Abstract Never Is - the intriguing title of the Santa Monica College Emeritus College 2009 Juried Student Photography Exhibit - will be at the Emeritus College Art Gallery March 12 through April 10.

The opening reception will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12 in the gallery, located on the first floor of Emeritus College, 1227 Second St. in downtown Santa Monica. Parking is available next door in Santa Monica Public Parking Structure No. 2. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Pablo Picasso said, 'There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward, you can remove all traces of reality,' said Emeritus College Art Gallery curator Juri Koll. "It's often the abstract that becomes the principal interest of photographers as they begin to find their voices. This general theme easily translates itself in the best of figurative work as well, so I felt the students would not in any way be limited by this approach."

Emeritus College is Santa Monica College's widely praised program founded 32 years ago and currently serves about 3,500 older adults with 150 classes and special programs.

For information, call (310) 434-4306 or visit www.smc.edu/emeritus.