For Immediate Release
All Things Bright and Beautiful: California Impressionist Paintings
from The Irvine Museum
July 13 - October 5, 2008
Katonah, NY – From July 13 through October 5, the Katonah Museum of Art presents
All Things Bright and Beautiful: California Impressionist Paintings from The Irvine
Museum, with over 60 works created by 40 artists during the early decades of the 20th
century. Lush summer gardens, tranquil picnic scenes, sweeping views of the Sierra
Mountains, and sparkling seascapes glow with the vivid colors and intense light that
characterizes the “Land of Sunshine.” The Museum is located at 134 Jay Street in
Katonah, New York. 914-232-9555. www.katonahmuseum.org
Most of the artists came to California from out-of-state, attracted by the temperate
climate, beautiful landscapes, and burgeoning economy. Some settled in Laguna Beach
and Newport Beach, while others moved to the larger cities such as Los Angeles and San
Francisco; by the early 1900s several of the state’s most picturesque places boasted
artists’ colonies.
Emerging several decades after Monet painted Impression: Sunrise (1872), the canvas
that gave Impressionism its name, California’s plein-air movement can justly be called
Impressionism’s Indian summer, remarkable not only for its belatedness, but also for its
fervor. From the dusty banks of Pasadena’s Arroyo Seco to the beaches of San Diego
Bay, artists deserted their studios to take up painting out of doors. The French
Impressionists of the late 1800s had a tremendous influence on the California artists,
many of whom had studied in France. They adopted the French technique of using loose
brushstrokes to varying degrees, some applying the paint with an almost abstract
abandonment of form, others maintaining a sharper focus on details. But unlike the
French Impressionists or even their American progeny in the east, these artists – such as
Guy Rose and Maurice Braun – sought out isolated nature, sometimes making lengthy
and arduous treks into the wilderness. Motivated by a strong spiritual awareness and
reverence for nature, they strove to show the natural world in its true and unspoiled
beauty, rarely including figures or architectural elements.
The distinctive style of California Impressionism peaked in the 1920s and by the end of
the decade was relegated to history. The onset of Modernism combined with the effects
of the Depression forever changed the face of American art. Curated by William H.
Gerdts, All Things Bright and Beautiful stands as a testament to The Irvine Museum’s
dedication to preserving California’s rich Impressionist heritage.
Other Exhibitions
July 13 – October 5
In the Project Gallery
Under the Radar: Leslie Lerner
Under the Radar is a new series of solo exhibitions that focus on mid-to-late career
artists who, while they may have shown professionally, have not been adequately
recognized for their body of work. Curated by a rotating roster of visual arts
professionals (directors, curators, critics and artists), the series debuts with the KMA
Executive Director Neil Watson’s choice: Leslie Lerner.
Leslie Lerner began his career as an installation artist in California in the 1960s. Greatly
influenced by artists such as Bruegel, Goya, and Watteau, Lerner’s narrative paintings are
part science fiction, part psychedelic apparition, and can be found in many museum
collections throughout the country.
In the Sculpture Garden and on the South Lawn
Eileen and Susanna, by Philip Grausman
Two monumental fiberglass heads hold a commanding presence on the Museum’s South
Lawn and in the Sculpture Garden. Susanna and Eileen are “portraits” stripped to their
essence by sculptor Philip Grausman, known for his treatment of volume and form. The
proportions are exaggerated in order to magnify individual characteristics and reveal the
imperfect underpinnings of the human form—a narrow jaw, a sloping forehead, a
pronounced cheekbone. Over ten feet high, the heads seem simultaneously surreal and
classic, startling in their pure white immensity and made mysterious by their stoic
expressions.
In the Learning Center
Julie Downing
Rich watercolor illustrations from Julie Downing’s children’s books How Do You
Know?, The Magpies’ Nest, and Where is My Mommy? fill the Learning Center this
summer. Downing is an internationally published author and illustrator of over 30
children’s books, and the recipient of a Parents Choice Award and a New York Public
Library Best Books Award. Learning Center visitors will also learn about Impressionist
art in connection with the exhibition All Things Bright and Beautiful.
JULY PROGRAMS
Second Saturdays
Dress to Impress - Saturday, July 12, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Voted “Best Arty Night Out: Second Saturdays at Katonah Museum of Art” in
Westchester Magazine’s 2008 Best of Westchester issue, the popular series continues
with its second installment and new theme. Party in pastels to celebrate the exhibition
opening of All Things Bright and Beautiful: California Impressionist Paintings from The
Irvine Museum. Preppy is the name of the game at this pink-and-green themed cocktail
party.
$10 members, $20 non-members
Sponsored by American Express.
En Plein Air
Wednesday, July 16, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Take an invigorating hike through Ward Pound Ridge Reservation where artist and
naturalist Beth Herr will focus on the color and light of the dramatic environs. Children
are welcome on the hour-long walk. Guests are encouraged to bring sketch books and
picnic lunches to enjoy by the Reservataion’s art gallery afterwards.
Space is limited; advance registration required. Free.
Shades of Jazz
Gino Sitson - Wednesday, July 16, 6:30 pm
John Scofield presents Gino Sitson and his Cameroon a cappella group at our second
Shades of Jazz concert. Descended from a long line of musicians known as Ntontas
(players of horns), Sitson and his vocal Afro-jazz group regularly sell out venues around
the world.
$10 members, $20 non-members
Bright and Beautiful
Thursday, July 24, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Enjoy an outdoor evening of delicious food, organic wine, modern dance, and California
Impressionism. In honor of Isadora Duncan’s California heritage, the contemporary
dance company IsadoraNow gives an intimate performance in the Sculpture Garden
while The Flying Pig tantalizes taste buds with an amazing menu. Passed hors d’oeuvres
and wine included in ticket price. All proceeds support the Museum’s Exhibition and
Education programs.
Space is limited; pre-paid registration required.
$60 members, $75 non-members
Children’s Programs
Tuesdays for Tots
Tuesdays, July 22, 29, August 5, 12
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Three-to-five-year-old children and their adult caregivers will enjoy art-looking and artmaking as they explore all areas of the Museum and Sculpture Garden. Each week we
will look at new artwork to inspire fun and exciting projects.
Pre-paid registration required.
Ages 3 to 5 with an adult. (Siblings under 3 cannot be accommodated)
$48 members, $60 non-members for 4-week course
Art Days at the KMA
Thursdays, July 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Museum educators will be available to help children enjoy the Museum through gallery
games, hands-on art projects, storytelling, and more. Each week special activities will be
offered, including outdoor painting and creative sculpting. Let Thursday be your art day
at the KMA!
Recommended for children ages 4 and up, with an adult.
Free with Museum admission
AUGUST PROGRAMS
Sydney Eddison’s Gardener’s Palette
Sunday, August 3, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Sydney Eddison, author of The Gardener’s Palette, discusses how to use colors in your
garden, how to contrast flowers and plants to provide a visual jolt, and how to borrow
color schemes from painters and fabric designers. An instructor for more than a decade
at the New York Botanical Garden, Eddison has developed a gardener’s color wheel and
will explain how to use this helpful tool to create just the right color combinations.
A book signing will follow.
Pre-paid reservations required.
$10 members, $20 non-members
Shades of Jazz
Anat Cohen – Wednesday, August 6, 6:30 pm
In the final concert of the summer, John Scofield welcomes virtuoso saxophone and
clarinet player Anat Cohen. The Israeli musician has established herself as one of the
major voices of her generation, incorporating modern and traditional jazz, classical
music, Brazilian choro, Argentine tango and Afro-Cuban styles.
$10 members, $20 non-members
Second Saturdays
Life’s a Beach – Saturday, August 9, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Enjoy live reggae music, cool drinks, light finger foods, and the company of good friends
in the Sculpture Garden.
$10 members, $20 non-members
Sponsored by American Express
Horticultural Therapy Unearthed
Sunday, August 10, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Horticultural therapy uses live plants and natural materials for healing and rehabilitation.
Trained by the New York Botanical Garden, and on staff at the Cornell Masters
Gardeners Program and The Hebrew Home for the Aged, instructor JoAnn Stern gives a
cogent overview of horticultural therapy – what it is, who it benefits, how and why. All
guests receive a special list of horticultural exercises to practice at home.
Reservations required.
Free to members, $10 non-members
A Closer Look
Thursday, August 14, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Photographer Jenny Lynn leads an informative photography workshop highlighting tips
and tricks for successfully capturing the beauty of your garden and horticultural
masterpieces in any setting.
The program will take place at Evergreen Nurseries in Katonah. Digital cameras
recommended.
Pre-paid reservations required.
$15 members, $25 non-members
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The Katonah Museum of Art is a non-collecting institution dedicated to the visual arts as a vital force for
life-long learning. The diverse exhibition schedule transcends categories, highlighting artistic disciplines,
cultures, and historical periods to create an open and welcoming environment ideally suited to art education
and programming. The Museum’s acclaimed Family Learning Center features original children’s book art
and provides creative hands-on experiences. Among a stand of magnificent Norwegian spruce, a changing
sculpture garden provides refuge and visual pleasure. The Katonah Museum also offers outdoor concerts,
artful parties, international travels, and trips to other museums and private collections.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Katonah Museum of Art is located at 134 Jay Street (Route 22), Katonah, NY
10536. 914-232-9555. www.katonahmuseum.org
Directions
By Train: From Grand Central Terminal (Harlem Division of Metro North): The Katonah Museum of Art
is located 1/2 mile east of the Katonah railroad station. Taxi service is available.
By Car: Take Exit 6 off Interstate 684. Go east on Route 35. Take the first right onto Route 22 south. The
Museum is located1/4 mile on the left.
Museum Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12 to 5pm, Closed Mondays
Admission: 10 am – 12 Noon: free; 12 – 5 pm: admission $5, $3 for seniors and students;
Members and children under 12 free
Free Docent-Led Guided Tours: Tuesday through Saturday, 2:30 pm
Tours are free with admission to the Museum
For more information and/or additional images:
Gina Keir
Director of Public Relations & Marketing
Katonah Museum of Art
914-232-9555, ext. 2966
gkeir@katonahmuseum.org