Biblical Imagery On Display in La Jolla

John August Swanson's art will be exhibited at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla Friday through Sunday. 

Swanson, 75, paints in oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed media. In addition, he is a printmaker of limited edition serigraphs, lithographs and etchings.

His art reflects the strong heritage of storytelling he inherited from his Mexican mother and Swedish father, according to his website. 

"Swanson’s narrative is direct and easily understood. He addresses himself to human values, cultural roots, and his quest for self-discovery through visual images. These include Bible stories and social celebrations such as attending the circus, the concert, and the opera. He also tells of everyday existence, of city and country walks, of visits to the library, the train station or the schoolroom," it said.

Swanson's work are in the permanent collections at the Smithsonian Institute, the Vatican and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

A meet the artist reception will be held in the church's courtyard on Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m Tickets for the artist reception, which includes wine and hors d'oeuvre, are $20 in advance online or at the church's office at 743 Prospect St. in La Jolla. Tickets on the day of the event are $25 per person.

You can also view Swanson's work on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 1 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This exhibition is free and open to the public.

“We are very honored to host the exhibit of such a widely acclaimed artist,” said Rev. Eleanor Ellsworth, senior associate rector at St. James by-the-Sea, in an announcement. “This may very well be Mr. Swanson’s last personal showing of his artwork in San Diego so it offers a tremendous opportunity to the community.” 

A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Casa Cornelia Law Center, which provides pro bono legal services to victims of human and civil-rights violations, particularly the indigent within the undocumented immigrant community. The St. James Visual Art Fund also will receive a portion of the proceeds.