FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. COC-07-015
August 25, 2006
Contemporary Cuban Art on Exhibit at College The College of the Canyons Art Gallery opens its 2006-07 exhibition season in grand style on September 6, with Cuba Oriente, an exhibition of exceptionally rich and vibrant works from Cuba's eastern region, often described as the heartland of Cuban culture. The works are from the collection of Clyde and Brigid Hensley of Jensen Beach, Florida. The show will run from September 6 through October 14. The artwork has been made available to the college's art gallery through the energy and vision of Patricia McKeon, wife of Congressman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon and under the auspices of Eastern Cuba Cultural Exchange, in partnership with Meridian International Center in Washington, D.C. "We are pleased and honored to be able to exhibit a show of this quality in the college's art gallery," said art department chair and gallery director, Joanne Julian. "It provides our students and the community with the opportunity," said Julian, "to appreciate the complex elements of this collection in an intimate and personal environment." Clyde Hensley's extensive travels and his lifelong interest in art brought him to Eastern Cuba in 1995. He befriended many artists there who work under difficult conditions and with few materials. He has since made numerous trips to the area and has helped to acquire supplies for the artists and has amassed a large and unique collection of art from the region. The exhibit showcases the work of fourteen participating artists of varied backgrounds. The works in Cuba Oriente reflect the many styles of the region including landscape painting, cubism and surrealism. An opening reception is planned for 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, for students, faculty, staff and members of the public. Admission to the gallery is free. A $1.00 parking permit can be obtained from the south lot or lot #6. This permit allows attendees to park in any regular space in the student lots. Art Gallery and store hours are: Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Gallery is closed Friday, Sunday and all college holidays. Note to Editors: Artwork will be uncrated in the Gallery on Monday, August 28, making a nice photo opportunity. Please contact Larry Hurst at: (661) 362-3875 for exact times and access information. Additional information regarding this and future exhibitions can be obtained by calling 661/362-3612. | 
