The College of the Canyons Art Gallery will begin the spring season with an exhibition of work by acclaimed Los Angeles artist Mark Lere.

Well known throughout California for his organic and minimalist style, Lere’s work has been commissioned by Twentieth Century Fox, Microsoft, Staples Center, the Warner Center and the cities of Los Angeles, Pasadena, Irvine and Ventura.

His work has been exhibited locally at the Margo Leavin Gallery, Pepperdine University, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art, and internationally in exhibitions in Japan, France, Germany and Taiwan.

“I have admired Mr. Lere’s work for more than 30 years and am very pleased that he has agreed to showcase his great skill at College of the Canyons,” said Larry Hurst, COC art gallery director. “His work has the ability to appear at ease with its surroundings, while elevating them at the same time. It’s sophisticated, but also calming and accessible.”

Featuring 20 new large-scale drawings and several floor-mounted sculptures, the exhibition, ‘Mark Lere: New Drawings,’ will begin Monday, March 29, and run through Thursday, April 22.

A special artist reception will be held in the COC Art Gallery from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 3, providing guests with a special opportunity to meet the artist.

The exhibit and accompanying artist reception are part of the college’s ongoing 40th Anniversary celebration.

The COC Art Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors unable to visit the gallery during these hours are welcome to call (661) 362-3612 to make a viewing appointment.

All gallery exhibitions and related events are free and open to the public.

For more information regarding the COC Art Gallery or the Mark Lere exhibition click here.