Merlin

Maurice Merlin and the American Scene, 1930–1947

Jan. 19–April 15, 2013

Maurice Merlin studied at the Art Institute of Chicago from 1929 to 1931 addressing the social tensions that faced the city and the nation during the 1930s with images of strikes, unemployed workers, and Detroit’s African American community. This exhibition includes work of fellow Detroit-based artists with paintings, posters, and watercolors on loan from collections in Los Angeles and Detroit, and is the first museum exhibition devoted primarily to Merlin’s career.

Cultivating

Cultivating California: Founding Families of the San Marino Ranch

Feb. 16–May 13, 2013

One hundred years ago, Henry Huntington and several of his neighboring landowners founded the city of San Marino. Three families who farmed the land before Huntington’s arrival, Wilson, Shorb, and Patton, played key roles in the history of the region. This exhibition tells the story of these families, and includes rare family photographs, letters, legal documents, and artifacts.

Chinese New Year Festival

Feb. 16 & 17 (Sat & Sun)

10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at The Huntington’s annual Chinese New Year Festival.  The two-day event will include lion dancers, martial arts demonstrations, mask-changing performances, folk music, children’s book readings, tea tastings, demonstrations, and more.  Many of the activities will take place in and around the Chinese garden. Visitors can also purchase freshly cut flowers—a traditional way to celebrate the Chinese New Year. General admission. View Program

Tai Chi Series

CLASS FILLED

Feb. 16–March 30
(Saturdays) 9–10:30 a.m.

 
Learn tai chi in the tranquil setting of the gardens in this seven-part series led by instructor Kathy Chyan. Tai chi is widely practiced for its health and fitness benefits and can also relieve stress. This class is suitable for beginning and intermediate students. Members: $150.  Non-Members: $170. Registration: 626-405-2128.

Maritime

Britain and the Sea: Maritime Drawings and Watercolors from The Huntington’s Art Collections

This focused exhibition features fifteen rarely seen drawings and watercolors by marine artists such as John Thomas Serres, Charles Bentley, and Samuel Owen, depicting important battles and dramatic, romantic views of wind-tossed ships revealing a nation passing from the threat of war to command a prosperous peace.

Vance-Swallow

Lesley Vance & Ricky Swallow

Nov. 10, 2012-March 11, 2013

In a dramatic departure from tradition, The Huntington presents the first exhibition of contemporary paintings and sculpture to be displayed inside the Huntington Art Gallery, showcasing the work of Los Angeles–based artists Lesley Vance and Ricky Swallow.