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1151 Oxford Road | San Marino, California 91108huntington.org

January/February 2017

January/February 2017n New gifts bring the Chinese Garden closer to completionn A grant from Bank of America will support conservation of The Blue Boyn Chinese New Year Celebration to be held Feb. 4–5

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New Year Brings Major New Funding for Chinese Garden

CALENDAR • JANUARY |FEBRUARY • 2017

Ushering in the Year of the Rooster, a group of major gifts to The Hunt -ington’s Chinese Garden bring it closer to full funding for the secondand final phase of construction. New gifts totaling $8.5 million comefrom June and Simon Li, Joy and Matthew Lin, and Judy Yin Shih

and Joel Axelrod. Another gift to finalize the funding of the second phase isexpected in early 2017, after which construction will get under way with aneye toward completion by fall 2018. These gifts bring the total amountraised for the second phase to $24 million, which includes featurescompleted in 2014.

“We are overwhelmed and delighted by the generosity of thesedonors, who came forward with a deep commitment to finishing what hasbecome over the years one of the world’s most beloved Chinese gardens inprogress,” said Laura Skandera Trombley, Huntington President. Theadditional components include, among others, a new gallery to displayChinese art, a penjing court, and a hilltop pavilion.

June and Simon LiA $2 million gift from June and Simon Li of Pasadena will make possiblethe Star Gazing Tower, a new pavilion perched atop a ridge along thesouthwest side of the garden, looking north to the San Gabriel Moun tains.June was the founding curator of the garden and is co-curator of the majorexhibition “Gardens, Art, and Commerce in Chinese Woodblock Prints,”on view in the Boone Gallery through Jan. 9. Simon serves as a member ofThe Huntington’s Board of Overseers. The couple provided $3 million in2014 to endow the East Asian Garden Studies Center and the ChineseGarden curator position.

Joy and Matthew LinJoy and Matthew Lin, longtime residents of San Marino, provided a gift of$3 million for the Flowery Brush Studio, a complex of two buildings forthe display of Chinese art. The Studio, to be built along the north flank ofthe garden, will feature a permanent collection of scholar’s rocks, calligra -phy, and furniture; an adjacent building will allow The Hunting ton todisplay special exhibitions of contemporary works. Matthew Lin was thefirst Chinese American mayor of San Marino, serving as mayor and amember of the City Council from 2001–09.

(CONTINUED NEXT PAGE)

From top: June and Simon Li,Joy and Matthew Lin. Photos by Jamie Pham.

Artist’s rendering of the Star Gazing Pavilion

Start the year off on a delicious note. Join us for the first-ever New Year’s Day Brunch at The Huntington onSunday, Jan. 1, and Monday, Jan. 2.

Enjoy a special menu of chef-craftedentrées, house-baked pastries, fresh fruits,California sparkling wines, signaturecocktails, decadent desserts, and more,served in the beautiful Garden Court.Seatings are available between 10:30 a.m.and 2:30 p.m. by reservation. After yourmeal, stay for a leisurely stroll in the gar -dens or see our current exhibi tions; thegrounds and galleries will be open bothdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To reserveyour table New Year’s Day Brunch, pleasecall 626-405-3403. Additional details athuntington.org.

TELEPHONE: 626-405-2100

WEBSITE: huntington.org

ADMISSION: Members: Free. Non-Members adult rates: Weekdays $23. Weekends $25.(See website for dis counted senior, group, andchildren’s rates.) Admission is free to allvisitors on the first Thursday of each monthwith advance tickets.

HOURS: Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. Closed Tuesdays and major holidays.

DINING: The 1919 café serves light mealsand refreshments. Tea is served in the RoseGarden Tea Room. For tea reservations, call 626-683-8131. Enjoy Chinese cuisine inthe Chinese Garden’s Freshwater Dumplingand Noodle House and specialty coffees inthe Red Car coffee shop.

HUNTINGTON STORE: Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, the store carriesa variety of books, prints, note cards, jewelry,home decor, toys, and gift items related to TheHunt ington’s collec tions. Pur chases helpfinance the institu tion. Store information: 626-405-2142.

Lisa Blackburn, Editor/PhotographerAvelina E. Moeller, DesignerThea M. Page, Contributing writer

Laura Skandera TrombleyPresident

Catherine AllgorNadine and Robert A. Skotheim Director of Education

Larry J. BurikVice President of Facilities

James P. FolsomMarge and Sherm Telleen / Marion and EarleJorgensen Director of the Botanical Gardens

Steve HindleW. M. Keck Foundation Director of Research

Margaret IrwinChief of Staff

Mitchell MorrisChief Information Officer

Coreen A. RodgersAnne and Jim Rothenberg Vice Presidentfor Financial Affairs

Kevin SalatinoHannah and Russel Kully Directorof the Art Collections

Randy ShulmanVice President for Advancement

Susan Turner-LoweVice President for Communications and Marketing

David S. ZeidbergAvery Director of the Library

General Information

Senior Staff

On the cover:Hand-carved wooden panel from the Chinese Garden’s Lovefor the Lotus Pavilion, depicting scenes from the gardens of Suzhou, China.Photo by Kate Lain. Back cover: Winter-flowering peach trees in theChinese Garden.

Follow us!Find links to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube, Vimeo, iTunes, SoundCloud, and the Verso blog at huntington.org.

exhibitions“Becoming America: Highlights from the Jonathan and Karin Fielding Collection”Scott Galleries, Fielding Wing

“Van Gogh & Friends: Masterpieces of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism from the Hammer Museum”Through Jan. 2 | Huntington Art Gallery

“Gardens, Art, and Commerce in Chinese Woodblock Prints”Through Jan. 9 | Boone Gallery

“flORI legium: Folded Transformations from the Natural World by Robert J. Lang”Through Jan. 29 (weekends only) | Brody Botanical Center

“Geographies of Wonder: Evolution of the National Park Idea, 1933–2016”Through Feb. 13 | Library West Hall

“Lari Pittman: Mood Books”Through Feb. 20 | Scott Galleries

“Orbit Pavilion”Through Feb. 27 | Celebration Lawn

“A History of Whiskers”Through March 7 | Huntington Art Gallery, Works on Paper Room

“Real American Places: Edward Weston and Leaves of Grass”Through March 20 | Scott Galleries, Chandler Wing

New Year’s Day Brunch

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And the Award Goes To…

The Huntington’s orchid collection is a flower fancier’sdream, with approximately 900 orchid species and morethan 2,000 unique hybrids flourishing in the green houses or

on public dis play. One specimen in particular was recentlysingled out for special recognition by the American OrchidSociety, whose judges honor the “best of the best” in theirprestigious annual awards. At its Fall 2016 Members’ Meeting,the AOS gave The Hunting ton its highest commendation, theMerritt W. Hunt ington Award, for Paphiopedilum micranthumHuntington’s Perfection’ FCC/AOS.

Receiving the award was particularly gratifying forBrandon Tam, the orchid collection specialist at The Hunting -ton, who also chairs the International Orchid Show and Saleheld each October in the gardens. “It was a great honor and asurprise,” he said. “And it’s a tribute to the volunteers who helpme nurture the orchid collection week in and week out.”

The American Orchid Society honored The Huntingtonwith its highest annual award for this outstandingspecimen of Paphiopedilum micranthum ‘Huntington’sPerfection’ FCC/AOS. Photo by Linden Burzell.

Grant News

Bank of America Supports Conservation of The Blue Boy

The most famous face at TheHunt ington is scheduled to geta few touch-ups. Thanks to agrant from Bank of America,

Thomas Gainsbor ough’s iconicportrait of The Blue Boy (1770) willunder go a thorough conservationtreat ment beginning in the fall of2018. The painting will be removedfrom the wall but will remain onview in the gallery during much ofthe treatment process. (Certainproce dures will require the paintingto be off display for several weeks inthe lab. Relevant dates will beannounced as they are scheduled.)Didactic displays will providevisitors with insights into the treatment process aswell as offering details about the painting’s colorfulhistory. Senior paintings conservator ChristinaO’Connell has developed a treatment plan that willstabilize Blue Boy’s flaking paint to prevent loss anddamage, and also replace the failing lining with a newsupport that meets current conservation standards.Old varnish, overpaint, and dirt will be removed tomake nuances of color visible, while new varnish

layers will saturate colors and bringback tonal contrast.

“We are very pleased to part -ner with Bank of America on theconser vation of a portrait that is aperennial favorite with Hunting tonvisitors,” said Kevin Salatino,Director of the Art Collections.“The bank’s support has enabledour conservators to develop arestoration plan that will allow thepublic to view the work through outmuch of the process. This willprovide visitors with insights intothe importance of conservation inensuring cultural treasures areavailable for future generations.”

The grant is part of the Bank of America ArtConservation Project, a unique program that providesgrants to nonprofit museums throughout the world toconserve historically or culturally significant works ofart that are in danger of deterioration. Since the pro -gram’s launch in 2010, Bank of America has providedgrants to museums in 29 countries supporting over100 conservation projects.

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Major Funding for Chinese Garden (continued)

Huang Ruo Named Visiting Artist for 2017

Composer Huang Ruo 黃若 has been named the 2017Cheng Family Visiting Artist at the Garden of FlowingFragrance. The residency was inspired by The Huntington’sChinese Garden and is designed to increase understanding

of Chinese culture through music, performance, poetry, and art. Huang has been described by The New Yorker as “oneof the most intriguing of the new crop of Asian-Americancomposers.” His vibrant and multi-dimensional work drawsinspiration from Chinese folk music, Western avant-garde,rock, and jazz. As versatile as he is inventive, Huang hascomposed pieces for orchestra, chamber music, opera, theater,and modern dance, as well as sound installations, multimedia,experimental improvisation, folk rock, and film. Huang will present a series of lectures and concerts atThe Huntington during his residency. The first of these is An Evening with Huang Ruo on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m.in Rothenberg Hall, during which he’ll discuss how he usesChinese opera in a contemporary context. Admission is free,and no reservations are required.

Judy Shih and Joel AxelrodA $2.5 million gift from Judy Shih and Joel Axelrod, formerly of San Marinoand now residents of Ashland, Ore., will help fund general construction ofPhase II. Judy, a member of The Huntington’s Board of Overseers, was aChinese Garden docent just after the garden opened in 2008, and it was thatinvolve ment that led to her and her husband’s first major gift to The Hunting -ton: $2 million to name the Clear and Transcendent pavilion. That gift wassoon followed by $1 million for the Court of Assembled Worthies, a largecourtyard that will anchor the pavilions on the garden’s northern side. Thislatest gift, they have said, is to help finish the garden “as well as to inspire otherindividuals in the community to give.”

Inspired by the centuries-old Chinese tradition of private scholar’s gar -dens, Liu Fang Yuan opened in 2008 with eight classical pavilions situatedaround a lake. In 2014, an initial portion of Phase II of the project opened,featuring two new pavilions and a rock grotto. With the new funding in place,The Hunting ton plans to break ground in early 2017 to complete Phase II,which increases the total acreage of the garden from 3.5 to 12 acres. The new portion of the garden is expected to open in 2018.

Judy Shih and Joel Axelrod

Counterpoint. $56. Tickets:cameratapacifica.org or 805-884-8410. Rothenberg Hall r

Founder’s Day LectureFeb. 23 (Thursday) 7 p.m.David Zeidberg, who retires inJune after 21 years as directorof the Library, will look backon some of the many high -lights of his career in theannual Founder’s Day lecture.Reserve free tickets (limit two)at huntington.org/calendar.(Members of the Society ofFellows, see page 12 for anadditional lecture date.)Rothenberg Hall r

Bonsai-a-ThonFeb. 25–26 (Saturday–Sunday) 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Southern California bonsai masters will sharetheir passion for the art form in this annualevent that includes exhibits, demonstrations,prize drawings, a “bonsai bazaar,” and a liveauction at 3 p.m. each day. Bonsai workshopsfor adults and children will be offered on Satur -day with advanced registration. (For work shopdetails, see individual listings under “ContinuingEducation” and “Children & Families.”) Proceedsfrom the event support the Golden State BonsaiCollection at The Hunting ton. Generaladmission. Brody Botanical Center

East Asian Garden Lecture SeriesFrom Castles to Tea Rooms: Japanese Architecture and Carpentry TraditionsFeb. 28 (Tuesday) 7 p.m.Japan’s architectural history is rich and varied,with distinctive structures ranging fromtowering feudal castles to intimate spaces forenjoying tea. Common to many of thesebuildings is complex wood joinery created byhereditary carpenters. Bruce Coats, professorof art history and the humanities at ScrippsCollege, discusses several extraordinarybuildings in detail and explores the construc -tion technologies that developed during theEdo Period, 1600–1868. Free; no reservationsrequired. Rothenberg Hall

r The 1919 café will be open until 7:15 p.m. before the start of events showing this symbol. Program attendees can enjoy a select variety of dinner options, desserts, beer, and wine.

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2 0 1 7 E V E N T SConferenceReligious Affections in Colonial North AmericaJan. 27–28 (Friday–Saturday)8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.What are “religious affections” and how havethey influenced individuals, communities,and cultures? Leading experts in history,literature, and religious studies will explorehow religion shaped the roots, limits, andconsequences of affections in the diverseterrain of early America. $25. Registration:huntington.org/religiousaffections.Rothenberg Hall

Gallery Talk & Book SigningOrigami by Robert J. LangJan. 28 (Saturday) 2 p.mJoin origami master Robert Lang for a gallerytalk about the beautifully complex folded arthe created for his current installation at TheHuntington. (The exhibit ends Jan. 29.) Abook signing follows the informal talk. Free;no reservations required. Brody Botanical Center

Southern California Gardener SeriesExoticum: Desert Plants and theMaking of a Fine Press BookJan. 29 (Sunday) 2 p.m.Printmaker and book artist Richard Wagenerdiscusses how the visually striking plants inThe Hunting ton’s Desert Garden have

inspired hisrecent work. Aseries of hiswood engrav -ings are re -produced in anew limitededition, finepress publica -tion titledExoticum:Twenty-fiveDesert Plants

from the Huntington Gardens. A book signingfollows the program. Free; no reservationsrequired. Rothenberg Hall

An Evening with Huang RuoJan. 31 (Tuesday) 7:30 p.m.Composer Huang Ruo, the 2017 ChengFamily Visiting Artist at The Huntington,discusses Chinese opera and how his workreinterprets this traditional genre in acontemporary context. The program is thefirst in a series of three public presentationsthat Huang will give during his residency.(Upcoming dates to be announced.) Free, noreservations required. Rothenberg Hall

Chinese New Year FestivalFeb. 4–5 (Saturday–Sunday) 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Celebrate the Lunar New Year at The Hunt -ington as the Year of the Rooster begins. Thefestivities will include lion dancers, mask

changing performances, martial arts, Chinesemusic, and more. (See details on page 13 .)General admission; free for Members.

Billington Lecture“The Theater of Many Deeds of Blood”: The Geography of Violence in Frontier Los AngelesFeb. 8 (Wednesday) 7:30 p.m.John Mack Faragher, the Howard R. LamarProfessor Emeritus of History and AmericanStudies at Yale University, discusses thespatial pattern of homicide in SouthernCalifornia in the 19th century. Faragher willsign copies of his newly released book on thetopic, Eternity Street: Violence and Justice inFrontier Los Angeles, following the program.Free; no reservations required.Rothenberg Hall r

Second Thursday Garden Talk & SaleSouth African SucculentsFeb. 9 (Thursday) 2:30 p.m.Ernesto Sandoval, collections manager forthe UC Davis Botanical Conser vatory, offers agrower’s perspective on the diversity ofsucculent plants in South Africa and Namibia,both in cultivated gardens and in the wild.He’ll discuss high lights from his recenttravels, including visits to the KirstenboschNational Botanical Garden, the RichtersveldCultural and Botanical Landscape, QuiverTree Forest (Kokerboomwoud), and otherlocations. A plant sale follows the talk. Free;no reservations required. Ahmanson Room, Brody Botanical Center

Camellia Show and SaleFeb . 11–12, Saturday,1–5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Hundreds of gorgeous blooms will competefor top honors at The Huntington’s 45thannual Camellia Show,co-sponsored bythe SouthernCaliforniaCamelliaSociety. Viewthe exhibits,shop forcamellia plantsto grow at home,and get some expert tipson care and cultivation. Make a day of it byexploring acres of blooming camelliasin the gardens. General admission. Brody Botanical Center

Chamber Music ConcertCamerata PacificaFeb. 15 (Wednesday) 7:30 p.m.Travel across the centuries with CamerataPacifica, as they perform works by Mozart,Beethoven, and Brahms, along with SteveReich’s late 20th-century classic, New York


Music in the Chinese GardenWednesdays, 1–3 p.m.Enjoy traditional Chinese music everyWednesday afternoon in the Garden ofFlowing Fragrance. General admission.(Cancelled in the event of rain.)

Ranch Open HouseSaturdays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.Stop by The Huntington’s urban agriculturesite during its weekly open hours and pickup some fresh ideas for sustainable garden -ing. Experts from the L.A. Master Gardenerprogram will be on hand to answerquestions and offer seasonal tips. From theTeaching Greenhouse, follow signs to thesite. General admission. Ranch Garden.

Japanese Teahouse ToursJan. 9 & Feb. 13 (Mondays) 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.Learn the traditions behind the JapaneseGarden’s ceremonial teahouse. Informaltours are offered at 20-minute intervals onthe second Monday of every month. Noreserva tions required. General admission.

Haaga LectureThe Value of Patents: A Historian’s PerspectiveJan. 9 (Monday) 7:30 p.m.Naomi R. Lamoreaux, Stanley B. ResorProfessor of Economics and History at YaleUniversity, discusses the important ways inwhich patents have contributed to techno -logical innovation over the course of U.S.history. Free; no reservations required.Rothenberg Hall r

Nevins LectureThe Atlantic Slave Trade and the American RevolutionJan. 11 (Wednesday) 7:30 p.m.Christopher Brown, professor of history atColumbia University, explores the relation -ship between two themes in Americanhistory that are usually treated separately.Brown will discuss the impact the war forAmerican independence had on theeconomics and politics of the slave trade,and vice versa. Free; no reservationsrequired. Rothenberg Hall r


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J A N U A R Y – F E B R U A R YPublic Programs Chamber Music Concert

Camerata PacificaJan. 18 (Wednesday) 7:30 p.m.The ensemble’s woodwind virtuosos performtwo of Mozart’s great wind serenades, plus anonet by French composer Charles Gounodand a piece by Mozart’s Czech contem -porary, Josef Mysliveček. $56. Tickets andprogram details: cameratapacifica.org or805-884-8410. Rothenberg Hall r

Dibner LectureColonial Dreams: A FrenchBotanist’s Encounter with Africa in the 1750sJan. 25 (Wednesday) 7:30 p.m.French botanist Michel Adanson spentalmost five years in Senegal in the 1750s.Mary Terrall, professor of the history ofscience at UCLA, reconstructs Adanson’ssojourn in a French trading post, where hestudied African natural history with the helpof local residents. Free; no reservationsrequired. Rothenberg Hall r

Botany Bay SeriesPlant Science for Gardeners and Citizen ScientistsJan. 26 & Feb. 23 (Thursdays) 4:30–5:30 p.m.Join Jim Folsom, the Telleen/JorgensenDirector of the Botanical Gardens, for anexploration of the wonders of the plantworld. A discussion-style lecture is followedby an opportunity for lab time with micro -scopes and plant specimens. Attend a singlesession or participate every month. Free; noreservations required. Botanical Auditorium,Brody Botanical Center

Diavolo Dance: Fluid InfinitiesJan. 26 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m.The acclaimed dance company Diavolobrings its performance of Fluid Infinities toThe Huntington. Set on an abstract domestructure to the music of Phillip Glass, thework explores metaphors of infinite space,continuous movement, and mankind’s

voyage into the unknown. The Huntington’soutdoor installation of NASA’s Orbit Pavilionwill be open prior to the program as will theLibrary’s “Beautiful Science” exhibition.Members: $20. Non-Members: $30. Tickets:huntington.org/calendar. Rothenberg Hall r

QUESTIONS? 626-405-2100

Second Thursday Garden Talk & SaleBare-Root RosesJan. 12 (Thursday) 2:30 p.m. Tom Carruth, The Huntington’s E. L. and RuthB. Shannon Curator of the Rose Collections,shares tips for planting and growing the bestrose bargain around: bare-root roses. WithSouthern California performance in mind,he’ll also review each variety offered in ourannual bare-root sale, which follows the talk.Free; no reservations required. Ahmanson Room, Brody Botanical Center

Panel DiscussionPBS’s “Mercy Street” and Medical Histories of the Civil War Jan. 17 (Tuesday) 7:30 p.m.Join us for a fascinating conversation aboutthe practice of medicine during theAmerican Civil War and its dramatization inthe popular PBS series “Mercy Street.” Thepanel discus sion is moderated by Melissa Lo,Dibner Assistant Curator or Science andTechnology at The Huntington, and includescurator Olga Tsapina, who oversees TheHuntington’s Civil War collections; seriesexecutive producers Lisa Wolfinger andDavid Zabel; and series medical historyadvisor Shauna Devine. Video clips from“Mercy Street” will highlight points ofdiscussion. Free; advance reservationsrequired. Registration:huntington.org/calendar. Rothenberg Hall

Tropical Nursery TourJan. 18 (Wednesday) 1:30–3 p.m.Go behind the scenes with Dylan Hannon, TheHuntington’s curator of tropical collections,for a tour of the botanical nurseries where rareorchids and other plants are grown. $5*.Advance reservations required. Tickets:huntington.org/calendar. *For non-Members,Huntington admission is a separate requiredcost.

Photos by Martha Benedict

anatomy, watercolor techniques, and how tocapture character and personality. Members:$275. Non-Members: $295. Registration:huntington.org/calendar.

Landscape DrawingFeb. 11–March 18 (Saturdays) 9 a.m.–noonArtist and architectural illustrator Richard E.Scott conducts this six-part series on how todraw the landscape, architectural features,and outdoor sculpture of The Huntington.This series is suitable for beginners as well asmore advanced students including artists,architects, designers, and hobbyists.Members: $280. Non-Members: $295.Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Teas of the WorldFeb. 11 (Saturday) 9 a.m.–noonDoes black tea grown in China differ from blacktea grown in India? How do green teas fromJapan and China compare? Join Angie Lee from1001 Plateaus and Linda Louie from Bana TeaCompany for a discussion and tasting of rareand high-end teas from China, India, Japan,and Nepal. Members: $55. Non-Members: $65.Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Tai ChiFeb. 11–March 25 (Saturdays) 8:30–10 a.m.Learn tai chi in the tranquil setting of thegardens in this seven-part series led byinstructor Kathy Chyan, suitable for beginningand intermediate students. Members: $150.Non-Members: $175. Registration:huntington.org/calendar.


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Painting with Nan RaeJan. 18 & Feb. 15 (Wednesdays) 11 a.m.–3 p.m.Artist Nan Rae continues her popularwatercolor classes inspired by the art ofChinese brush painting. Each session: $50.Registration: 818-842-6489.

Pinot Noir Around the WorldJan. 18 (Wednesday) 5–7:30 p.m.Join wine expert Brad Owen for anexploration of the world of Pinot Noir.Through an in-depth lecture and tasting,participants will learn about major areas ofproduction and how the characteristics ofthis wine can differ by region. Members: $90. Non-Members: $105. Registration:huntington.org/calendar.

Lecture SeriesGeographies ofWonder Jan. 26, Feb. 2 & 9(Thursdays)10 a.m.–noonCurator PeterBlodgett leads athree-part lectureseries exam iningsome of the major

themes of the exhibition “Geographies ofWonder: Evolution of the National Park Idea,1933–2016,” on view through Feb. 13 in theWest Hall of the Library. Members: $75. Non-Members: $90. Registration:huntington.org/calendar.

Flower Arranging: National TreasuresJan. 28 (Saturday) 10 a.m.–noonThe flora of California’s National Parks are theinspiration for this hands-on workshoppresented by the floral design team of FlowerDuet. Participants will use ferns, pine,flowers, and other plant materials to createdistinctive arrangements. Members: $85. Non-Members: $100. Registration:huntington.org/calendar.

Fruit Tree Pruning Jan. 28 (Saturday) 9 a.m.–noonWinter pruning is essential for healthy treesand abundant fruit production. Lora Hall of FullCircle Gardening offers step-by-step instruc -tions in a workshop that includes a lecture and a hands-on pruning session in TheHunting ton’s Ranch Garden. Members: $35.Non-Members: $45. Registration:huntington.org/calendar.

Portraits in Watercolor Feb. 3–March 24 (Fridays) 9 a.m.–noonJoin artist Robert Sherrill for this eight-partseries in watercolor portrait painting. The classincludes fundamentals such as proportion and

Children and Families

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historic Huntington orange groves. ChefErnest Miller of Rancho La Merced Provisionsleads the workshop. Ages 7–12. Fee includesone accompanying adult. Members: $25.Non-Members: $35. Registration:huntington.org/calendar.

Children’s WorkshopBonsai BuildersFeb. 25 (Saturday) 9–11:30 a.m.Join the fun of this weekend’s Bonsai-a-Thonin a workshop with the pros, and then takeyour own miniature tree with you to grow athome. Ages 7–12. Fee includes oneaccompanying adult. Members: $25. Non-Members: $25. Non-Members: $35.Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Children’s WorkshopChinese Brush Painting Jan. 28 (Saturday) 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Kids can learn the expressive art of Chinesebrush painting, using the Chinese garden astheir creative muse, in this workshop led byartist Peifang Liang. Ages 7–12. Fee includesone accompanying adult. Members: $15.Non-Members: $25. Registration:huntington.org/calendar.

Children’s Flower ArrangingWild CaliforniaJan. 28 (Saturday) 1–2:30 p.m.The beauty of California’s national parks willinspire creative floral designs in this hands-onworkshop for kids, presented by the designteam from Flower Duet. Ages 7–12. Feeincludes one accompanying adult. Members:$25. Non-Members: $35. Registration:huntington.org/calendar.

Children’s WorkshopAll About CitrusFeb. 18 (Saturday) 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Young chefs will learn how to make orangejelly and preserved lemons after a visit to the

Continuing Education

J A N – F E B . 2 0 1 7 E V E N T S ( C o n t i n u e d )

QUESTIONS? 626-405-2100

Love is in the air! Make a date with someone specialto enjoy a romantic day at The Hunt ington duringValentine’s Day weekend. Stroll hand in hand

among the winter blooms in the gardens—it’s peakseason for camellias (our annual Camellia Show andSale is Feb. 11–12) and a great time to see floweringpeach trees and desert aloes, too. Satisfy a passion forart with a memorable afternoon among masterpieces

in the galleries. Savor dumplings and dim sum over -looking the Chinese Garden lake, enjoy a sweetheart’smenu at The Bar inside the 1919 café, or indulge in teafor two in the Rose Garden Tea Room, complete withchampagne and hand-crafted, fair trade chocolatetruffles. Addi tional special dining options will also beoffered; watch for details in our e-newsletter or on ourwebsite at huntington.org.

Make a Date for Valentine’s Day Weekend

Wines of CaliforniaFeb. 15 (Wednesday) 5–7:30 p.m.Explore the major wine regions of Californiaand sample some of the state’s lesser-knownvarietals in a lecture and tasting withsommelier Brad Owen. Special emphasis will beplaced on grapes that are identified withCalifornia history, such as Zinfandel and PetitSyrah. Members: $90. Non-Members: $105.Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Taste of Art: Becoming AmericaFeb. 18 (Saturday) 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Tour the new permanent exhibition of earlyAmerican art in the Scott Galleries, “BecomingAmerica: Highlights from the Jonathan andKarin Fielding Collection,” then head to thekitchen to prepare a meal inspired by historicAmerican cookbooks. Maite Gomez-Rejón ofArtBites leads the workshop. Members: $85.Non-Members: $100. Registration:huntington.org/calendar.

Bonsai WorkshopFeb. 25 (Saturday) 9 a.m.–noonLearn the ancient art of growing and shapingminiature trees in this hands-on workshoppresented in conjunction with the weekend’sBonsai-a-Thon event. Each participant willreceive a small tree to grow at home, withinstructions for care and maintenance.Members: $35. Non-Members: $45.Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Join the fun as we welcome the Year ofthe Rooster at The Hunting ton’s annualChinese New Year Celebration, Saturday

and Sunday, Feb. 4–5, from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Families can enjoy crowd-pleasing liondancers, amazing performances from amask-changing artist, plus choreographedmartial arts demonstrations, Chinesemusic, food, and much more. The festivitieswill take place in and around the ChineseGarden and other performance spaces. Allactivities are included with generaladmission. (Free for Members.)

Celebrating the Year of the Rooster East West Bank is the sole corporate sponsor of

The Huntington’s Chinese New Year event.

Additional funding provided byThe Justin Vajna Memorial Fund for Educational Programs in the Chinese Garden and by

The Cheng Family Foundation.

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many community members and have learned quite alot. As my knowledge base increases, so does myappreciation for The Huntington. After all my study,thinking, collecting of data, and conversations, I’vefine-tuned my emerging vision for The Huntington’sfuture to three fundamental propositions: Our job is, first, to preserve our assets;second, to continue to collect; and third, to make thenext generations fall in love with us. That’s it:preserve, collect, and love. It is our responsibility to keep thinking abouthow we open doors to The Huntington—whether itbe through new cuisine or sustainability plans oreducational collaborations or things I can't evenimagine yet. These are doors that invite newaudiences to spend time with us. And once people arein the room, we need to keep reinforcing TheHuntington’s heritage while reinventing its future.That means more exciting exhibitions about the art,library, and botanical collections, with educationalways being part of our work. We must continue toshare more of The Huntington outside our physicalfootprint via outreach programs and digitaltechnology. The best news is that we don’t lack in contentor in creative, audacious, and inventive ideas. This isa beautiful, serene, busy, great place. And it is onlyby working together that we can continue to supportour mission and remain true to Mr. Huntington'svision.

Laura Skandera Trombley, President

Thanks to the GI Bill, my father graduatedfrom Pepperdine University and became a fifth-gradeteacher at the 98th Street School—just off HenryHuntington’s Red Car line—close to his home inInglewood in the heart of the Southern Californiasuburbia that Huntington had created. He taughtthere for 42 years. I grew up hearing my parents talk about theirtravels on the Yellow and Red Car lines, yet never fora moment could I have imagined that I would oneday live on the property that the rail and real estatemagnate himself had once called home. And thanks to The Huntington, I recentlyexperienced a full-circle reality check moment. I wasvisited at my office by a successful lawyer and profes -sional photographer who had been assigned tophotograph The Huntington for a Chinese travelmagazine. He wanted to meet me because he hadbeen one of my father’s fifth-grade students—class of1956. My dad had been his mentor, he said, and hadencouraged him to stay in school and earn his degree.To my astonishment, he still remembered what mydad had said so many years ago and quoted a fewlines for me. Now he intends to create an endowmentat Cal State University to support photographicpreservation. I offered to connect him withHuntington staff. He also invited me to attend the60th reunion of their fifth grade class later this year. I walked in loving this institution, and I liketo think that my path here had something to do withall these connections. I’m always trying to connectthe dots. And for all of us at The Huntington, that is,in a sense, our mission: to connect the dots andfathom the big picture for an institution on the brinkof its centennial. Over the past year and a half, I’ve studiedbudget details and basements, endowment returnsand annual attendance numbers. I've spoken with

Red Car trolley, 1925


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Please grant me your indulgence while I tell a fewstories. They all have to do with the year 1919—abig year on many levels—and they speak to myever-present desire to find connectivity, syn -

chronicity, and order in the chaos among the disparateevents that, taken together, make sense to me almost acentury after they occurred. In 1919, Albert Einstein’s theory of generalrelativity was confirmed; the 19th Amendmentguaranteeing suffrage to women was approved; theTreaty of Versailles was signed, drawing World War Ito a close; and a great American story ended with thedeath of Theodore Roosevelt, at age 60. That same year, Henry Huntington signed theindenture that transferred his San Marino propertyand collections to a nonprofit educational trust,founding this institution—a seminal moment in ourhistory. And John Skandera, my father, was born inthe rough and murderous Five Points section of NewYork—definitely a seminal moment in my ownhistory. My father had little in common with TeddyRoosevelt or Henry Huntington. Roosevelt came fromold money. He was a statesman, author, explorer,soldier, naturalist, reformer, and the 26th President ofthe United States. His family belonged to the“Knickerbocker Elite”—the old, powerful, moneyedfamilies that ran New York society, some of them withpatrician roots stretching back to 17th-century Dutchcolonists. Roosevelt rejected idleness and believed inservice to his country; he considered himself aproponent of the “New Nationalist” variety ofProgressivism. He gave America two gifts: first, a senseof international confidence and boldness; and second,our national park system. The Huntington’s currentexhibition “Geographies of Wonder” celebrates hisachievement.

Henry Huntington was part of the Gilded Agegeneration of new money. His uncle Collis started outas a peddler and went on to found a railroad empire.Henry was mentored by his uncle, and after Collis’death in 1900 he inherited a fortune and moved to LosAngeles, population 150,000. Here, he established theLos Angeles Railway, the intraurban Yellow Car linemoving people around downtown L.A., and thefabled Red Cars of the Pacific Electric Railway, aninterurban line that connected the outlying com -munities. Henry became a real estate developer bysubdividing low-cost real estate. He became involvedin the electric business to create a source of power forhis railways and for the city of Los Angeles. The BigCreek Hydroelectric Project, known as “the hardestworking water in the world,” was initially formed byHuntington's Pacific Light and Power Company. All the while, Mr. Huntington was amassing aworld-class library, a priceless collection of art, andacres of botanical rarities. He wanted to share thesetreasures with future generations. “I say money hasnothing to do with it,” he stated. “True values canonly be expressed in eons of time, by the march ofcenturies to come and by the uplift of humanity.”What an incredible gift he left us. Old money, new money; and then there wasmy father’s family, who had no money. And yet therewere invisible connections to both Roosevelt andHuntington. My father’s parents entered the UnitedStates through Ellis Island during the peak years ofimmigration in the early 1900s. Abandoned by hisfather, and with his mother hospitalized with tuber -culosis, my father and his siblings were taken toHappy Valley, an orphanage supported by EdwinGould, son of railroad magnate Jay Gould (a com -petitor and partner of Collis Huntington). Edwin wasa believer in Roosevelt's Progressivism and served withHenry Huntington on the board of the NationalSurety Company.

1919 Today

President’s Message

Phot

o by

Mee

no

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An Electrifying Evening

The Library’s history of sciencecollections served as inspira tion foran evening of weird and won der fulfun at our “Strange Science” event

in October, for Members at Premierlevels. Curators pulled eerie objects outof the vaults for a rare display, scholarslectured on arcane subjects, and inven -tor Nikola Tesla (portrayed by OwenPhairis) demon strated his impressiveelectrical apparatus. Live birds andanimals from Conservation Ambas -sadors held court under a rugged oak,and scientists from NASA/JPLpresented interactive mod els of theCassini mission to Saturn. Guestsenjoyed food truck fare and fiendishlydelicious desserts, and there were plentyof Halloween “spirits,” too, including GhostlyGimlet and Monster Mojito cocktails, served infrosty test tubes. If you missed the event in its firstincarnation, don’t worry: it will be back next fall! Not a Member yet? Make it your NewYear’s resolution to join or renew today. Forinformation about upcoming special events andother perks for Members, visithuntington.org/membership.

Photos by Herman Au


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Subscribe to Great Storytelling

Subscribe to Verso, The Hunting ton’sblog, and receive compelling storiesdelivered right to your inbox every

week. Pictured: The cast of A NoiseWithin Theatre Company’s pro duction of“Arcadia” by Tom Stoppard enjoyed aspecial tour with curator Vanessa Wilkieto see a real-world example of anunusual book featured as a prop in theplay. Read “The Huntington’s Arcadia” athuntingtonblogs.org. Be sure to click“Subscribe” while you’re there.

If you visit The Huntington during thewinter months, you might be forgiven forthinking that it’s spring. The gardens are

alive with colorful blooms, and the mildweather is ideal for enjoying the diversity ofthe landscape. Among the season’s stand -outs are flowering plum and peach treesand Asiatic magnolias in the Japanese andChinese gar dens, torch-like aloes in theDesert Gar den, and camellias in the NorthVista and Japanese Garden canyon. Othervisitor favorites include the fragrantMichelia doltsopa tree outside the westentrance of the Library Exhibition Hall andthe “Pink Ball” dombeya (Dombeyawallichii) below the South Terrace of theHuntington Art Gallery.

In Bloom

Pictured (clockwise from top left): Magnolia‘Butterflies’, Camellia ‘Koto-No-Kaori’,

Aloe ‘Tangerine’, Dombeya wallichii.

There are so many reasons to love The Huntington. Withunlimited free admission, Membership is the perfect wayto experience The Huntington all year round.

Choose the Membership level that is right for you:

Sustaining $139Free admission for two adults and your children andgrandchildren (18 years of age and under), plus discounts in theHuntington Store and a full calendar of annual events.

Contributor $249 – Get more out of your Membership!All Sustaining Level benefits, plus two guest passes (a $50 value),early weekend entry to the gardens (8 a.m. Sat.–Sun.), Members’Summer Evenings, and more.

Affiliate $350 – Bring a friend for freeAll Contributor Level benefits, with the added bonus of freeentry for a third adult on every visit, quarterly events andprograms, and discounts in the Café and Coffee Shop.

Supporting $500 – Enjoy greater access, special programmingAll Affiliate Level benefits, plus early entry to the gardens (8 a.m.Wed.–Mon.), free entry for four adults on every visit, invitationsto Discovery Programs, and more.

Payment Options® Check (payable to The Huntington) ® Visa ® MasterCard ® AmEx

Mr./Ms./Miss/Mrs./Mr. & Mrs./Other

_______________________________________________Name (print name as it will appear on Membership card)

_______________________________________________Second cardholder’s name

_______________________________________________Address Apt. #

_______________________________________________City State Zip

______________________ ___________________Office phone Home phone

_______________________________________________E-mail address

_______________________________________________Acct. no. Exp. date

Signature _________________________________________

Enjoy the Benefits of Membership Makes a fantastic gift, too!

CALENDAR • JA

NUARY |FEBRUARY • 2017

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YES! I want to join The Huntington® New ® Renewal/Account No. _____________® Sustaining $139 ® Supporting $500® Contributor $249 ® Patron $750® Affiliate $350 ® Benefactor $1,500

For a complete list of levels and benefits, or to join online, visit huntington.org/membership or call 626-405-2124.

Honor Someone Special

Honor a special person in your life—parent,spouse, grandchild, friend—or mark amemorable occasion by making a memo rial

or tribute gift to The Huntington. Your dona -tion supports the educational mission of theinstitution and all its varied programs. Forinformation about making a tribute gift, call626-405-2290 or visit huntington.org/giving.

Open Wed.–Mon., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.theHuntingtonStore.org

LET’S GET SOCIALFollow the Huntington Store onInstagram and Pinterest

@thehuntingtonstore

@huntingtonst


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S O C I E T Y O F

FellowsUpcoming Fellows’ EventsFellows’ Winter SeminarReception and Dinner LectureSteve Hindle, W.M. Keck FoundationDirector of ResearchFeb. 7 (Tuesday) 6:30 p.m.

Founder’s Day Lecture and ReceptionDavid S. Zeidberg, Avery Director of the LibraryFeb. 22 (Wednesday) 6:30 p.m.

INVITATIONS TO FOLLOW

Happy New Year!

Get the new year off to an intellectually engaging start by attend -ing a pair of fascinating lectures by distinguished members of TheHunt ington’s senior staff. Steve Hindle, the W. M. Keck Founda -

tion Director of Research, will discuss his own current research in adinner lecture on Feb. 7 that asks the question: “Why Should We CareAbout Sir Richard Newdigate?” The program includes a viewing ofrare materials from the collections. And David Zeidberg, AveryDirector of the Library, looks back on his career in the annualFounder’s Day Lecture, with a special presentation exclusively forFellows on Feb. 22. Look for invitations in your mailbox.

Make a resolution to join the Society of Fellows in 2017. With anannual gift of $2,500 or more you can become part of this remark ableannual giving community. A new payment option allows Fellows tomake their gift through 12 convenient monthly installments. Formore information, contact Pamela Hearn, director of the Society ofFellows, at 626-405-2264 or [email protected]

On ViewA History of Whiskers

Beards and mustaches have always beenmore than a matter of masculine fashion.They are statements of character oridentity, revealing much about a man and

who he aspires to be. Emperors, presidents,generals, and aristocrats have relied on facialhair to influence public perception. Some styleswere statements of power, while others weremeant to convey wisdom or piety, or even awhimsical disposition. “A History of Whiskers:Facial Hair and Identity in European andAmerican Art, 1750–1920,” explores how facialhair styles were used to craft the identities ofhistorical figures and fictional characters. Thissmall focused exhibition of 16 drawings, prints,and photographs continues on view throughMarch 7 in the Works on Paper Room on thesecond floor of the Huntington Art Gallery.

John Brett (British,1830–1902), Self-Portrait,

1867, pen and brown-black ink over traces of

graphite on paper.

John Deare (British, 1759–1798), Album leaf: Bust ofSeptimius Severus, RomanEmperor, ca. 1788, pen andblack ink and wash onpaper, rendered here inblack and white.

thehuntington library, art collections, and botanical...

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