Laurel Blechman & Fred Fixler
Neil Boyle & Glen Orbik
Warren Chang & Mark Roberts

Often, throughout history, the most accomplished artists were also teachers. They pass the torch to the most deserving students who in turn continue to pass the torch.

This exhibit has its roots in the Art Students League in New York where Fred Fixler was a student. After retiring from a career in illustration, Fixler founded the California Art Institute, a small school in southern California that focuses on traditional fine art and illustration. He hired Neil Boyle, a successful Los Angeles based illustrator, to join him as a fellow instructor at the new school.

On the Beach, oil on board by Neil Boyle

Among those who studied under Fixler were: Glen Orbik, Laurel Blechman, and Warren Chang. Both Orbik and Blechman currently teach at the same Institute; Blechman teaches on occasions and Orbik has been teaching there for over twenty years. Warren Chang taught at the Institute in 2000. He now teaches at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Classroom Clutter, oil on canvas by Warren Chang

Mark Roberts arrived as a student at the Institute after Fixler retired from teaching. He was a student of both Glen Orbik and Neil Boyle. Roberts taught at the Institute from 1996 - 1997. Currently, he serves as curator of the Lynn house Gallery and teaches both at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and privately.

Pirate, charcoal student drawing by Mark Roberts