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Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh
You must in any case go to the museum often. -Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890), London, 19 November 1873 “You must write and tell me which painters you like best, both the old and the new, you must be sure to do this, I’m curious to know. You must in any case go to the museum often, it’s good to be acquainted with the old painters, too, and if you get the chance read about art, and especially magazines about art, the Gazette des Beaux-Arts1.” Visit the Van Gogh Museum to see this archival piece in the digital collection www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/collection/b0012V1962.
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Bowers Museum
Gemstone Carvings: The Masterworks of Harold Van Pelt While you’re visiting, you will want to admire the ornate, gemstone work. This exhibition is ongoing since April 22, 2017. Purchase General Admission Tickets For over 35 years Harold Van Pelt has quietly been perfecting the art of carving quartz, rock crystal and agate gemstones. Gemstone Carvings: Masterworks by Harold Van Pelt is a display of his mastery. “Each work in the exhibition is a reflection of hundreds of hours of craftsmanship. Van Pelt’s working of the stone down to paper-thin walls brings out the gorgeous natural quality and colors of agate and gives quartz the transparency of glass. Transformed by one man’s vision…
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Elverhøj Museum of History & Art
Solvang, CA has a wonderful museum that celebrates the founders and local culture. They exhibit art, history, and explain Danish origins. Be sure to check out their Viking exhibit, which is ongoing. Located at: 1624 Elverhoy Way Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 686-1211 Email info@elverhoj.org “Elverhøj is excited to announce the upcoming release of The Spirit of Solvang: A History of the Danish Colony of California, a new 220-page hardcover book that chronicles the challenges and triumphs of this Danish community that grew, thrived, and evolved while most faded into obscurity. MORE INFORMATION and ORDER FORM. Exhibit thru February 16 THE SPIRIT OF SOLVANG From Danish Roots to California Colony A…
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Heritage Hill Historical Park
The OC Parks maintains a four acre local history site in Lake Forrest, CA. The rangers interpret “four fully restored and furnished historic buildings that span the early history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro area from the Mexican Rancho era (Serrano Adobe, circa 1863), to the founding of the town of El Toro (El Toro Grammar School, 1890; St. George’s Episcopal Mission, 1891), through the citrus farming days of the early twentieth century (Harvey Bennett Ranch House, 1908).” They offer guided tours and seasonal events for the community. Visit 25151 Serrano Road Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534. Contact (949)923-2230 or heritagehill@ocparks.com. The park is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9…
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Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum displays informative exhibits about coastal history which include light houses, yacht clubs, and sea voyages. You will enjoy the interactive learning stations which explore many themes including the historical meaning of prominent designs and sailor tattoos. Richard Henry Dana is honored with his California voyage that brought him into the harbor. His journal entry dated Tuesday, January 13, 1835 stated: “We made the land at Point Conception… the point of Santa Barbara, took up oil which we were bound, lying about fifty miles to the southeast of this point, we continued sailing down the coast during the day and the following night, and on the…
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Instead of a typical orientation film, you will be impressed by the museum’s Reagan hologram. We viewed the ranch narrative. “The Tack Room at Rancho del Cielo – President Reagan has just returned from a horseback ride and he talks to us about the Ranch and how it helps him to balance the pressures of the Oval Office, and then tells us a little about his ideas on freedom.” Reagan’s Oval Office desk plaques stated, “It can be done” and “There’s no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.” During our visit, we viewed The World of…
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Laguna Art Museum
Near downtown Laguna Beach, you will find the Laguna Art Museum. Initially founded as an art association one hundred years ago, this institution is a gathering place to view local and nationally acclaimed artists’ work. They offer docent led tours, public programs, and events for all ages. The en plein air movement was locally founded by Anna Hills, Edgar Payne, William Wendt, Frank Cupien, Nellie Gail Moulton, and others. They pioneered this organization and regional outdoor painting practice to capture the essence of light. See the museum’s centennial and permanent collection that contains some of these notable artists’ work. Past exhibition, I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art: Prints…
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Monterey
The mission of Monterey Museums & Cultural Arts is to share Monterey’s stories, serving as a place of learning, inspiration and engagement with our history and heritage. Take the virtual tour to explore the city. They offer insight into the collection of public art and cultural resources. The City of Monterey has a Library & Museums department that includes the Monterey Public Library (California’s First Public Library), Bookmobile, California History Room, Presidio of Monterey Museum, Colton Hall, Old Jail, Pacific Biological Laboratories (Ricketts Lab), Cannery Row Worker Houses, artifacts and public art. We encourage you to book a private tour and find out more at monterey.org/museums. Explore Monterey and learn…
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San Diego Air & Space Museum
San Diego Air & Space Museum honors the legacy of pilots and astronauts who dared to explore. From man’s first flight to the NASA space age, this history is charted with interactive exhibits. The displays capture historical elements that went beyond our atmosphere. The Apollo 11 mission was launched from Launch Complex 39 at the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, near Cape Canaveral on July 16, 1969, at 13:32 GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). The Eagle landed on July 20, 1969 102 hours and 45 minutes after it had launched. “In my own view, the important achievement of Apollo was a demonstration that humanity is not forever chained to…
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Bower’s Museum
The Bower’s Museum in Santa Ana premiered Guo Pei: Couture Beyond. It will be open from March 9 – July 21, 2019. This exhibit has included a variety of public programs. Each garment that is a piece of art with incredible details. Guo Pei’s style is majestic and she uses many natural materials. You can view the gallery guide to see item details. The installation process was extensive, as shown with the timelapse film. Some garments weigh over eighty pounds. The scale of these items is stunning. You will feel the sense of a haute couture show with engaging music and video footage strategically placed behind some of the dresses.…
