In late November, the College of the Canyons Art Gallery will present the exhibition ‘Beyond The Image,’ featuring a diverse sampling of work from some of the best young artists and illustrators working in California today.

“This is work that engages you, causes you to stop and investigate,” said Larry Hurst, COC Art Gallery director. “You will no doubt see work that you like, as well as work that disturbs you, styles you relate to and others that you don’t, but all the work will be provocative.”

Scheduled to run Monday, November 23, through December 11, the exhibition – which is being presented in partnership with Black Maria Gallery in Glendale, California – will include a variety of different illustrative media and styles representing each artist’s diverse artistic vision.

Dedicated to non-mainstream art, Black Maria Gallery focuses on works that reverberate with the shock of the new in a way that initiates wonderment and self-reflection. Owners Sam Saghatelyan and Zara Zeitountsian operate the gallery with the belief that thought-provoking art has a hugely important place in civic and social discourse, especially in these times.

“This exhibition represents some of the freshest work emerging from the Southern California art world. The styles and mediums of the work on display will vary widely, creating a wonderful visual excitement,” said Mercedes McDonald, COC art instructor, professional illustrator and curator of the exhibition. “‘Beyond The Image’ will provide a glimpse into a genre of art that is both thought-provoking and approachable.”

A special ‘Beyond The Image’ artists’ reception will take place at the COC art gallery from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, December 5, 2009.

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

“This is an exciting time at the gallery and everyone is invited to join the dialog,” said Hurst.

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.

For more information regarding the COC Art Gallery, please visit the college website at www.canyons.edu/offices/ArtGallery/ <http://www.canyons.edu/offices/ArtGallery/> .