Events for February 23, 2013
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Maurice Merlin and the American Scene, 1930–1947
Jan. 19–April 15, 2013
Maurice Merlin studied at the Art Institute of Chicago from 1929 to 1931 addressing the social tensions that faced the city and the nation during the 1930s with images of strikes, unemployed workers, and Detroit’s African American community. This exhibition includes work of fellow Detroit-based artists with paintings, posters, and watercolors on loan from collections in Los Angeles and Detroit, and is the first museum exhibition devoted primarily to Merlin’s career.
Cultivating California: Founding Families of the San Marino Ranch
Feb. 16–May 13, 2013
One hundred years ago, Henry Huntington and several of his neighboring
landowners founded the city of San Marino. Three families who
farmed the land before Huntington’s arrival, Wilson, Shorb, and Patton, played key roles in the history of
the region. This exhibition tells the story of these families, and includes rare family photographs, letters, legal documents, and artifacts.
Feb. 23 (Saturday)
10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
What’s new on the Ranch? Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of The Huntington’s urban agriculture site—an area not typically open to daily visitors—and take home some fresh ideas for sustainable gardening. General admission. From the Teaching Greenhouse, follows signs to the site. Cancelled in the event of rain.
WORKSHOP FILLED
Feb. 23 (Saturday)
9 a.m.–noon
Learn the ancient art of growing and shaping miniature trees in this hands-on workshop led by bonsai masters. Participants will take home their own beautiful creations. All materials provided. Members: $35. Non-Members: $45. Registration: 626-405-2128.
Feb. 23 (Saturday)
9–11:30 a.m.
Snip, shape, and grow! Join the fun of this weekend’s Bonsai-a-Thon in a hands-on workshop with the pros, and then take home your own sculpted bonsai tree to grow at home. Ages 7–12. Fee includes one accompanying adult. Members: $25. Non-Members: $30. Registration: 626-405-2128.
Feb. 23–24 (Sat.–Sun.)
10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Internationally recognized bonsai masters will share their passion for the art form in this annual event that includes exhibits, demonstrations, prize drawings, a “bonsai bazaar,” and a live auction at 3 p.m. each day. Bonsai workshops for adults and children will be offered on Saturday with advanced registration. (For workshop details, see individual listings under Continuing Education and Children & Families.) Proceeds from the event support the Golden State Bonsai Collection at The Huntington. General admission. Botanical Center.
Feb. 23, March 2 & 9 (Saturdays)
9 a.m–3 p.m.
Students will explore the unique beauty of California’s native flora in this series led by botanical artist Lisa Pompelli, focusing on drawing and watercolor techniques for creating detailed botanical illustrations. Prior drawing skills recommended. Members: $275. Non-Members: $295. Registration: 626-405-2128.
CLASS FILLED
Feb. 16–March 30
(Saturdays) 9–10:30 a.m.
Learn tai chi in the tranquil setting of the gardens in this seven-part series led by instructor Kathy Chyan. Tai chi is widely practiced for its health and fitness benefits and can also relieve stress. This class is suitable for beginning and intermediate students. Members: $150. Non-Members: $170. Registration: 626-405-2128.
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.
A Show of Hands: Drawings from The Huntington's Art Collections, 1600-1900
Feb. 23–June 17, 2013
The works in this exhibition provide glimpses into how artists such as Peter Lely, Charles West Cope, and David Wilkie attempted to capture the emotive force of the human hand. “A Show of Hands” focuses on approximately 15 European works from The Huntington’s collection ranging from meticulous studies of a single hand, to multiple sketches quickly rendered in a burst of inspiration.