Debra Scacco, Santa Monica's first Public Works Department Artist in Residence, will debut "Laboratory for the Future," an art exhibit exploring water, waste and urban ecology themes.
The exhibit opens Saturday, Oct. 11, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Santa Monica Airport Arts Center Propeller Gallery, with an artist's reception from noon to 3 p.m.
The free exhibit features sculptural interpretations of Santa Monica's water pathways, sculptures made with city water well excavation clay and portraits of essential workers. The exhibit runs through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, with gallery hours Thursday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Additional free events include a composting session Oct. 16 at Ishihara Park Learning Garden, an artist talk Oct. 25, a conversation with Diné Water Activist Emma Robbins Nov. 1, and a closing event Jan. 3, all at Propeller Gallery.
Selected in 2023 as part of the Our City Yards project, Scacco spent two years exploring Santa Monica's water, waste and sanitation systems while highlighting the work of essential employees.
The project is made possible by the city of Santa Monica Recreation and Arts Department Cultural Affairs Division, Public Works Department and Percent for Art program.
For more information and to RSVP for the artist reception, visit https://www.santamonica.gov/city-yards-public-art.
Edited by SMDP Staff