Frame of Reference

As if to confirm that there is artistic life outside the fine arts scene, the exhibition called “Talk to Me” showcases the wares of graphic artists as well as the stylish dinner-ware of Larry Nicola.

Too often, we have entirely different frames of reference for art displayed in a gallery setting and for commercial art. The former is to be savored, we’re trained to believe, while the latter deserves only a cursory examination. This show at the College of the Canyons begs for, and deserves, more serious attention than many in the art world are used to giving.

It’s hard not to admire the painterly skill in Laurel Long’s fantastical oil-on-panel illustrations for children’s books, or the fine detail and compositional savvy in the drawings of Joy von Wolffersdorff (whose work has been seen in the Los Angeles Times, among other places).

The most visually commanding work in the show, by its sheer scale, is April Greiman’s huge computer-generated banner for an exhibit held at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, with the title “Graphic Design in America.” Delineations of fine art vs. graphic art are deliberately smudged here, as Greiman demonstrates the art of advertising an art show, in a medium often used in advertising.

Seasoned graphic artist Jayme Odgers shows a slick but imaginative style in his poster design, in which surrealism reigns, as it does in Koji Takei’s work. Objects and sight lines are seen in curious, logic-defying relationships. Who said graphic art had to be sober and pragmatic?

BE THERE

“Talk to Me,” through Jan. 20 at the College of the Canyons, 26488 Rockwell Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. Gallery hours: 11-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri. (805) 259-7800.