Announcing the 13th Biennial Ontario Open Art Exhibition on View from May 1 – July 20, 2025
Apr 8
Press Contact: Dan Bell, Communications and Community Relations Director
Phone Number: (909) 395-2400
Date: April 8, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Ontario
Department of Museum, Arts & Culture
Announcing the 13th Biennial Ontario Open Art Exhibition on View from May 1 – July 20, 2025
The13th edition of the Ontario Open celebrates a growing arts community in the Inland Empire and greater Southern California region
The Ontario Museum of History & Art, in collaboration with the Ontario Museum Associates and The Arts Area, proudly presents the 13th Biennial Ontario Open Art Exhibition. This juried exhibition showcases over 150 artists from Southern California and offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse voices and visions of contemporary artists from the region.
"This exhibition has become a staple event with the artist community in the region. We received the highest number of submissions for the Open in its thirteenth-year tenure at the Museum, which is a reflection of the vibrant and ever-growing arts community in the Inland Empire and broader Southern California," said Samantha Herrera, Curator of Exhibits. "We wanted to showcase as many artists as possible with this year's Open exhibition. Out of the 150 artists in the exhibition, we are delighted to have over 130 artists who will be featuring their artwork for the first time in the Museum."
Among the first-time artists include, Christen Austin, whose painting Living Water merges figurative and portrait narratives to explore Black culture in America. Austin celebrates the beauty and resilience of Black identity through a surrealistic lens, affirming its rightful place in all spaces. Another first-time artist, Ahrong Ferreira, presents a powerful watercolor and pencil work of art entitled, The Night in November that evokes deep emotions tied to memory. Ferreira’s work draws from nature, inviting viewers to connect with her personal reflections on the world around her.
Visitors will also see a number of returning artists, including Richard May, who presents his mixed media piece Sax Formations. May captures the energy and motion of live jazz musicians, using vibrant cool shades of blues and greens to depict the musician, with warm tones of yellow highlighting the saxophone in action.
The exhibition celebrates a wide range of mediums, including ceramics, photography, digital art, and painting, among others, ensuring that visitors will experience a rich and varied display of contemporary artistic expressions.
The City of Ontario’s Museum of History & Art is grateful to the Ontario Museum Associates and The Arts Area for their support of the exhibition. Guest jurors select nine artworks for the following awards: first, second, and third place, four honorable mentions, the City Council Liaison Award, and the Steve Thomas Photography/Conservation Award.
With an impressive lineup of talented artists and an exceptional array of creative works, the 13th Biennial Ontario Open Art Exhibition is a must-see event for artists and the community. The winners of the juried show will be announced at a special reception on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 2 PM to 4 PM, hosted by the Ontario Museum Associates and The Arts Area.
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Additional Information
The Ontario Museum of History & Art preserves, interprets, and celebrates the history and cultural heritage of Ontario and the surrounding area. From developing exhibitions, to engaging visitors through educational experiences, and events that inspire creative action, the Museum is an anchor to the growing downtown arts district. The Museum recently achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. The Museum is uniquely housed in Ontario’s former City Hall, a historical landmark funded by the Works Progress Administration.
About the Ontario Museum of History & Art
The Ontario Museum of History & Art is located at 225 S. Euclid Avenue, Ontario, California 91762. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday, Noon to 4 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free. The Ontario Museum of History & Art is a facility of the City of Ontario’s Department of Museum, Arts & Culture. For more information call (909) 395-2510, email MuseumInfo@ontarioCA.gov, visit OntarioMuseum.org or follow @ontariomuseum_artsculture on Instagram.
About the City of Ontario
The City of Ontario is enhancing the quality-of-life by creating urban lifestyle districts that create sustainable places to live, work and play. Located just east of Los Angeles and Orange counties, the City of Ontario is ideally situated as a gateway to Southern California. With major freeways, rail transportation and an International Airport, Ontario invites the rest of the world to be a part of a culturally diverse community with rich history that is well positioned for quality development and economic sustainability for its residents. Complementing its business and residential core, Ontario offers premium entertainment venues such as the Ontario Convention Center, Toyota Arena, and Ontario Mills. To learn more about the City of Ontario, visit OntarioCA.gov or call (909) 395-2000.