April 16, 2025 - Wednesday - Today we drove to the coast to visit the Laguna Art Museum and see their latest exhibit called "Donna Schuster: An Independent Brush." An Independent Brush is a celebration of the work of Donna Norine Schuster (1883-1953), a California artist who has never had a solo museum exhibition despite her talent, training and affiliations. Schuster was one of the founders of the Group of Eight, one of the first organizations for the exhibition and sale of Modernist works in Southern California. Born into a privileged family, Schuster had the resources to continually experiment.
It was interesting to see that a lot of her paintings were of women relaxing that made for a soothing atmosphere in the gallery.
The one below is a self portrait called "The Black Hat" 1912.
Below is "Sewing in the Garden" 1917.
Below is "Self Portrait with a Cat," no date.
Below is my favorite of the exhibit, "Girl in a Hammock" 1917.
In 1953, Schuster died, trapped inside her Los Angeles home as it was destroyed in a brush fire.
Before the museum we stopped for brunch at the Zinc Cafe in downtown Laguna Beach.
Judy had their "California Turkey" sandwich with smoked turkey, applewood bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and avocado on toasted sourdough. Her side of chili was delicious.
I had their "Margherita Pizza" with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil and garlic oil.
It was a great exhibit, great food and a beautiful setting.
