'Alchemy and Light' exhibition, gallery upgrades highlighted in Cannon Gallery update

Lisonbee Benford, the curator of exhibitions for the City of Carlsbad, briefed the Arts Commission on the William D. Cannon Art Gallery's current show, Alchemy and Light, and previewed fall plans including the Canon Biennial. Benford said Alchemy and Light features "over 90 photographic works by 7 contemporary local photographers" and has produced strong community engagement through workshops, artist talks, interactive collage tables and visitor responses that have extended gallery dwell time.

Benford also outlined facility improvements completed during the gallery's January closure: movable walls outfitted with new casters, neutral floor repainting, new 8-inch baseboards and the installation of the gallery's first wall outlet, which Benford said enables the new personal response room and broader digital exhibition opportunities. She invited commissioners and staff to upcoming workshops and the gallery's public events schedule, and said the current exhibition will be on view through August 23.