Local Artists Groups from the Early 20th Century

August 02, 2010 – October 08, 2012

From the collection of the San Diego History Center (SDHC), Creating an Artistic Basis: Local
Artists Groups from the Early 20th Century features 40 works on oil from San Diego’s most celebrated artists — Charles Fries, Maurice Braun, Charles Reiffel, Belle Baranceanu, Edith White and more.

Works created by these artists are diverse in subject matter, style and medium, but together explore the rich history of San Diego art. Regional painters of the early 20th century were often influenced by religious philosophies, the diverse topography of the area, prominent local citizens, and government sponsored programs. Creating an Artistic Basis presents works created by artists who formed local schools of thought and worked together to promote and exhibit each other’s art. Organized in four distinct schools, the exhibition offers insight into four unique groups of local artists: The Theosophical Society of Point Loma, Contemporary Artists of San Diego, San Diego Moderns and the works from the Great Depression and the WPA era.

Creating an Artistic Basis presents plein air, portraiture and works created as public art through President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration. On view at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park through April 30, 2011, Creating an Artistic Basis highlights the art that is the birth of the San Diego art and culture community.

Image: Roofs, Marius Rocle 87.23.1