Opening Reception: Saturday Afternoon, July 11, 2026. 3:00 – 5:30 P.M.
Exhibition Dates: July 12 – November 15, 2026
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“Assemblage” is a three-dimensional artistic form that involves creating sculptures or installations by assembling, joining, or “collaging” found objects, everyday items, and non-traditional materials. Coined by Jean Dubuffet in 1953, this technique repurposes discarded materials to explore new meanings and perspectives. Common in contemporary art, it acts as a three-dimensional, sculptural extension of collage.
TIMELINE: The Opening Reception is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, July 11, 2026, from 3:00 until 5:30 P.M.
The presentation will continue until November 15, 2026. Programming will include on-line and at the Heritage Museum lectures – with artist question and answer sessions; and on-line and scheduled tours of many of the artists’ studios! A future Press Release will be sent with dates and locations of all events.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION & ARTISTS: “Some Assemblage Required” aims to present a compelling dialogue between foundational assemblage artists—such as Edward Kienholz, George Herms, Ben Talbert, Tony Berlant, Michael McMillen, Alison Saar, Carl Cheng, Alexis Smith, William Tunberg and Gordon Wagner —and a selection of mid-career and emerging artists – Lou D’Elia, Chris Fraticelli, Sheila Elias, David Lovejoy, and Jeff Mounds – working in assemblage today who reflect, subvert, or expand upon those legacies in a contemporary context.
By juxtaposing historical and current practices, the exhibition will highlight not only the evolution of the medium but also its sustained relevance as a tool of cultural critique, identity exploration, and socio-political engagement.
The exhibition goals aim to celebrate LA County’s unique contribution to assemblage art; to introduce new audiences to both iconic and lesser-known voices; to engage community members through educational programming and conversations around material culture and reuse; and to offer a platform for collectors, galleries, and institutions to share significant works from their holdings in a carefully curated museum context.