Art Student Draws Inspiration From Malibu Lagoon

The Malibu Lagoon is only one of many places that Pepperdine senior Cara Strever goes to find inspiration for her art.

“I’m an avid bird watcher. There are quite a few wonderful birds in Malibu,” Strever said.

The art major used mixed media such as wood, deer bones and a nest to make bird-inspired sculptures, which will be on display at the at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at .

The exhibit – which runs through April 28 -- kicks off Thursday, April 12 at 5 p.m. with a reception that is free and open to the public. Eight seniors will put their best work on display, which is a requirement for graduation, she said.

The seniors include Strever, Blair Berger, Emily Branch, Hudson Campbell, Lo Formaz, Jamie Pillsbury, Amanda Ponce and Alexandra Williams.

Strever, who rents a room from a Malibu couple off campus and is expected to graduate in April, said she also finds inspiration for her art in the Santa Monica Mountains.

“I’m working on making these bird forms out of nest materials. I think that birds are very artistic in how they create their home. By making them out of these materials, I get to participate in their own creative process,” she said.

The senior plans to move home to Portland, Oregon after graduation.

The museum, located on Pepperdine's main campus at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on Mondays and major holidays.