Camera Obscura Art Lab
The Santa Monica Camera Obscura is a historically accurate public access camera obscura. Located at 1450 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this museum exhibits fascinating images that were once only visible to the human eye. Designed as a working model, the camera obstructs the view of the world but can still be viewed by visitors. It is the only remaining camera obscura in existence and the only one in the United States.
This art center opened its doors in 1898, near the Santa Monica Pier. It is located in Palisades Park and was the city’s first booster. The Echo Park Film Center collective and City of Santa Monica’s Cultural Affairs department worked together to create I’ll Be Your Mirror, a poetic documentary that uses analog film tools and animation techniques to explore the city’s history. The film includes first-person accounts and archival imagery. There will be public work sessions and workshops on Saturdays, and the exhibition will honor the history of the Camera Obscura Art Lab.
The original location of the Art Lab is located in Palisades Park. The building was designed by noted architect Weldon J. Fulton and donated to the City of Santa Monica by Marcellus Joslyn. The Center is open Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm. During this time, visitors can interact with the optical device and watch a live work session by a working artist. The art center also offers voice overs, soundtracks, and filming services.
The Center is also home to the City of Santa Monica’s Studio Residency Program. This program celebrates the intersection between craft and fine art, while providing a forum for public viewing and involvement in the creative process. The program lasts 14 weeks and includes three terms. Term lengths may be adjusted to accommodate developing schedules. The Center selects two individual artists, one collective, or a group, and provides a 46′ x 16′ divisible studio space for each resident.
The Studio Residency Program is a popular program for artists of all ages and disciplines. It is a public program that allows participants to showcase their work, while enhancing their community. Originally a Senior Center, the Center now provides a vibrant place for adults to explore their creativity and learn from working artists. Its premise is simple: to give creative people the opportunity to express themselves. It’s about creating connections and fostering a community. Additional info.
The Center’s artistic programs are diverse and include art, culture, and crafts. The Studio Residency Program is free, and is open to the public. It is a great place to learn about and explore art. During this program, artists may participate in a variety of artistic disciplines, including printmaking and sculpture. The facility is open to the public, and there is no application fee.