TreePeople is proud to present Smoke on the Water, a new exhibition of gouache paintings by artist Merissa Mann, on view June 18–21 and June 25–28 at TreePeople’s Schuman Family Foundation Conference Center.
What’s the show about?
Drawing inspiration from the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Mann’s atmospheric and richly layered work explores the delicate boundary between destruction and rebirth. Smoke on the Water invites viewers to experience the tension between natural beauty and environmental collapse, using lush color and intricate detail to explore themes of rupture and renewal.
Blending land and sea, smoke and sky, Mann’s paintings are both haunting and hopeful—prompting reflection on the fragility of our planet while offering a vision of resilience in the face of climate change.
🎨 Meet the Artist
Merissa Mann brings a unique vision to the LA art scene. With a background in costume design, ecofeminist theory, and art history, her work stretches beyond the canvas.
Her accolades include Best in Category at the Beverly Hills Art Show (twice!), and a recent performance of Beluga Burlesque at the Red Cat Theater for CalArts’ Talent Show. Her medium of choice—gouache—is known for its vibrancy and unpredictability, which she uses to breathtaking effect.
📍Plan Your Visit
Smoke on the Water will be on view from June 18–21 and June 25–28, open daily from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. It’s free and open to the public.
Even better? Join us for a special Artist Walkthrough with Merissa Mann herself on:
🗓️ Saturday, June 21 at 11:00 am PT
📍 Schuman Family Foundation Conference Center
🏞️ 12601 Mulholland Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
📧 RSVP: events@treepeople.org
This is more than an art show—it’s a space to connect, reflect, and reimagine our relationship with the environment through the lens of creative expression.
Join us at TreePeople for an unforgettable journey through the smoke and toward the water.