Debra Scacco: Laboratory for the Future
The first-ever Public Works Department Artist in Residence Debra Scacco will debut “Laboratory for the Future,” a new art exhibit and series of events that completes her research.
The exhibit kicks off at the Santa Monica Airport Arts Center Studios 3026 Propeller Gallery on Saturday, Oct. 11 with an artist’s reception from noon to 3:00pm and a full Studios 3026 Open Studios event from noon to 5:00pm
Art exhibit attendees will see work inspired by water, waste and urban ecology, including sculptural interpretations of Santa Monica’s water pathways, sculptures made with Santa Monica water well excavation clay and powerful portraits of often-unseen essential workers.
The exhibit is free and open to the public and runs through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Gallery hours are Thursday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
For more information and to RSVP to the artist reception, click here.
Additional Laboratory of the Future free events and activities continue from Oct. to Jan., and include:
- Oct. 16, 2025, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Composting session, following the 9-11 a.m. “Oh My Gourd” event and garden exploration, Ishihara Park Learning Garden, 2909 Exposition Blvd.
- Oct. 25, 2025, noon-2 p.m. Flow and Form: The Invisible Systems of Santa Monica, an artist talk and exhibit walkthrough with Debra Scacco, Propeller Gallery
- Nov. 1, 2025, noon-1:30 p.m. Woven Waters: Protection, Resistance, Renewal, a conversation with Emma Robbins (Diné Water Activist & Artist) and Debra Scacco, Propeller Gallery
- Jan. 3, 2026, noon-2 p.m. Laboratory for the Future exhibit closing event with Debra Scacco, Propeller Gallery
Selected in 2023 as part of the Our City Yards project, Scacco focused her two years of work exploring Santa Monica’s water, waste and sanitation stations, well sites and compost and waste systems, and uplifting often-hidden labor by essential workers.
Learn more about the artist here.
“Laboratory for the Future” is a project of City Yards Artist in Residence Debra Scacco and is made possible by the city of Santa Monica Recreation and Arts Department Cultural Affairs Division, Public Works Department, and Percent for Art program. More about the project here.
