THOUSAND OAKS, CA, UNITED STATES, September 7, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- An exhibition often cited as comprising one of the greatest collections of early 20th century California will open September 10, 2021 at the California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO).
GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956 is organized by the GHS Art Collection, Inc., in association with the Gardena High School Student Body, and curated by Susan M. Anderson. On view through January 9, 2022, GIFTED features a selection of nearly 50 paintings from the GHS Art collection, including Impressionist works by notable artists such as William Wendt, Edgar Payne, Jean Mannheim, Franz Bischoff and Agnes Pelton. Later works by Maynard Dixon, Emil Kosa, Jr., Loren Barton and Francis de Erdely reflect the influence of the American Scene movement, popular during the Depression era, as well as the dramatic shifts in style characteristic of art of the post-war period.
The exhibition chronicles the history of a lesson in art appreciation for a Southern California high school that would mature into what is widely acknowledged as one of the most outstanding collections of early California Impressionism in the nation.
?GIFTED is an inspirational exhibition that will educate CMATO?s visitors about the documentary ability of art as well as the creative journey of evolving artistic styles throughout time. What was considered contemporary art in the early 20th century is now a historical style that is rarely practiced, but revered as a style that is enjoyed by many. Inspiration lies in the paintings? ability to portray humankind?s history of struggle, triumph and stoic resilience through challenging times -- themes that are so pertinent and relevant to our present lives,? said Lynn Farrand, Senior Curator, CMATO.
History
Beginning in 1919, the senior class of Gardena High School ? at the recommendation of their principal -- gifted the school with an original landscape painting by Ralph Davison Miller, beginning what was to become a unique, annual tradition.
For nearly 40 years, until 1956, each senior class selected, purchased and donated works of art to the school, ultimately amassing an exceptional permanent collection of more than 70 paintings in the Impressionist, figurative and landscape genres. Each painting was carefully selected and purchased from an artist of note, often reflecting historical content from that year. The high level of sophistication demonstrated by the students? choices was the result of the aesthetic discourse and collaboration nurtured by the school. Over the years, artists, federal art projects and other individuals and organizations also made gifts of art to the collection.
?Gardena High School helped to start an interest in art appreciation and art collecting among high schools regionally and nationally. The high quality of its collection speaks to the enthusiasm and embrace of the program, not just by the students and educators, but by the entire Southern California art community,? said Anderson.
Today, the GHS Art Collection remains an enduring example of the power of art to rally a community and to shape people?s lives. GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956 traces the history of Southern California art in the early 20th century, when plein-air (?in the open air?) painting and the Arts and Crafts movement were flourishing. It chronicles the school?s ambitious efforts within the wider cultural scene of Los Angeles at that time, as well as reflects worldwide events.
Anderson will deliver a lecture on the exhibition on Thursday, September 30 at 6:00 PM. Additional programming information will be posted on the Museum's website, at www.cmato.org.
About
CMATO is located on the second level of The Oaks, at 350 W. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks.
Gallery hours: Friday- Sunday, 12:00 to 6:00 PM. General admission is free; a $6 donation is suggested.
GIFTED and related educational programming are generously supported by the Historical Collections Council and CR Print.
GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956 is organized by the GHS Art Collection, Inc., in association with the Gardena High School Student Body, and curated by Susan M. Anderson. On view through January 9, 2022, GIFTED features a selection of nearly 50 paintings from the GHS Art collection, including Impressionist works by notable artists such as William Wendt, Edgar Payne, Jean Mannheim, Franz Bischoff and Agnes Pelton. Later works by Maynard Dixon, Emil Kosa, Jr., Loren Barton and Francis de Erdely reflect the influence of the American Scene movement, popular during the Depression era, as well as the dramatic shifts in style characteristic of art of the post-war period.
The exhibition chronicles the history of a lesson in art appreciation for a Southern California high school that would mature into what is widely acknowledged as one of the most outstanding collections of early California Impressionism in the nation.
?GIFTED is an inspirational exhibition that will educate CMATO?s visitors about the documentary ability of art as well as the creative journey of evolving artistic styles throughout time. What was considered contemporary art in the early 20th century is now a historical style that is rarely practiced, but revered as a style that is enjoyed by many. Inspiration lies in the paintings? ability to portray humankind?s history of struggle, triumph and stoic resilience through challenging times -- themes that are so pertinent and relevant to our present lives,? said Lynn Farrand, Senior Curator, CMATO.
History
Beginning in 1919, the senior class of Gardena High School ? at the recommendation of their principal -- gifted the school with an original landscape painting by Ralph Davison Miller, beginning what was to become a unique, annual tradition.
For nearly 40 years, until 1956, each senior class selected, purchased and donated works of art to the school, ultimately amassing an exceptional permanent collection of more than 70 paintings in the Impressionist, figurative and landscape genres. Each painting was carefully selected and purchased from an artist of note, often reflecting historical content from that year. The high level of sophistication demonstrated by the students? choices was the result of the aesthetic discourse and collaboration nurtured by the school. Over the years, artists, federal art projects and other individuals and organizations also made gifts of art to the collection.
?Gardena High School helped to start an interest in art appreciation and art collecting among high schools regionally and nationally. The high quality of its collection speaks to the enthusiasm and embrace of the program, not just by the students and educators, but by the entire Southern California art community,? said Anderson.
Today, the GHS Art Collection remains an enduring example of the power of art to rally a community and to shape people?s lives. GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956 traces the history of Southern California art in the early 20th century, when plein-air (?in the open air?) painting and the Arts and Crafts movement were flourishing. It chronicles the school?s ambitious efforts within the wider cultural scene of Los Angeles at that time, as well as reflects worldwide events.
Anderson will deliver a lecture on the exhibition on Thursday, September 30 at 6:00 PM. Additional programming information will be posted on the Museum's website, at www.cmato.org.
About
CMATO is located on the second level of The Oaks, at 350 W. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks.
Gallery hours: Friday- Sunday, 12:00 to 6:00 PM. General admission is free; a $6 donation is suggested.
GIFTED and related educational programming are generously supported by the Historical Collections Council and CR Print.
Roya Alt
California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks
+1 8054055240
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