Five Fall Exhibits at San Diego Museums

After all the fun and sun of summer, San Diego locals may be ready to enrich their minds with some new and exciting cultural stimulation that doesn’t come from a gossip magazine read on the beach. Perusing through a museum as you discover new and exciting artistic elements is an excellent way to spend a rainy afternoon. For those interested, there are many appealing and out-of-the-box exhibitions available for viewing this fall. From an exceptional collection of Maneki-Neko (the adorable cats found in Japanese store fronts) to the extraordinary work of award-winning photographers on the topic of sustainability, there is something to excite all minds and interests at San Diego museums.

Discover five new fall museum exhibits in San Diego.

Phenomenal: California Light, Space, Surface at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Phenomenal is an exhibit that takes a close look at the work of 13 artists, all of whom helped pioneer an era of art through their work with the medium of light in the ‘60s and ‘70s. This exhibit is being installed downtown this very moment, with September 25th marking the official opening. Featured artists include ingénues such as Larry Bell, Mary Corse, Eric Orr, Peter Alexander, Robert Irwin, Craig Kauffman, Bruce Nauman, James Turrell, John McCracken, De Wain Valentine and Doug Wheeler. This exhibit will be on display through January 22, 2012 at both locations. Learn more at mcasd.org

Infinite Balance: Artists and the Environment at Museum of Photographic Arts

Infinite Balance will bring together some of the world’s finest photographers who have been shortlisted for the Prix Pictet, a highly coveted prize in the world of photography and sustainability. Photographers include contemporary legends such as Thomas Joshua Cooper, Edward Burtynsky, Chris Jordan, Michael Wolf, Naoya Hatakeyama and Sammy Baloji. The thread that unites these award-winning photographers is the confrontation of environmental and social dilemmas. This exhibit will display works from three themes: Water, Earth and Growth.  This exhibit will be on display from October 11th through February 5th at the Museum of Photographic Arts, located inside Balboa Park. Learn more at mopa.org (pictured)

A Century of Images in Archaeology and Anthropology at Museum of Man

This intriguing exhibit will be presented November 11th through January 13th at the San Diego Museum of Man, which is found in Balboa Park. Adventures in Photography will focus on the untold tales of breath-taking discoveries and far-off destinations and will consist of 64 vintage photographs from the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. From Nippur to Tikal, the photographs will take visitors through six continents on an exciting overview spanning the course of 100 years. From the discovery of cuneiform tablets to the work of Harriet Boyd Hawes, the photographs are sure to evoke curiosity in us all. Learn more at museumofman.org

We Can Work It Out: Becky Guttin at Oceanside Museum of Art

From October 1st to January 5th, guests will look inside the art and life of Becky Guttin, a San Diego artist whose installation showcases her history and childhood in Mexico City. Themes of family, home, cultural conflict, identity and contradictions of life will be explored via vivid vinyl paintings, distinctive photographs and lyrical installations. Guttin uses Mexican cultural symbols, such as tortillas, miniature houses and mythical folk animals, to convey feelings of community belonging and family life. Visitors will have a chance to meet this internationally acclaimed artist on October 22nd in an exclusive Meet the Artist event, happening at noon. Learn more at oma-online.org

Maneki Neko: Japan’s Beckoning Cats - From Talisman to Pop Icon at Mingei International Museum

Chances are most of us have seen the adorable beckoning cats inside Japanese and Chinese stores and restaurants. Through January 15, 2012 interested guests will have a chance to find out more about the history and rumored good fortune that follows these iconic cats. Maneki Neko will showcase 155 of these good luck charms, given to the museum by collector Billie Moffitt. For those eager to learn even more, a volume by the same name as the exhibit was written by Asian Art expert Alan Scott Pate and published by the museum in honor of the exhibit. Learn more at mingei.org

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