Phil Paradise, "Ranch Near San Luis Obispo," ca. 1935. Oil on canvas, 28 x 34 inches. The Buck Collection, Laguna Beach, CA
The 11-year-old Pasadena Museum of California Art has sought to fulfill the aspirations of founders Robert and Arlene Oltman to present the breadth of California art and design through exhibitions that explore the cultural dynamics and influences that are unique to California.
“California Scene Paintings from 1930 to 1960” is currently mounted in the museum’s main gallery. The exhibition explores representational art created by artists employed through the Works Progress Administration to create artworks for government buildings and public places. Key artists include Phil Dike, Millard Sheets, Ben Messick and Rex Brandt. The exhibition is curated by Gordon T. McClelland.
The museum’s Project Room features “Meander,” an installation by artist John O’Brien. Christopher Miles’ “Bloom” is on display in the Back Gallery. All are on view through July 28.
PMCA has mounted more than 100 exhibitions. Among them are “Family Legacies: The Art of Betye, Lezley and Alison Saar” (2006), “Richard Diebenkorn: The Carey Stanton Collection” (2006) and “Millard Sheets: The Early Years (1926—1944)” (2010).
—Beverly Lafontaine
PMCA, 490 E. Union St., Pasadena. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit https://pmcaonline.org/.