Ed Inks Featured in Second Annual Sculpture Garden

For Westmont's second annual outdoor sculpture exhibit, Reynolds Gallery features Ed Inks Sculpture Garden Aug. 27 to Dec. 13. A reception with the artist takes place Thursday, Sept. 27, 4-6 p.m.

Inks, who chairs the art department at Santa Barbara City College, is a well-loved teacher and respected sculptor. With his participation in the 2006 State of the Arts show downtown and his appearance in the documentary film, "Much Ado About W," he has become something of a spokesman for public art in Santa Barbara. "I believe art should be in the public eye," he says. He values art that challenges the viewer on many levels, and his own work certainly does.

The sculpture garden will include five of his oversize metal compositions placed throughout the lawn near the gallery, two of which he created this summer. Each explores a theme often present in Inks's work: the idea of being inside and outside. "Wedding at Canaan," an open structure of rods forming a vessel on its side, allows the viewer to be physically inside looking out, while "Musical Chairs: At-one-ment" explores the nature of relationship by connecting two rusted chairs with their backs to each other. Through visual references, the sculptures touch on social and spiritual themes without being dogmatic or limiting. These familiar objects, presented in unconventional ways, invite viewers to look at the world from a new perspective.

The exhibit will run concurrent with Georges Rouault: Miserere et Guerre Aug. 23 to Oct. 18, and Storytellers: Children's Book Illustrators Nov. 3 to Dec. 13. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, contact Nicholas Price