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Santa Monica Adds Emerging Artist to City Collection
Temporary public art on display through March 1 as part of Frieze LA partnership.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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The city of Santa Monica has added Erica Mahinay's painting "Unfetter (Blue Gaze)" to its municipal Art Bank collection through a partnership with the Frieze Los Angeles art fair. The 72-by-60-inch oil on linen work was selected from the fair's Focus section, which features new voices and emerging galleries.
Why it matters
Santa Monica's partnership with Frieze LA allows the city to showcase emerging artistic talent and position itself on the global art stage, while also deepening its commitment to championing the arts as a vital part of the local community and economy.
The details
A jury panel including representatives from the Santa Monica Arts Commission, The Brick, and Frieze selected Mahinay's painting from the Focus section of the Frieze LA fair. The city has also worked with Frieze to bring large-scale and site-specific public artwork to locations near the Santa Monica Airport Park for the duration of the fair.
- The Frieze LA art fair runs from February 26 through March 1, 2026.
- Mahinay's "Unfetter (Blue Gaze)" painting and other temporary public artworks will be on display through March 1, 2026.
The players
Erica Mahinay
A Los Angeles-based artist whose painting "Unfetter (Blue Gaze)" was selected for the Santa Monica municipal Art Bank collection.
Essence Harden
The curator of the Focus section at Frieze LA, which features new voices and emerging galleries. Harden recently curated the acclaimed "Made in LA" exhibit at the Hammer Museum.
Caroline Torosis
The mayor of Santa Monica, who emphasized the city's commitment to championing emerging talent and ensuring the arts remain a vibrant part of the community.
Marla C. Berns
A representative of the Santa Monica Arts Commission who served on the jury panel that selected Mahinay's painting.
Catherine Taft
The deputy director and curator of The Brick, who served on the jury panel that selected Mahinay's painting.
What they’re saying
“Creativity lies at the heart of Santa Monica's identity and is vital to the strength of our local economy. Through our partnership with Frieze, we are not only positioning Santa Monica on the global art stage but also deepening our commitment to championing emerging talent and ensuring the arts remain a vibrant, enduring pillar of our community.”
— Caroline Torosis, Mayor (smdp.com)
What’s next
The full city Art Bank collection can be viewed at publicartarchive.org/search/collections/Santa-Monica-Art-Bank.
The takeaway
Santa Monica's partnership with Frieze LA allows the city to showcase emerging artistic talent and position itself on the global art stage, while also deepening its commitment to championing the arts as a vital part of the local community and economy.
