
A Brush with Brilliance: Leann Standish Colors Outside the Lines at SLOMA #ARTober



San Luis Obispo’s art scene is buzzing this October, and if you’ve walked past the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art recently, you’ve probably noticed something new—and impossible to miss—on the building’s exterior. A massive, colorful mural by internationally acclaimed artist MOMO now wraps around SLOMA, infusing the museum with energy and setting the tone for an exciting new chapter. I sat down with Leann Standish, Executive Director of SLOMA, to talk about this vibrant addition and all the cool stuff the museum is up to as part of our special ARTober series, celebrating arts and culture in partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo.
Leann’s been at the helm of SLOMA for a while now, and it’s clear she’s brought a whole new vibe to the place. This latest mural is just the most visible example of the bold vision she and her team are crafting inside and out. “We wanted something that would draw people in, even if they’re just walking by on their way to grab a coffee downtown,” Leann told me. “MOMO’s work does just that—it’s playful, it’s bright, and it sparks curiosity. That’s what art should do.”
MOMO isn’t just any artist. He’s made his mark all over the world, painting everything from massive 80-story buildings to tucked-away spots in Brazil. “He was so excited to use everything he’s learned and perfected in his career right here on our building,” Leann said. And to top it off, each artist who creates a mural for SLOMA curates a special playlist of the music they listened to while working. You can find MOMO’s playlist HERE, on SLOMA’s website or by scanning the QR code on the mural itself (also in the show notes for this episode of Up+Adam)—a unique way to experience the art through the artist’s ears.
But the mural is just the beginning. SLOMA has a ton of exciting stuff lined up this fall, including their monthly First Friday and Second Saturday events, where you can connect with artists, check out the latest exhibitions, and maybe even make some art of your own. These events are designed to keep the community engaged and excited about what’s happening in SLO’s art scene. And the best part? The museum is completely free and open to everyone.
“Our goal is to make art accessible and engaging,” Leann shared. “It’s not just about what you see on the walls, but how you interact with it. Art can spark conversations, bring back memories, or make you think about something in a totally new way.”
Speaking of new things, Leann’s particularly excited about the upcoming exhibition featuring the work of Whitney Bedford, a standout contemporary artist whose pieces have become some of the most sought-after in LA’s art scene. “When we first committed to the show, her work was relatively new on the scene,” Leann explained. “Now, all her pieces have sold like crazy, and we had to go back and reconsider every single loan because they’re all in private collections now.” Bedford’s bold, vibrant paintings will be on display at SLOMA starting October 26th, and it’s definitely not to be missed.
This interview was one of my favorites because you can really see how much Leann loves what she does and the impact it’s having. “Art is a way to articulate our feelings when we don’t know how to articulate them,” she said. That’s the heart of it, isn’t it? Art’s not just something to look at; it’s something to experience, to feel, to get lost in.
If you haven’t been to SLOMA lately, ARTober is the perfect time to check it out. Swing by to see MOMO’s new mural, experience the incredible energy of the museum’s exhibitions, or attend one of their fun community events. And don’t forget, if you’re one of the first 50 people to visit SLOMA this week, you’ll get a free ARTober tote bag, thanks to the City of San Luis Obispo’s support of this month-long celebration of the arts!
You can listen to my full interview with Leann Standish on Up+Adam here.
Next week, I’m sitting down with the crew at SLO Rep to talk about their upcoming production of Misery, inspired by the Stephen King novel. It’s gonna be a thrill, so stay tuned for more ARTober excitement as we continue to celebrate the vibrant arts and culture scene that makes SLO such a special place.
I’m thrilled to be partnering up with the City of SLO all month long for ARTober to bring you these stories and highlight the amazing work being done by our local arts and humanities organizations! For more info on what’s happening at SLOMA, check out their website at sloma.org. See you at the museum!