HUNTINGTON LIBRARY VISIT

           

            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.