The College of the Canyons Art Gallery will present works from Los Angeles-based artist Michael Davis’ latest installation, “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” as the college’s first exhibition of the spring semester.

Davis has a long history as a nationally featured studio and public artist with installations across the United States. His work has been featured in many publications including Artforum, Art News, Public Art Review and SoCal Artists.

“The Day the Earth Stood Still” is a series of works detailing pivotal moments in history like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the launch of the Sputnik satellite into orbit.

Davis’ work is informed by cultural and societal touchstones of the 1950s and political activism of the 1960s.

“I also look to science to astronomy, the infinitesimally small infinitely large, to seek connections that bind us together in spirit if not ideology,” Davis says.

Found-objects piece by Michael Davis

Davis has previously had his work on display at various Southern California galleries including the Grand Central Art Gallery in Santa Ana and the Newport Harbor Art Museum in Newport Beach.

COC Art Gallery director Larry Hurst says audiences will find this exhibition both “intriguing and thought-provoking.”

“I have been aware of Mr. Davis’ work since the beginning of his exhibition career and his work is always thoughtful, well-crafted, and intellectually stimulating,” Hurst said.

The exhibition “The Day the Earth Stood Still” will open Tuesday, Feb. 17 and runs through Wednesday, March 18.

An artist’s reception will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. A conversation with the artist will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26.

The College of the Canyons Art Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Those unable to visit the gallery during normal hours are welcome to contact the gallery to schedule a viewing appointment.

All gallery exhibitions and related events are free and open to the public.
For more information about the College of the Canyons Art Gallery or the exhibition, “The Day the Earth Stood Still” please visit www.canyons.edu/artgallery. For more information about the artist, please visit www.mad-art.com.