ART BEAT : ARTHUR, ARTHUR.

Byline: Lori Moody

The legend of King Arthur is the subject of exhibits at the Huntington Library in San Marino and downtown Los Angeles' Central Library.

``Arthur, King of Britain,'' which runs at the Huntington through Oct. 6, looks at the legend told in Britain through various accounts from medieval times to the present.

The exhibit includes a mid-15th-century manuscript, a 1557 printing of Sir Thomas Mallory's ``The Story of the Most Noble and Worthy KyngArthur'' and a 1907 illuminated manuscript of the poem ``The Defence of Guenevere'' by William Morris.

``The Many Realms of King Arthur,'' on view at the Central Library from June 14 through Sept. 12, features books inspired by the legend and its cinematic appeal with posters, lobby cards and stills from films.

Along with the exhibit are a number of related programs, including lectures, a re-enactment of sword fighting, other armor demonstrations and storytelling.

For information about the Huntington Library exhibit, call [phone]. To reach the Central Library, call [phone].

Sculpture at the ranch The Golden State Sculptors Association will hold its 10th annual sculpture show Saturday and Sunday at the Peter Strauss Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area.

The works of 70 to 80 sculptors are expected to be on display and for sale. The show will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission and parking are free.

For information, call Walt Ingle at [phone] or the National Park Systems visitors center at [phone], Ext. 201.

L.A. women artists The works of more than 50 women artists, including Karen Carson, Judy Chicago and Claire Falkenstein, currently are on view at the Art Rental and Sales Gallery of UCLA at the Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center in Westwood. All the works are for rent and/or sale. The exhibit, which runs through Aug. 4, coincides with the museum's exhibit of Chicago's ``The Dinner Party.'' For information, call [phone].