Staging California in Early Hollywood

UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, Avenue of the Arts 3333, 92626, Costa Mesa

June 26, 2026 – October 4, 2026

The exhibition "Staging California in Early Hollywood" highlights the significant contributions of Southern Californian artists to the film industry during the early twentieth century. These artists, trained in late Impressionist techniques, created stunning sets and innovative visual effects, enhancing the cinematic experience and transporting audiences to diverse locations. The exhibition explores the interplay between their commercial film work and independent painting practices, revealing how these realms, while sometimes at odds, were deeply connected through the shared Californian landscape. Organized by the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, the exhibition features a diverse array of artists, including Arthur Beaumont, Lee Blair, Mary Blair, Edward Biberman, and many others, showcasing their dual roles in Hollywood and the art world. Through this lens, the exhibition underscores the artistic legacy and collaborative spirit that shaped early Hollywood.