MONCA commemorates shuttered art institute
The exhibition “In Flux: Recalibrating the Unknown” is now on display at the Museum of Northern California Art, featuring works from over 170 former San Francisco Art Institute students, alumni and faculty.
The institute, which opened in 1871, closed its doors in 2022 because of bankruptcy. Its building was bought by Melinda Gates. The exhibition is a diverse combination of photographs, paintings, ceramics and other mediums — and features artists who bring wonder and healing to all museum attendees, according to a press release.
MONCA Executive Director Pat Macias is thrilled to have the exhibition available to everyone in Butte County.
“Since 1871, SFAI has been a revered art school, nurturing artists who have broken barriers, ventured into unknown places and created some of the finest artwork experienced over the past nearly 150 years,” said Macias. “This exhibition not only gives us a glance at what was created during those years but also gives the SFAI artists a chance to reconnect,
tell stories and look toward the future.”
The exhibit was curated by Jeremy P.H. Morgan with the support of Eve Wemer and Julie Blankenship.
“MONCA is most grateful to have the opportunity to help facilitate this exhibition and to be a part of the healing process for the
many alumnae, collectors, faculty and staff,” Macias said. “Your creativity was fostered there and will remain with you forever.”
MONCA was also noted in a New York Times newsletter as a must-see museum in Chico.
The exhibit is on display until May 12. MONCA is
located at 900 The Esplanade in Chico. The phone number for the museum is 530-487-7272. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and is free for children and students. More information can be found at monca.org.