Artists celebrate 100 years with 100 images at Pasadena Museum of History

Oil paint, watercolor, clay, charcoal, ceramic, and acrylic fill the North Gallery of the Pasadena Museum of History. Images of landscapes, portraits, abstracts, and sculptures are observed while walking the quiet exhibit halls. Whispers admiring the works are heard, and there is admiration for the room filled with the rich history of Pasadena’s art. Each side contributes to the story of art in Pasadena, with one side of the gallery being the historical works and the other being contemporary, each creating an energetic and captivating atmosphere that keeps spectators coming back for more.

On March 2, the Pasadena Society of Artists (PSA) commenced their 100 Years 100 Images exhibit to celebrate their centennial. With 50 works in the spring and 50 in the summer, this gallery serves as a way to portray the abundant works of 100 years of PSA, even including some of the founding members.

“We were able to obtain 14 of the 16 founding members’ works of art, and then filled in with other works by other members,” explains Kathleen Swaydan, president of the Pasadena Society of Artists.

Some pieces by founding and early members of the PSA depict images of Pasadena decades ago, such as founding member Orrin A. White’s oil on canvas painting of hillsides in Pasadena.

One key feature of this exhibit is its unique blend of historical and contemporary art. This combination creates a diverse and engaging experience for the audience, taking them on a captivating journey through time and the evolution of art in Pasadena.

Beth Brookes, a volunteer at the exhibit, described the mix of contemporary and historical art as “creating a range and variety of pieces, with different mediums and compositions.”

Spirit is also alive in this gallery. The spirit of past artists and art is present, but the spirit is especially evident on the contemporary side, where a row of three images memorializes pieces lost in the recent Palisades and Eaton fires. This aspect of the exhibit invites a moment of reflection and respect for the artists and their work.

Three pieces by Robert Moore, S. A. Smith, and Christopher Moore are represented by photographs that capture their work before it was lost. These photographs, stationed at the beginning of the contemporary exhibit, convey feelings of remorse, reminder, and loss but also the resilience of the human spirit.

“The photos of the three new pieces that were lost in the recent wildfires were so sad. They’re a reminder of how many lives have been touched,” said Janet McIntyre, a first-time visitor of the exhibit.

This treasured exhibit represents a milestone year for the Pasadena Society of Artists and is a one-of-a-kind experience. With 50 works in the spring, open until May 30, and 50 in the summer, opening between June 1 and Sept. 14, the Pasadena Museum of History invites all to celebrate a historic ceremony through art.