Track 16 Gallery in collaboration with Otis College of Art and Design is pleased to present Omage: Artists, Designers, and Writers of Otis College of Art and Design, curated by Christopher Miles. The exhibition highlights work by more than 70 professional artists who teach at Otis. Omage runs from July 15 through August 31, 2006, with an opening reception on Saturday, July 15 from 6 to 9 P.M. and a closing reception on Thursday, August 31, from 6 to 9 P.M. In conjunction with the exhibition, there will be an evening of readings by the writers of Otis on Saturday, August 26 at 7 P.M. The work of the painters, digital artists, sculptors, installation artists, graphic designers, ceramic artists, fashion designers, architects, interior designers, landscape designers, photographers, performance artists, illustrators, poets and writers featured in this exhibition reflects the depth and breadth of creativity in Los Angeles. Through their exhibitions, publications, and public works, as well as through the work of their of students, they have played an important role in shaping the city’s prominence in art, design, and literature. Since Otis opened its doors in 1918, Southern California’s first professional art school has launched international careers in the arts. For almost 90 years, the College has attracted professional artists, designers, and writers who devote an extraordinary amount of their time to teaching. These renowned practitioners launch the careers of the next wave by serving as role models who successfully and innovatively integrate artistic, intellectual and personal development with professional practice. Rather than promote a particular style, Otis faculty members develop their students’ individual voices and encourage cross-disciplinary innovation. According to President Samuel C. Hoi, “Aside from being teachers of art and design, they also serve as powerful social and economic agents for the transformation of young lives.”