LOS ALTOS, CA (June 21, 2018) – The Los Altos History Museum merges local history with the work of local artists in its upcoming exhibition: “Paint the Town II: Echoes of Our Past,” on display July 5th-October 7th.
The exhibition title is a homage to the first “Paint the Town” in 1999, an effort led by Town Crier owners Paul and Liz Nyberg to have paintings created by local artists of the shops and businesses of downtown Los Altos. This new juried exhibition will showcase never-before-seen works of more than 50 local artists who responded to the Museum’s invitation to submit their art featuring “echoes of the past,” including historic places, buildings, structures, memorials, and homes, that help tell the fascinating story of our community’s rich history. Each artist chose from a list of sites in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and the surrounding area, with some artists choosing to interpret more than one site. The exhibition will showcase over 60 different locations.
“Art and history work together, so it’s fun to have art shows as part of their selection of changing exhibitions,” said Jane Reed, Exhibitions Chair. “We look forward to an audience who will want to view a show that exhibits new works by local talented artists in addition to discovering the history of landmark sites in this area.”
In addition to paintings, artists also submitted works of stitchery, fabric, and a metal engraving. The show will be judged and prizes awarded at a reception on Thursday, July 19th. Visitors will also be invited to vote for their favorite work.
The Museum will offer free programs in support of the exhibition, as well as classes for a minimal fee. The classes are open to ages 12 and up. To register, visit the website, LosAltosHistory.org.
The supporting programs include:
- Artists’ reception and juried awards ceremony, Thursday, July 19th, 4-7pm
- Acrylic painting class by artist Cathy Zander, Saturday, July 28th, 9:30am-12pm
- Plein-air painting on the 3rd Street Green downtown Los Altos, Sunday, July 29th, 12-4pm
- Outdoor movie night showing “Loving Vincent” in Museum garden, Wednesday, August 8th, 8:30-10pm
- Watercolor class by artist Brian Sal Corral, Wednesday, August 15th, 6:30-9pm
- Lecture by artist Denise Erickson, “Plein-air Painting,” at the Los Altos Library, Wednesday, August 22nd, 7pm
- Colored pencil drawing class by artist Denise Howard, Saturday, September 8th, 9am-12pm
The Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the J. Gilbert Smith House historic farmhouse, built in 1905. In 2001, the Los Altos History Museum opened its modern building next door, which houses the Museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The Museum and its grounds are available for rent during evenings and weekends. Its collections are owned by the City of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations.
The Museum and J. Gilbert Smith House are open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. Admission is free. The gardens, outdoor agricultural exhibits and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, go to: www.losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.
Media Contact: Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
Los Altos History Museum: Elisabeth I. Ward, 650.948.9427 x10, eward@losaltoshistory.org
