Dear friends,
I’m so excited to share what’s coming up next at SLOMA. This spring, our galleries will be filled with stories—big, small, joyful, and thoughtful—with the opening of Once Upon Now. This exhibition brings together nine powerful and important works from the Art Bridges Collection. The art includes painting, sculpture, and video made between 1915 and 2020, with artists such as Alex Katz, Richard Prince, Rachel Rose, and Félix González-Torres.
At its heart, Once Upon Now is about memory, identity, and place—and how these things shape who we are. Each artwork tells a story. Some feel playful and familiar, while others are quiet or even a little haunting. Many focus on growing up, trying to belong, and finding connection. One especially meaningful work is Félix González-Torres’ participatory candy piece, which invites visitors to take part while gently exploring themes of care, generosity, loss, and queer experience. It’s a powerful reminder of how art can connect us to one another.
We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Art Bridges, which made this exhibition possible. Art Bridges’ mission is to partner with museums of all sizes across the United States and its territories, providing strategic and financial support to get American art out of storage and into communities nationwide. Through their innovative art-sharing and community engagement programs, we’re able to bring extraordinary works to SLO—art that might otherwise never be seen here. This partnership is truly special, and we’re so thankful for their trust and collaboration.
Once Upon Now is an exhibition for all ages and backgrounds. Whether you visit on your own, with friends, or with family, we hope you’ll see something that feels familiar, sparks a conversation, or helps you see your own story in a new way. I can’t wait to welcome you to the museum and experience this exhibition together.
Warmly,
Leann Standish
Executive Director
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
P.S. SLOMA members enjoy benefits like early access and exclusive opening receptions. Members and their guests are invited to the preview of “Once Upon Now” on Friday, February 27 from 6–8 PM. RSVP below!
Not a SLOMA member yet? Join us!