Lux Art Institute welcomes world-acclaimed Chilean artist Tomás Rivas as the first artist to live and work in its new Artist Pavilion, a fine-arts facility in coastal north San Diego that is redefining the modern museum experience. At this one-of-a-kind institute, Lux officials explain that visitors can “see art happen” when Rivas moves into the Walbridge Artist Residence for a month-long stay from Oct. 30 to Nov. 29.

During his stay, Rivas will complete several commissioned works of art, including a relief panel inspired by classical architectural ornamentation that will become a permanent and enduring installation in Lux’s Artist Pavilion.

In addition to observing the artist at work in his temporary Southern California studio, institute-goers can view Rivas’ first West Coast exhibition, which will be on display in the Artist Pavilion Building through January 16th.

The exterior of the Encinitas-based Lux also will come alive with Rivas” onsite installation “Unobtrusive,” which framed the entrance at Scope Miami 2006 — where Rivas was awarded the Scope Emerging Artist Grant. With the institute’s location on protected wetlands and surrounding native landscape, the piece will be anything but “unobtrusive.”

“We are thrilled to be opening this exquisite building and creating a unique experience for serious artists like Tomas Rivas, and at the same time giving visitors access to the creative process” said Reesey Shaw, Director of Lux.

Rivas has achieved international attention for his investigations of two and three-dimensional space by combining sculpture and drawing techniques that mimic a specific period of art history. Using drywall, a readily available contemporary construction material, Rivas removes the paper topcoat to reveal a three-dimensional sculptural relief. His work examines space, transformation, and disintegration through the rediscovery of classical architecture in a contemporary environment.

Born in Santiago de Chile in 1975, Rivas studied at Pontificia Universidad Católica in Chile and earned his master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Notre Dame. His work has been featured in several group shows and gallery exhibitions, including most recently Abre-alas 2007 in Rio de Janeiro, Feedback 2007 in Santiago, Conversions in Arlington, VA, and Phantom Floor in Washington, D.C.

Lux Art Institute is dedicated to the living artist and creative process. It will celebrate the opening of its Encinitas, Calif.-based facility and introduce the innovative Lux Residency program at a free public event on Nov. 11th.

Throughout the year, Lux will invite artists to live and work at the Artist Pavilion, allowing visitors to watch an art piece grow from inspiration to realization. Lux also will offer on-site education outreach programs and monthly community events. For more information about Lux Art Institute, please email info@luxartinstitute.org or call 760-436-6611.

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