Ed
and I went to the Huntington Library to see the new exhibit about Junipero
Serra and the Legacies of the California Missions with about 250 objects that
included paintings, documents and Indian crafts.
Junipero
Serra was born in 1713 on the island of Mallorca. In 1749, Serra and several
other Malloran Franciscans went to Mexico as missionaries. In 1768 Serra embarked from the Pacific
port of San Blas on his way to the Californias. On the way he established the
Mision San Fernando Rey de Espana de Velicata in Baja California. When he reached San Diego he started
the Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first of the 21 California missions. The
Indians brought their cultural traditions of music and art to the mission but
many perished due to disease. The decaying missions have become tourist
attractions and a defining architectural motif for California.
VIRGINIA STEELE SCOTT GALERIES
 |
| Chimborazo by Frederic Church |
We
had an easy drive to San Marino using the diamond lanes on the freeways,
zipping along any congested traffic. We arrived at noon, opening time for the
Huntington. After lunch at their café we went on to the missions exhibit as
well as the American art in the Virginia
Steele Scott Gallery. Paintings included The Last Leg by Edward Hopper(left) and Breakfast in Bed by Mary Cassatt (below)
We also spent time in the Chinese garden that included intricate wood carved panels.
 |
| Japanese Tea Pavilion has been recently added with decorated interiors |
We finished the visit at the
Conservatory with lush tropical plants including many blooming orchids.
There
is new construction going on that will include a new entrance, an education and
visitor center, a lecture hall, an entry garden and a new café.
After
an easy drive back to San Diego we had a Greek dinner at my house.
