The Lompoc Valley Art Association presents Cuckoo’s Mixed Reality Nest, a solo exhibition showcasing works by Santa Barbara-based artist Mitra Cline, at Cypress Gallery. The exhibit is scheduled to open on April 3 and remain on display through April 27.
The show is described as a collection of traditional crafts—such as masks, bowls, and cards—and digital artworks, each inspired by the way cuckoo birds “make their homes in other birds’ nests, showing how we all depend on each other to create and grow,” according to press materials.
“Just like cuckoo birds need other birds’ nests, artists need each other and their community to create something new,” Cline said in a statement. “This show is about collaboration and inspiring creative ideas.”
In line with its collaborative theme, this exhibit has an interactive aspect to it, as visitors are encouraged to try on handmade paper masks available to them at the gallery. Masked guests can then take a photo of themselves to be featured in a rotating digital picture frame. Attendees can also create their own art projects using colored sand, paper bowls, and other resources.
The exhibit also features Cline’s colorful bicycle trailer, which serves as her small mobile art studio. The trailer was painted with traditional folk patterns, inspired by rosemaling, or Norwegian decorative painting with floral designs, and Viking art. Cline’s aim for the bike trailer is to demonstrate “how artists can create anywhere while caring for the environment.”
To celebrate the exhibit’s debut, Cypress Gallery will host an artist reception on April 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. The following day, a two-hour mask-making workshop (April 13 from 1 to 3 p.m.) will be held at the gallery. Participants will paint and customize their own paper masks during the event, open to ages 16 and older.
Early registration is required at lompocart.org, as space is limited to 10 participants. The workshop fee is $20.
On April 26, Cline will lead a virtual class on virtual gallery creation through Google Meet, from 2 to 4 p.m. Registrants will make their own digital gallery or room design. Tickets will be available on a limited donation basis (through lompocart.org).
For more info on Cline’s artworks and mobile art studio, visit mitracline.com. The Cypress Gallery, managed by the Lompoc Valley Art Association, is located at 119 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc.
This article appears in Mar 20-30, 2025.