HILBERT MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA ART AT CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY
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Let's visit the Hilbert Museum!
Free advanced reservations have been arranged for the So Cal Explorers to visit this fabulous museum.
The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University opened in 2016 and is the home of one of the world’s largest collections of California narrative art. Founded through the ongoing generosity of art patrons and philanthropists Mark and Janet Hilbert, it represents the only museum in the world committed to tracing the rich, iconic history of the Golden State from the late 19th century to the present day through works by leading California Scene artists and Hollywood studio artists and animators.
“This will be the first museum anywhere that is totally dedicated to the display of California Scene and California representational art,” said Mark Hilbert. “The intent will be to cast a spotlight on this style of painting and these amazing artists, and to make this art known around the world. California has its own style, its own light, its own distinct landscape. California Scene paintings are distinguished from the earlier style of California Impressionism because these works show people and the works of humans: towns, cities, harbors, houses, ranches, cars, trains – people going about their everyday lives. These paintings show the changes taking place across our state as it grew, starting around 1920 – changes that are still happening and reflected in today’s representational art.”
The Hilbert Collection encompasses more than 5,000 pieces, including oils, watercolors and drawings of urban and industrial scenes, coastal views, and landscapes of everyday life in California, one of the largest private collections of Disney art, and works by Norman Rockwell and other 20th Century illustrators acquired by the Hilberts since 1992. Among the museum’s most celebrated works are those by luminaries Millard Sheets, Emil Kosa Jr., Mary Blair, Phil Dike, Milford Zornes, and Rex Brandt. A portion of the Hilbert collection will be displayed in the Museum’s permanent collection along with rotating temporary exhibits will be scheduled.
If you would like to know more details about the Hilbert Museum and the current exhibitions we will be seeing, go to:
Although the museum does not provide docent-led tours, there will be docents stationed throughout the galleries that will be happy to share insights and information on the artworks and exhibitions.
Lunch TBD afterwards for anyone who wants to join.