Press Release - Huntington Acquires New Sculpture and Paintings to Fill Gaps in American Collection; Announces Further Expansion of American Art Galleries

Art Collectors’ Council purchases works by Milton Avery, Sargent Claude Johnson, and Helen Lundeberg at its annual meeting

SAN MARINO, Calif.— The Huntington’s Art Collectors’ Council purchased two 1936 paintings—Burlesque by Milton Avery and Irises (The Sentinels) by Pasadena artist Helen Lundeberg—as well as a ceramic sculpture, Head of a Boy, by Sargent Claude Johnson, for the American art galleries at its 21st annual meeting April 11. The Council, composed of donors from across the region, spent nearly $1 million to help fill gaps in The Huntington’s collecting areas.

“We had a hugely successful Art Collectors’ Council Gala, which this year was devoted to American art,” said Kevin Salatino, Hannah and Russell Kully Director of the Art Collections. “The quality of the works acquired underscores how seriously we and our donors take our commitment to building a first-rate collection of American art.” The new works will go on view in the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art this summer.

“All three pieces will play important roles in the galleries,” said Jessica Todd Smith, Virginia Steele Scott Chief Curator of American Art. “The Avery helps us talk about modernism, the Lundeberg strengthens our representation of both female artists and painters working in California, and the Johnson joins our growing collection of work by African-American artists.”

The year’s annual meeting was dedicated to Kerstin and Steven S. Koblik. Steve Koblik, president of The Huntington, retires at the end of June after nearly 14 years in the position. During his tenure, he raised substantial funds to renovate the Huntington Art Gallery, which houses the institution’s European art, and to significantly expand the American art collections and Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art.

Meanwhile, The Huntington has closed the oldest portion of the Scott Galleries for renovation and further expansion, the third such project in seven years. “American art, one of our primary collecting areas, has been growing fast,” said Salatino. “We think this is a good moment to seize the opportunity to consolidate, integrate, and expand the American galleries. We’re delighted that Frederick Fisher and Partners, who designed the 2005 expansion, the Lois and Robert F. Erburu Gallery, will be designing this project as well.”

The 8,600 square-foot expansion completes a section of the Scott Galleries that was part of Fisher’s earlier thinking about the building, yet never done. It adds more than 5,000 square feet of gallery space where a narrow courtyard now sits; and improves visitor flow. Opening summer 2016, the reconfigured galleries and the new construction will feature a stately glass entrance and lobby as well as eight new rooms for art display.