On display at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art from January 3–February 23, 2020: Craig Griswold: 2020, the first museum solo exhibition for the Morro Bay–based artist.

Craig Griswold’s art is full of mystery and narrative. From references to his past experiences and family to religious symbolism, each artwork has its own deep story and personal meaning to the artist. On display in SLOMA’s Gray Wing, this solo-exhibition features copperplate etching, drypoint, watercolor, and Griswold’s main focus, oil paintings.

As an artist with a B.A. in history, Griswold’s art is brimming with references to the ancient world and its artifacts. An example of such an artwork is his hand-printed book that tells the story of the animals discovered along an expedition, with illustrations similar in style to the illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages. Although made for Griswold’s twin grandsons, the book intrigues viewers of any age. While studying at UC Berkeley, Griswold was also heavily influenced by his course work in Egyptology. He eventually lived in Cairo, where he traveled up the Nile into Sudan, and for a time, studied hieroglyphic at the École du Louvre in Paris, France, which influenced his pen and ink style and more importantly, gave him daily access to view the works of antiquity in the museum’s collection. This combination of relatable stories juxtaposed with the references to antiquity creates an aura of mystery. These artworks glimpse into an artist’s life that is rich in familial connections, worldly experiences, and a vivid imagination.

The artist will be giving a talk on January 2 at 12 PM for Art at High Noon. SLOMA will also be hosting an opening reception for the exhibition on Friday, January 3 from 6 to 9 PM. Both events are free and open to the public.

slo museum of art

The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, dedicated to the education, presentation and preservation of the visual arts of California’s Central Coast, is located at 1010 Broad Street, on the west end of Mission Plaza. Hours are 11 AM–5 PM. Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Free admission, donations appreciated. For more info, visit SLOMA.org.