Millard Sheets: The Scripps Years, 1932-1955

The exhibition features paintings and works on paper by artist Millard Sheets (1907-1989), who in the 1930s emerged as a leader of the “California Style” of watercolor painting and, in the next two decades, expanded his artistic processes to oil, acrylic and mosaic design. The opening reception, to be held at the Gallery on September 9, from 3 to 5 p.m., is free and open to the public.

The Scripps exhibition is co-curated by gallery director Mary MacNaughton and collection manager Kirk Delman, in collaboration with art historian Janet Blake, who is an expert on Sheets’ art. The exhibition focuses on Sheets’ dual role as an artist and educator during the years he taught Scripps, from 1932-1955. During that time, in addition to teaching, Sheets traveled extensively around the world. The works in the exhibition reflect his experiences in the 1930s in Hawaii and Mexico, and in the 1940s in the Far East, where he was a war correspondent for Life magazine.

At Scripps Sheets built a strong studio art faculty, including Jean Ames in design, Phil Dike in watercolor painting, Henry Lee McFee in oil painting, William Manker in ceramics, Albert Stewart in sculpture and Marion Stewart in weaving. Sheets also attracted many students to Scripps and the Graduate School. Together with the faculty artists, he made Claremont into a vital artistic community in the 1940s and 1950s.

The Scripps exhibition parallels another exhibition that celebrates the hundredth anniversary of Millard Sheets’ birth, “Tapestry of Life: The World of Millard Sheets,” which will be seen at the Los Angeles County Fair from September 7 to September 30. The exhibition is directed by Tony Sheets, the artist’s son, and selected by art historian and curator, Janet Blake. On September 18, in the Hampton Room, Malott Commons, at Scripps, at 12 noon, Janet Blake will give a talk entitled “Millard Sheets: A Tapestry of Life.” For information call (909) 607-4690.

On September 18, in the Hampton Room, Malott Commons, at Scripps, at noon, Janet Blake will give a talk entitled, “Millard Sheets: A Tapestry of Life.” For information call (909) 607-4690.

 

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