional temporary works, working with the Santa Rosa Junior College—a community designed bridge, more lights—and it will run from mid-November through mid-January.”
The exhibit is open to the public for free through August 2025.
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The ‘Geometry In Art’ exhibition is free to the public. After a picnic and perusal of the sculptures, one may take an art walk through the rest of the campus and experience two recently installed works by muralist Maria de Los Angeles.
