The Central Library is presenting “Intersecting Lines: The 11th Biannual Drawing Show” featuring one of Mesa’s very own, Barbra Sexton.
Sexton previously had some of her work featured in the annual Mesa Staff Art Show. The website describes this exhibition as a showcase of San Diego-based artists applying a broad range of concept, media and process to demonstrate the value of this quintessential image-making technique. Kara West, the Library Arts and Culture Exhibition Manager, is curating the event. Aside from Sexton, other featured artists include Joyce Cutler-Shaw, Dominic Paul Miller, Todd Partridge, Regan Russell.

Sexton has three pieces: “Forced Entry,” “Kill Points,” “Ration Sweat,” which all go together as part of her larger “California Project.” All of the pieces were done in graphite pencil on political map and diptych, which is a painting on two hinged wooden panels that may be closed like a book.

“Forced Entry” features a bear trap and flowers. “Kill Points” features a man pointing a gun directly at the viewer with a shooting range target sketched throughout him and the words “location, location, location, is everything.” The “Ration Sweat” piece features various spoon handles with intricate designs. All of the pieces are drawn over the state of California. All of the pieces were completed back in 1992 but their message still remains current even today.

Sexton loves to leave her work up for others to interrupt individually. When Mesa student Jaqueline Sanchez Mariscal was asked about the works, she said “I like the fact that it was put on the California map. I think what they are trying to portray here is to get us more involved and to go up against all the crime that’s been happening. Then there’s ration and sweat which could mean to put work into it.”
A very powerful insert from the website describing the event and importance of drawing is, “As human beings, we have put ideas into form since the Stone Age. Drawing helps to make our ideas tangible, from scribbles and doodles, to sketches and diagrams – drawing helps explain what words cannot. For studio artists, drawing is a fundamental skill, but the concepts and media they explore and employ are limitless. Anatomy lessons are testament to the prolificacy of an artist, while collaborative drawings can serve as artifacts of complex community investigations. From figurative work with pop culture references to political debates and built environment, these artists are creating thought-provoking, powerful works.”

“Intersecting Lines” runs through Nov. 27 in the Art Gallery on the 9th Floor of the San Diego Central Library. The exhibition is open to the public and admission is free. The exhibit is closed on Mondays, open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, open 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, open 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Make sure to go out and support Mesa’s own!