Hartnell College Art Gallery to Present First Joint Exhibition by David Ligare and Gary Smith

Order and Chaos opens Sept. 10 with a public reception featuring both artists

SALINAS, Calif. — The Hartnell College Art Gallery will present Order and Chaos, an exhibition pairing drawings by internationally recognized artist David Ligare with ceramic sculpture by Gary Smith, retired Hartnell College professor of ceramics and former director of the Hartnell College Art Gallery.

The exhibition will run Aug. 31 through Oct. 8, with an opening reception set for 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. Both artists are scheduled to attend, giving visitors the chance to meet them and view the work in person.

Ligare's drawings, created while he was living in Big Sur, transform quick, spontaneous marks made by hand in wet sand into precise works on paper. Smith explores the same theme of order and chaos through ceramic sculpture, using calculated geometric forms that can be arranged into shifting, unexpected relationships.

Ligare and Smith have been partners for more than 50 years, but "Order and Chaos" marks the first time their work has been exhibited together.

The opening reception is free and open to the public. Complimentary tacos and wine will be available for guests 21 and older.

Event details:

Exhibition dates: Aug. 31–Oct. 8, 2026

Opening reception: 4–6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10

Location: Hartnell College Art Gallery, Room J109, J-Visual Arts Building (beside the campus pool), 411 Central Ave., Salinas, CA 93905

Parking: Free street parking is available on W. Alisal St. Paid parking is available in Parking Lot 4 for a small fee.

Accessibility requests: dsharpe@hartnell.edu