Watercolor exhibit features local artist

Huntington Beach resident Lynn Morgan taught art in Orange County high schools and colleges for 30 years. But as soon as she retired three years ago, she went from teacher to student, taking drawing and painting classes at Coastline Community College.

It’s a choice that has paid off in increased exposure, as Morgan is the only Huntington Beach resident exhibiting at the first major show at the college’s new art gallery.

“I didn’t realize I was shouldering that whole burden,” she joked.

Coastline Community College has had its new gallery space for exhibitions since September, but a reception at the Coastline Art Gallery Friday marks its official grand opening.

“Watermark” features eight artists from the United States, Japan and Holland, all of whom work in watercolor. It’s a medium Morgan finds a perfect fit for her artistic interests, which include works based on her collection of masks from cultures around the wold.

“I like color,” she said. “I love surface detail and opulent beauty, whether it’s something man-made or natural.”

“This is the big show of the year,” said Shea Mayberry, an assistant at Coastline Art Gallery. “With several local artists and four international artists, it’s an interesting global show but with a real local focus as well.”

Morgan has not given up on teaching completely, however. This spring she will teach the final eight weeks of a class at Golden West College.

When asked what the course would focus on, Morgan replied, “What else? Watercolor!”