Vance-Swallow

Lesley Vance & Ricky Swallow

Nov. 10, 2012-March 11, 2013

In a dramatic departure from tradition, The Huntington presents the first exhibition of contemporary paintings and sculpture to be displayed inside the Huntington Art Gallery, showcasing the work of Los Angeles–based artists Lesley Vance and Ricky Swallow.

Strange and Fearful

A Strange and Fearful Interest: Death, Mourning, and Memory in the American Civil War

Oct. 13, 2012–Jan. 14, 2013

A major exhibition of more than 200 original photographs related to the Civil War that explores how images explained, reflected, and shaped a national fixation on death and mourning.

Botanical Drawing Series

Dec. 1, 8 & 15 (Saturdays)

10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Gain a basic understanding of plant morphology while learning techniques for accurately drawing stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit in this class taught by botanical illustrator Lisa Pompelli. Foreshortening, tonal contrast, measuring, perspective, and other techniques will be covered.  Suitable for all skill levels. Members: $225. Non-Members: $245. Registration: 626-405-2128.

Children’s Workshop: A Parade of Roses

Dec. 8 (Saturday)

10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Everything is coming up roses in this workshop inspired by Pasadena’s famed New Year’s Day parade. Kids can explore The Huntington’s century-old Rose Garden with curator Tom Carruth, then build their own miniature parade floats with roses and other natural materials. Ages 7–12. Fee includes one accompanying adult. Members: $25. Non-Members: $30. Registration: 626-405-2128.

Alpine Skeletons

Alpine Skeletons: Marsden Hartley Silverpoint Drawings

Oct. 20, 2012–Jan. 7, 2013

In 21 rarely exhibited silverpoint drawings from The Huntington's collections, American artist Marsden Hartley rendered the immense Bavarian Alps with delicate lines, transforming them into wispy, airy abstractions he called “skeletons."

Tai Chi Series

CLASS FILLED

Nov. 3–Dec. 15 (Saturdays)

9:15–10:45 a.m.

Discover the health and fitness benefits of tai chi in a seven-part series led by instructor Kathy Chyan.  This outdoor class is suitable for beginning and intermediate students. Members: $150. Non-Members: $170. Registration: 626-405-2128.

Conference: The Republic of Letters in America, 1500–1800

Dec. 7–8 (Fri.–Sat.)

8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

The “Republic of Letters” commonly refers to early modern Europe’s international world of learning. Leading experts in early American history will explore the distinctive role the New World played in shaping the scholarly community’s ideas about peoples, politics, and nature.  $25. View program and registration or contact: researchconference@huntington.org or 626-405-3432.

Maritime

Britain and the Sea: Maritime Drawings and Watercolors from The Huntington’s Art Collections

This focused exhibition features fifteen rarely seen drawings and watercolors by marine artists such as John Thomas Serres, Charles Bentley, and Samuel Owen, depicting important battles and dramatic, romantic views of wind-tossed ships revealing a nation passing from the threat of war to command a prosperous peace.

Just Cause

A Just Cause: Voices of the American Civil War

Sept. 22, 2012–Jan. 7, 2013

Drawn entirely from The Huntington’s collections of manuscripts and printed materials, this exhibition examines the ways Northerners and Southerners viewed the rationale for the Civil War, which made it, in the words of one war veteran, “a battle of ideas interrupted by artillery.”