by Kimberly Callas
Cast FGR and Plaster, Aluminum, Phthalo Blue, Acrylic Paint, Shellac
20.5 x 16.5 x 5.5 in., 2025
Kimberly Callas, MFA, associate professor in the Department of Art and Design, will exhibit a new cast polychrome relief sculpture, “Celestial Swimmer,” in the 60th Annual CAIN National Show at the Cain Gallery in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The CAIN National Show is an open-theme, all-media annual exhibition of contemporary artists across the country, curated by artist Tabitha Whitley. The exhibit will take place from Feb. 13 to April 17, 2026, and will feature a juror talk by Whitney on Feb. 12 at 11 a.m., as well as an opening reception on Feb. 13 from 6-8 p.m.
Whitley is a Brooklyn-born, multifaceted artist known for her vibrant paintings, luminous drawings, and bold prints. Her work delves into themes of identity, heritage, and our interconnectedness with nature. Her work has been widely exhibited, with notable shows including a prestigious group show at the Brooklyn Museum (Brooklyn Artist Exhibition) and a solo show at Gracie Mansion (From Roots to Radiance: Embracing Her Soft Era). Whitley’s art has also garnered attention in esteemed publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The Guardian. Her exhibition talk is free and open to the public.
The exhibition will feature 55 pieces curated by Whitley from nearly a thousand submissions from artists across the U.S. Whitley sought artwork that was “not only visually compelling but also grounded in a well-developed concept,” and she was particularly drawn to “pieces that told human stories.”
The exhibition is supported by an anonymous donor and the Del Mar Art Faculty.