Just one look at some of the works that open the Cantor Arts Center’s newest exhibit, Pop to Present (thru Aug 16), and you know you’re in for an exciting ride. Featuring a collection of about 60 modern and contemporary works created since the 1960s, culled from the museum’s acquisitions from the past decade, this is a must-see.

Don’t expect a general overview of post-1960s art—instead, you’ll see a focus on specific artists and genres, as well as different areas of exploration, including paintings and sculptures by Bay Area artists, such as Robert Arneson, Manuel Neri and David Park; prints by pop artist Roy Lichtenstein; abstract paintings by Sean Scully; photography by Richard Avedon; and more.

While each work is distinguished in its own right, a few shake your artistic sensibilities to the core, such as Arneson’s grotesque yet heartbreaking work, “Assassination of a Famous Nut Artist,” a ceramic bust of the artist in the throes of pain as he is shot, stabbed and pierced by an arrow.

In the main exhibition space, there’s a section dedicated entirely to Bay Area artists as well as portraits, including Elmer Bischoff’s oil on canvas “Interior with Cityscape,” a San Francisco night scene; and Scottish artist Douglas McDougall’s “Another Drink to Cold Women,” a melancholy charcoal portrait.

Other highlights include English artist Richard Long’s “Georgia Granite Circle,” comprising 100 chunks of white granite arranged in a 16-ft. diameter circle; David Park's work "The Jazz Musicians," (above); and selections by pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, including four prints from his Interior Series, inspired by furniture ads.

Color-coded plaques accompany each work to give them more context. Light blue plaques include comments from donors, dark blue ones represent explanation by the artists; and yellow ones offer observations by Cantor Arts Center student guides and curatorial assistants. All add voices to this unique collection of art, making it an even more engaging experience for all who visit. By the time you finish poring over every work of art in Pop to Present, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for—and understanding of—contemporary art. —Stephanie Soong

When: Thru Aug 16
Where: Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Dr.
Hours: Wed-Sun, 11-5; Thurs, 11-8. Free tours Thurs, 12:15pm, Sat-Sun, 2pm.
More Info: 650/723-4177; http://museum.stanford.edu