Graphic Art and a Jazzy Trumpet

The Conejo Valley Art Museum opens Friday with an exhibit titled “Chasing the Line” by Claire Falkenstein. For Falkenstein, a major California artist best known for her metal works, this exhibit is like no other she has done before.

“This will be the first time I have had an exhibition with graphics playing the dominant part of the display,” she said.

Falkenstein, 81, is best known for her metal sculptural webs, suggestive of molecular structure and biological growth patterns. But it is her drawings, she said, that are responsible for her success.

“I’m only existing as an artist because of trial and errors that come about through drawings.

“Everything is connected. It’s a natural progression working from paper and moving through to sculpture,” she said.

Those interested in meeting Falkenstein can do so during an opening 7 p.m. reception Friday. Falkenstein will present a slide show and lecture on her work. A documentary by Jay Carmichael, featuring the artist, will follow.

“Chasing the Line” will continue through Dec. 24. The museum is at 191 Wilbur Road, Thousand Oaks. Call 499-4355.