2012 past exhibitions
August 15, 2012 to January 13, 2013
This colorful, fun-filled exhibition celebrated the wacky world of Doo Dah, named “America’s Best Parade” by none other than Reader’s Digest. The parade has garnered national and international attention, and spawned copy cat parades elsewhere, including in Columbus, Ohio, and Ocean City, New Jersey.
Beginning in 1978, the “occasional” Doo Dah parade took place sporadically: changing dates, season, and location in its characteristically casual and – some might say – disorganized way. The parade has always been controversial. Its detractors dismiss it as derivative, decry its in-your-face sexual and political humor, and are embarrassed to have it take place in a city such as Pasadena. Its supporters, who include former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, comedian Jay Leno, and actor Tom Hanks, say, yes… that’s the point. No theme, no rules. Just glorious creativity and raucous eccentricity.
August 15, 2012 to January 13, 2013
The Pacific Electric Railway and its 1,100 miles of track connecting Southern California’s many diverse communities died out by the 1960s, but Pasadena Museum of History brought the famed railway back to life through images and artifacts in this exhibition. Pacific Electric Railway: Then & Now is based on the book of the same name by authors Steve Crise and Michael Patris (Arcadia Publishing).
“We are delighted that guest curators Steve Crise and Michael Patris are assembling a display that spotlights both treasures from the archives of the Mount Lowe Preservation Society as well as Steve Crise’s stunning photography,” said PMH Executive Director Jeannette O’Malley.
Contemporary Masters, Artistic Eden III
March 9 to July 29, 2012
In the early years of California Impressionism, the unique and spectacular beauty of the greater Pasadena area was the frequent subject of beautiful artworks, many of which are currently in museum collections nationwide. Continuing this rich artistic tradition, nationally recognized fine artists, both those who live and paint locally as well as those who live outside California, were invited to create new works for this juried collaboration between PMH and several members of the Pasadena Art Gallery Association.
Contemporary Masters, Artistic Eden III, an invitational, juried fine art exhibition, was the third biennial exhibition featuring scenes of the greater San Gabriel Valley by nationally recognized representational artists. Over 200 artists were invited to create artworks reflecting scenes of Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley for this singular juried event, which was jointly coordinated by the seven galleries comprising the Pasadena Area Gallery Association (PAGA): Fremont Gallery, Galerie Gabrie, Michael Hollis Fine Art, San Marino Gallery, Segil Fine Art Source, Sycamore Gallery, and Tirage Fine Art Gallery. The initial list of invited artists includes many of the country’s most honored fine art painters, with the final selection juried by museum officials, independent fine art professionals, and the gallery sponsors.
Images: Alexander McQueen runway gown featuring sheer swan inset; photo by Aaron Gil, www.fotonuova.com. Sleeve detail from Wedding dress, jacket, and slip. Cream linen and taffeta with crocheted lace, 1910 (90.19.42a-c).