Laboratory for the Future Exhibit: Opening Reception

Arts/Crafts Discussion/Q&A Recycling/Compost Sustainability Sustainable and Connected Arts, Culture & Fun Community Events The Arts
Saturday, Oct 11, 2025
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Propeller Gallery
3026 Airport Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Propeller Gallery at Airport Arts Center Studios
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Join us for a reception celebrating Debra Scacco's multiyear artist residency with the city of Santa Monica Public Works Department (Water and Resource Recovery & Recycling Divisions). Scacco's project, Laboratory for the Future, researched, illuminated, and celebrated the often-unseen labor that sustains Santa Monica and the natural and created systems of the city and region.

Included in the exhibition are different modes of data visualization; maps of water systems in Santa Monica, rubbings of infrastructure sites, a collaboration with the city's geographic mapping systems team, sculptures inspired by visits to wells and reservoirs, and works made from Pacific Ocean driftwood. The exhibition also features Scacco's "We Are Essential" photo campaign (photography by Monica Orozco), documentation of an eponymous festival celebrating essential workers that Scacco produced in 2024, and other images from her research on invisible infrastructural systems. 

Laboratory for the Future is a project of City Yards Artist in Residence Debra Scacco, and is made possible by the city of Santa Monica Recreation and Arts Department Cultural Affairs Division, Public Works Department, and the Percent for Art program. More about the project here.

After the opening reception, all are invited to stay longer and meet the artists who work at the Airport Arts Center during their Open Studios, 12-5pm. 

Events:
The Laboratory for the Future exhibit is on view at the Airport Arts Center Propeller Gallery, 3026 Airport Ave, 10/11/25 - 1/4/26. Hours: Thursday - Sunday, 12-5pm.