Exhibitions

August 15 – September 19, 2026:

Reinterpreting Rod: Artists Create New Works Inspired by Rod Briggs’ Paintings

Long Beach Creative Group (LBCG) invites the community to experience Reinterpreting Rod: Artists Create New Works Inspired by Rod Briggs’s Paintings, a group exhibit featuring 20 Long Beach-area artists who have created original works inspired by the paintings of the acclaimed Long Beach artist. The exhibit will be on view at the Rod Briggs Gallery, located at 2221 E Broadway in Long Beach, from Saturday, Aug. 15 to Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, with an opening reception on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 6pm to 9pm.

Conceived and curated by artist Cory Bilicko, the exhibit features 10 original paintings by Briggs alongside two contemporary reinterpretations of each work. The result is a visual conversation between generations of artists, offering viewers a rare opportunity to see how different creators respond to the same source material.

“I’ve intentionally assembled a diverse group of artists representing a wide range of ages, backgrounds and levels of experience,” Bilicko said, “and it includes established professional artists alongside emerging creators, two of whom are exhibiting publicly for the first time.”

The artists are Tracy Allen, Tony Barrera, Cory Bilicko, Aria Bradfield, James Brooks, Kadie DiCarlo, David Early, Susan Hawkins, Nate Jones, Anna Katrina, Calvin Konen, Jeff McMillan, Jacqueline Nguyen, Vince Ruez-Abdo, Jamie Russom, Julio Salgado, Morgan Stahlkuppe, Emily Tanaka, Bernard Vyzga and Ivan Zuno.

Briggs (1927–2017) was a prolific Long Beach artist whose career spanned decades and multiple artistic styles. His son, Cameron Briggs, oversees the collection of paintings featured in the exhibit.

“This show is important to me because it allows my dad’s artistic vision and creations to gain new life through reinterpretation,” Cameron said. “The creative spirit is ongoing; it is what drives artists of all stripes. To me, the act of reinterpretation is a tribute, an honor to my father’s talents and creativity. More importantly, it allows his work to live on and serve as an inspiration to others.”

For artist Jeff McMillan, reinterpretation is both a creative challenge and an opportunity for dialogue.

“Giving contemporary artists a chance to put their spin on existing works will create a conversation that hopefully will extend beyond the opening night,” MCMillan said. “I always liked the idea that a reaction, good or bad, is better than no reaction at all. At least there’s dialogue.”

Artist David Early drew inspiration from one of Briggs’s paintings depicting garments hanging from a clothesline, aiming to transform this ordinary scene into a narrative that invites viewers to engage with the stories that lie beneath the surface. “Through this reinterpretation,” Early said, “I hope to convey the complexities of everyday life and the connections we share, even with those we may not know personally.”

As an extension of the exhibit, artists Aria Bradfield and David Early will lead a free, family-friendly art workshop on Sunday, Aug. 23, from 1pm to 3pm. Inspired by the show’s central theme, participants will work with a partner through two guided sessions. During the first session, attendees will create original self-portraits. During the second, they will reinterpret their partner’s self-portrait using a different medium. Participants will leave with two original artworks. The event is free and open to participants of all ages and experience levels.

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Also, please join us on Friday, August 28th at 7:30 PM for a free screening of the documentary film, A Bigger Picture, about celebrated artist David Hockney leaving California and returning to his home in Northern England.   

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This exhibition is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Arts Council for Long Beach, the Port of Long Beach, and the ongoing support of the Briggs Family Trust.

The LBCG is an established consortium of experienced artists, educators, and art enthusiasts engaged in creating exhibit space and opportunities for local artists through curated exhibits and events. Since 2018, the Rod Briggs Gallery has enabled the Group to consistently and professionally present the depth and diversity of artistic expression in Long Beach and the surrounding communities.

The Rod Briggs Gallery is located at 2221 East Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803. During exhibits, the gallery is open to the public Fridays through Sundays, from 1pm to 4pm. No appointment is required. More information about the group, the gallery, and the show can be found at LongBeachCreativeGroup.org. Follow them at facebook.com/LongBeachCreativeGroup, and on IG @LongBeachCreativeGroup. 

Upcoming Exhibitions

2026

Off the Wall: Open Call (Submit NOW!)
October 3rd to November 14th, 2026

Curated by Walter Focht

Sculpture is the primary focus of this exhibition, featuring 3D works of all kinds. Artists are invited to create free-standing objects, or bring customized pedestals to showcase their work. 

The Newly Moderne #3
December 6th to December 24th, 2026

Beloved local artist, and LBCG co-founder, Donald Tiscareno will be featured, showcasing his vibrant abstract paintings.