The Pasadena Society of Artists will celebrate its centennial with a landmark exhibition featuring 100 juried artworks spanning the organization’s century-long history. The “100 Years — 100 Images” exhibition at the Pasadena Museum of History, scheduled from March 1 to August 31, 2025 (dates subject to change), will showcase both historic paintings from founding members and contemporary pieces in multiple media by current members.
The exhibition builds on the Pasadena Society of Artists’ enduring vision, first articulated by co-chairs Leonard Heath and Robert Brown in the 50th Annual Exhibition catalog: “The first 50 years attest to the significance of the Society’s viable goals of blending tradition with the future and the veteran artists working with youthful new members. The second 50 years will reflect the Society’s vitality and ability to maintain these values as a format for new ideas and new expressions.”
“In my opinion, Leonard Heath and Robert Brown were spot on,” says President Kathleen Swaydan. “The artistic achievements of our members have propelled our Society into the 21st Century with innovative and provocative creativity. I am proud to have been a member of Pasadena Society of Artists for 20 of those last 50 years and look to the future with anticipation of what our membership will create next.”
This unconventional exhibition will be presented in two distinct seasonal installations: Spring (March 1 to May 30) and Summer (June 1 to August 31, 2025). A celebratory luncheon for members and special guests will be held between the seasons.
The announcement follows the Pasadena Society of Artists’ 2024 100th Annual Juried Exhibition, where acclaimed painter Michael Obermeyer selected several award winners. Art Carrillo’s “Mariposa Queen,” Tsvetelina Valkov’s “Missing,” and Ken Weintrub’s “Square Series #40” received Awards of Merit. Honorable Mentions went to Cyndi Bemel for “Offering Light,” Chuka Susan Chesney for “Marilyn Huckleberry,” and Kevin McCants for “Rodeo Clown.” Additional recognition included the Yoko Cohen Memorial Award to Harriet Sherry for “Blue Hamsa” and the James Ackley McBride Landscape Award to Roger Dolin for “Deukmajian Shoji.”
Founded in 1925, the Pasadena Society of Artists is one of the area’s original professional artist groups, noted for its vigorous, active membership, wide diversity of artistic statement, and high professional standards. Membership is by juried submission. The nonprofit organization combines active community participation with local arts organizations and partners with philanthropic, humanitarian, and educational institutions to enhance public awareness of art and its enriching qualities.
The Spring exhibit will feature works by numerous artists including Juliana Aparcio-Curtis, Cyndi Bemel, Arnor Bieltvedt, Katy Bishop, and many others. Some participating artists’ work will be presented photographically due to losses in the Eaton Canyon fire.
The exhibition will be viewable at ISSUU.com and www.
