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As restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic continue to ban large gatherings, the Pasadena Society of Artists is not able to host the two to three large society-wide exhibitions that it has traditionally held each year for the past 95 years.
Instead, last Monday, the PSA opened its first online exhibition, a month-long virtual display featuring artwork by San Gabriel Valley’s artists posted on the group’s website.
The exhibit, “Virtual PSA Version 2020.07.20,” features photographs of work by 43 members of the PSA posted on www.pasadenasocietyofartists.org.
A post on the group’s July newsletter said this “21st century approach to presenting artwork to the world” came about after discussions about alternatives to the usual large juried exhibitions the PSA has held each year since its foundation in 1925. In addition, the group also holds up to three themed or media-specific exhibitions and one Distinguished Members exhibition designed to honor longtime PSA members.
The newsletter specifically cited the work of three people to establish the platform for the virtual exhibition: Larry Rodgers, PSA vice president of exhibitions; Debbi Swanson Patrick, director of communications; and member Leah Knecht.
PSA President Victor Picou wrote that Rodgers spent two days photographing some of the group’s art, assisted by members Tom Oldfield and Rebecca Pollack.
“This will be publicized on all social media,” Picou said. “Once this media blast is posted, I encourage you to ‘like and share,’ forward, and talk about our exhibition and catalog.”
The Pasadena Society of Artists is one of the oldest organizations of professional artists in the San Gabriel Valley. Starting with 15 original members in 1925, the group now has about 125 members.
The works in the virtual exhibition are displayed using the Issuu electronic publishing platform, which allows site visitors to browse through the entire catalog, see large images using the “full screen” function, and share the exhibition on social media, including Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.
To view the “Virtual PSA Version 2020.07.20” exhibition, go to www.pasadenasocietyofartists.org/news_events/2020-virtual-exhibition.html.
The PSA’s Exhibition Committee is also looking into the creation of an online gallery, since the 95th Annual Juried Exhibition is postponed until later this year, according to the newsletter. The group indicated the online art gallery will be a permanent feature on their website, complementing traditional exhibition activities, once these are allowed.
PSA’s Instagram site also accepts artwork photos from their members. Art may be sent to Emily Sunez at emilysunez@gmail.com.
