POMONA, CA.- What distinguishes the art scene east of the 605 – okay, the 57 – is less its variety than its longevity. The Inland region is one of the cradles and incubators of California art from the inception of “hard edge” painting to the subsequent course of sculpture’s “ceramic revolution”. Inland Emperors, an exhibition celebrating this longevity and innovative artistic activity opened at dba256 Gallery and runs through October 27th. Inland Emperors is the inaugural exhibition for dba256 Gallery which is located in the heart of downtown Pomona’s Arts Colony.

Inland Emperors will feature work by internationally recognized inland region artists known for their major contributions both historically and conceptually to contemporary art. Karl Benjamin (painting), Robbert Flick (photography), Susan Rankaitis (photography) and Paul Soldner (sculpture) are all residents of Claremont. All four of which have made additional contributions in the community as leaders in art education as professors at Claremont Graduate University, University of Southern California and Scripps College respectively. Documentary photography by Sant Khalsa (San Bernardino, Chair of the Art Department of Cal State San Bernardino) will be accompanied by poetry by award winning writer B.H. Fairchild (Claremont). Thomas McGovern, also a resident and professor in San Bernardino, will present new photographic works on decorative ceramic plates. Riverside’s John Divola (University of California at Riverside, photography), Doug McCulloh (photography) and Sandra Rowe (installation) are also included in this exhibition. Larry White(Upland), long time assistant to woodworker Sam Maloof, will present new sculptural works in clay. Alta Loma resident Alexander Couwenberg’s large abstract painting on Birch panel beautifully marries process with materials. Tim Ernst of Idyllwild will present a painting of contemporary landscape. This exhibition will be accompanied by an essay by art writer/critic and Senior Curator of Riverside Art Museum, Peter Frank.

dba256 Gallery is dedicated to presenting quality thematic based exhibitions supported by academic theses. Gallery Director, Andi Campognone plans to run the gallery much like a museum space, showing mid-career and established contemporary artists. To support emerging artists in the community, Campognone will dedicate one wall in the gallery and offer site specific installation to local artists in the small adjoining space THE PO@256 on 3rd.