Gardena High School will host “Look to the Future,” a special collection of impressionist art that will be featured at the Gardena High School Library and Art Gallery from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan 17 at the GHS campus.
Hosted by the Gardena High School Associated Student Body and the Gardena High School Art Collection Inc., the event will feature a dozen pieces of art that highlight the work of California impressionists.
Gardena High School will host “Look to the Future,” a special collection of impressionist art that will be featured at the Gardena High School Library and Art Gallery from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan 17 at the GHS campus.
Hosted by the Gardena High School Associated Student Body and the Gardena High School Art Collection Inc., the event will feature a dozen pieces of art that highlight the work of California impressionists.
Eiko Moriyama, president of the Gardena High School Art Collection, said that she is glad that the public will get an opportunity to see the artwork on display, as she believes that art is meant to be enjoyed, not hidden away.
“We want people to see that our museum is there to show paintings, not to store them,” Moriyama said.
Jean Stern, executive director of the Irvine Art Museum and California Impressionist expert will also be part of the presentation.
Guests for the event will be able to check in at the main gate and parking will be available on campus.
Gardena High School has been home to one of the finest collections of California Impressionist art since 1919, when Principal John Whitely made a suggestion to that year’s graduating class that they buy an original California painting and present it as a gift to the student body.
From that first artistic venture, a tradition was established in which each graduating class (both summer and winter at that time) selected, bought, and donated a California painting to give as a gift to the student body that followed them.
The tradition remained until 1956, when a dispute formed regarding the location of the paintings. Staff at the old Gardena High campus (now Peary Middle School) wanted the paintings to stay there, while those at the new Gardena High campus (current location) wanted the paintings moved to their school.
As a result of the dispute between the two campuses, then-Principal Dr. John Abbott decided to end the tradition of the art donations. At the time of this decision, the collection contained 104 paintings, of which 73 were by well-known California Impressionist artists; 19 watercolors, six etchings, two lithographs, and three pastels.
The art event is from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Gardena High School Library and Art Gallery, 1301 W. 182nd St.
Jean Stern will guest speak, followed by a viewing of selected paintings and a reception. Parking on campus will be available at the main gate. For additional information, call Jane Tokubo, GHS ACI secretary at 310-351-7861.
