On September 5, the Museum will honor renowned architectural historian Dr. Robert W. Winter and celebrate the opening of two much-anticipated exhibitions that pay tribute to Pasadena ’s Arts & Crafts legacy, The Art & Craft of Textile Design, 1860 – 1920 and Living Beautifully: Greene & Greene in Pasadena, with a VIP reception. This is a wonderful opportunity to honor our community’s rich Arts & Crafts heritage and to support the Museum and its offerings, all while enjoying cocktails, gourmet appetizers, musical entertainment, and, of course, the landmark exhibitions.

For more information, click here.

Signature Sponsor: Wells Fargo Private Client Services

Official Media Sponsor: Pasadena Magazine

Fine catering by Bon Appétit Management Company

Tom Coston, President of the Lightbringers' Project, will tour Museum Members through the fun, follies and foibles of the notorious Pasadena Doo Dah Parade.  Now in its 32nd year, this unique, colorful phenomenon has emeged from its homegrown beginnings to gain a national reputation as the Rose Parade's "twisted sister."  What makes Doo Dah tick?  Hear all the old myths and learn some new insights in this visual presentation.  Program will be held outdoors at a private home; location provided upon receipt of reservation.

Photo: 2008 Doo Dah Parade Queen Mickie

Docent-guided tour features more than 100 paintings by some of the  early masters of California plein air painting, including Carl Oscar Borg, Benjamin Brown, William Keith, Richard Miller, Granville Redmond and Elmer Wachtel, among others.  The collection of arts patroness Eva and Dr. Adalbert Fenyes has remained intact through the years.  Many works are in the original frames.  They are hung on silk damask walls and surrounded by art objects and antique furnishings gathered by the Fenyes' from their travels around the world. 

Please note: The Fenyes Mansion will be closed in August and September; tours resume in October 2008.  

In 1888 the oldest women's club west of the Mississippi was created.  Over the years, this evolved from a book club to a philanthropic organization with a growing place of importance in the Pasadena community.  Early California Plein Air artists and photographers were given one-man shows in the Shakespeare Clubhouse.  Diana Loomis, a member of the Shakespeare League and the California Art Club, has assembled a presentation based on interviews with artists and family members, books about California Plein Air painters, and resources atthe Archive of the Pasadena Museum of History.  Her talk will be outdoors at a private home; location provided upon receipt of reservation.

Photo: Shakespeare Club, 1930

Award-winning Bernina Fashion Show designer Justine Limpus Parish draws her inspiration from the Asian influences of both the Art Nouveau period, especially Gustav Klimt, and contemporary Japanese designers such as Issey Miyake.  She produces a unique collection of Shibori hand pleated and painted special occasion clothing.  Her themes, drawn from the ballet and theater, floating fairy tale fantasies, and water images, combine with rich earth tones reminiscent of a more opulent era.  Her creations bring together ancient technique, colorful fashion, and modern art.  Justine's presentation will show her process from design inspiration, through sketches, experiments, and finished garments; and she will bring some actual garments for up close inspection.

Reception immediately following presentation.

Join exhibition curator Ann Chaves, as she explains the principles of design and the variety of styles in the exquisite textiles currently on display. These unique pieces --from England, Scotland, Vienna, and the United States -- illustrate how textiles emerged as a true art form steeped in the love of nature and hand-workmanship.  Many of the works are from Chaves’s personal collection and have never been on display before.  A textile designer, embroidery instructor, and student of the Arts & Crafts movement for over 20 years, Ann Chaves will explain the philosophy and the techniques behind these unique textiles. 

Reception, immediately following this special evening tour, is included in price of ticket.