MALIBU—On Tuesday, November 7, the city of Malibu noted in a news release the Malibu Arts Commission is inviting all to attend the free opening reception of the city’s next public art exhibition in the Malibu City Gallery, “Moments in Time,” a collection of portrait photographs of Dick Van Dyke, Sunday, November 19 at 12 p.m. at Malibu City Hall.
“We are very proud of the incredibly talented musicians, actors, and artists who call Malibu home, and no one is more beloved than our own Dick Van Dyke,” said Mayor Steve Uhring. “I hope everyone can join us for the opening reception and enjoy this special exhibition providing an up-close and personal look into the adventures of this nationally acclaimed entertainer. I applaud the work of the Malibu Arts Commission which continues to bring new, interesting, and relevant art exhibitions to our City Gallery at City Hall.”
The exhibition will be on display from November 20, 2023 through January 5, 2024 and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public opening reception will feature live music by “A Call 2Peace” and refreshments. RSVPs are not needed to visit the gallery or to attend the reception.
The collection of portraits is courtesy of Laura Johansen showing the adventures of actor and Malibu resident Dick Van Dyke. It captures Dick’s life in recent years, from performances at the Kennedy Center, to Halloween celebrations, to Mary Poppins red carpets, his impact with fans, and his life out of the spotlight, at home, and with family.
“Laura Johansen’s photographs are pure artwork, almost like paintings,” Van Dyke said of his work with Johansen over the past several years. “Laura is a master of shadow and light and always capturing the moment,” said Dick’s wife, Arlene Van Dyke.
Australian-born Johansen first met Dick and Arlene in 2015 when she took some photos of the couple at a fan art exhibit. She was invited to be Dick Van Dyke’s personal photographer.
“I’m so extremely honored to be taken into their fold, that they value my special type of artwork, and trust me and my photographic eye to bring a little extra magic to their story,” said Johansen. “It isn’t every day a global icon like Dick Van Dyke asks you to come along and join in his whimsical adventures! Oh, and add a little extra whimsy with your camera!”
For more details about the exhibition, visit the Malibu Arts Commission website: https://malibuartsandculture.org/302/Dick-Van-Dyke—Moments-in-Time-Art-Exhi.
By Trevor