The Santa Monica College Emeritus Art Gallery is hosting a free online exhibition of painted portraits by artist Barbara Gordon, opening January 22, 2026. The exhibition will feature a Zoom Virtual Launch Event from 5 to 6:30 p.m., hosted by gallery curator Jesse Benson, who will discuss selected works with Gordon. The show highlights Gordon's portraits of women and children, reflecting her background in Women's Studies and her focus on emotional connection with her subjects.
This exhibition matters because it showcases the work of an older adult artist who returned to school later in life, embodying the mission of SMC's Emeritus program, which serves lifelong learners aged 50 and over. The free online format makes art accessible to a broad audience, including those unable to visit in person, and underscores the value of community-based art education and the creative contributions of senior artists.