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General Information

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, and children’s rates.) Admission is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of each month with advance tickets.

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

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

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

Lisa Blackburn, Editor/Photographer Lori Ann Achzet, Designer Thea M. Page, Contributing writer

Senior Staff

Steve Hindle Acting President and W. M. Keck Foundation Director of Research

Catherine Allgor Nadine and Robert A. Skotheim Director of Education

Larry J. Burik Vice President of Facilities

James P. Folsom Marge and Sherm Telleen / Marion and Earle Jorgensen Director of the Botanical Gardens

Mitchell Morris Chief Information Officer

Coreen A. Rodgers Anne and Jim Rothenberg Vice President for Financial Affairs

Catherine Hess Interim Director of the Art Collections

Randy Shulman Vice President for Advancement

Susan Turner-Lowe Vice President for Communications and Marketing

David S. Zeidberg Avery Director of the Library

On the cover: Octavia E. Butler, ca. 1998. Photo © Miriam Berkley; for alternative images, please contact photographer Miriam Berkley (www.miriamberkley.com). The life and work of the award-winning science fiction author is the subject of a new exhibition, currently on view, that is drawn from the Butler archive at The Huntington. The exhibition continues through Aug. 7 in the West Hall of the Library. Back cover: A page of Butler’s notes for her novel Parable of the Talents.

exhibitions

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

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

“Octavia E. Butler: Telling My Stories” Through Aug. 7 | Library West Hall

“A. W. N. Pugin, Prisons, and the Plight of the Poor: British Prints, Drawings, and Illustrated Books from The Huntington’s Collections” Through June 26 | Huntington Art Gallery, Works on Paper Room

“Orbit Pavilion” Through Sept. 4 | Celebration Lawn

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

MOM’S THE WORD

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COME RAIN OR SHINE

A fter the rainiest winter in memory in Southern California, and with Sierra Nevada snowpack at record levels, the region has finally enjoyed a

good thirst-quenching after five years of severe drought. That has many people wondering: “Is the drought over at last? Can we stop limiting our water use?” At The Huntington, the answer has been quite clear for some time. “We simply live in a time and place where water must be used wisely and conserved as much as possible, regardless of the temporary condition of drought that the state finds itself in,” says Maxx Echt, who oversees water use on the property as the Botanical division’s systems manager. “The Huntington is committed to best management practices and responsible water use as a permanent practice going forward.” Over the past few years, The Huntington has reduced water use on the property significantly. In 2016 alone, says Echt, usage was cut by about 20 percent compared to our 15-year average, and the goal is to reduce water

consumption even more. This is being done by employing multiple strategies: redesigning old irrigation systems to reduce waste and increase efficiency; diverting rainwater into the landscape beds and retention pools instead of storm drains; reducing lawns; and highlighting drought- tolerant plants that thrive in our region’s Mediterranean climate. Roughly 41 miles of drip-irrigation tubing have been installed in areas such as the North Vista, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Chinese Garden, replacing old and inefficient sprinkler systems. And the process is ongoing. Even during the rainy months this past winter, new water infrastructure projects were underway, including updating the 1920s-era irrigation system in the Mausoleum area, and replacing most of the lawn there with drought-tolerant plants. So, come rain or shine, visitors can expect to see The Huntington continue its water conservation practices. And those who are motivated to do the same will find plenty of ideas and inspiration in the gardens.

Inset: Ongoing water infrastructure projects include updating a 1920s-era irrigation system at the Mausoleum to improve efficiency.Below: With its colorful profusion of dry-climate plants, the California Garden is an inspiring model for water-wise landscaping.

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“DEEP LEARNING” IN THE ORBIT PAVILION

GU JIANI: RIGHT & LEFT

S ixth-grade students from several of The Huntington’s partner schools recently participated in an immersive science education program centered around NASA’s

Orbit Pavilion installation and the history of astronomy displays in the Library’s “Beautiful Science” exhibition. Dubbed “Orbit Deep Learning Days,” these sessions allowed children to explore how early star-gazers studied the mysteries of the universe by observing the night sky, and how modern scientists today are using orbiting satellites to study life here on Earth. Hands-on science activities helped enhance students’ understanding of the “ground truths” of satellites, from the kinds of data being collected each time they circle the planet to the technical feats of engineering that put them into space. These Deep Learning visits were facilitated by the Earth Science outreach team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory; by community collaborators at Caltech and the Carnegie Observatories; and by Huntington school program volun-teers. The student scientists were from Arroyo Seco Museum Science Magnet School in Los Angeles, Eliot Middle School in Pasadena, and Rockdale Elementary School in Eagle Rock.

A rising star in the world of contemporary dance, Beijing- based choreographer Gu Jiani will present the Los Angeles premiere of her powerful work Right & Left on June 16

and 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Rothenberg Hall. Performed by Gu with Wang Xuanqi, the piece is a haunting exploration of human relationships that examines themes of unity and its dissolution. This program is generously supported by philanthropist and dance professional Jennifer Cheng, a Huntington Overseer, who maintains that dance transcends national borders and can be enjoyed by all. “I don’t believe in dance just to entertain people,” she said. “Dance instills values such as discipline, integrity, and respect for others regardless of their race, culture, or beliefs.” Through the Cheng Family Foundation, for which she serves as president, Cheng has focused her Huntington support on contemporary art and dance collaborations that broaden the institution’s offerings. Among the other projects funded by the foundation is the arts initiative /five, which centers on five year-long collaborations between The Huntington and a variety of other arts organizations. Tickets for “Gu Jiani: Right & Left” are $20 for Members and $30 for non-Members. Reservations: huntington.org/calendar.

Photo by Fan Xi

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CHAD ALLIGOOD JOINS THE STAFF AS CHIEF CURATOR OF AMERICAN ART

A rt historian Chad Alligood joins The Huntington staff this spring as the Virginia Steele Scott Chief Curator of American Art. Alligood previously served as curator at Crystal Bridges

Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark. At The Huntington, he will oversee a growing collection that includes a newly acquired group of early American art recently installed in the Jonathan and Karin Fielding Wing. “We are thrilled to have Chad joining us,” said Kevin Salatino, Hannah and Russel Kully Director of the Art Collections. “Chad’s ambitious accomplishments at Crystal Bridges and the invaluable experience of working in such an extraordinary collection of American art have prepared him well for the dynamic nature of our collections and programming at The Huntington.” Among Alligood’s standout efforts at Crystal Bridges was a multifaceted project in which he and former museum president Don Bacigalupi traveled more than 100,000 miles over 10 months to handpick emerging artists for the highly acclaimed 2014–15 exhibition “State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now.” More recently, he curated “Warhol’s Nature,” exploring Andy Warhol’s lifelong engagement with nature as subject matter. While at Crystal Bridges, Alligood also expanded the diversity of the collection, spearheading major acquisitions by women artists and artists of color, and he led the reinstallation of the postwar permanent collection galleries in 2015, emphasizing art’s embeddedness within its cultural context.

Alligood, a native of Perry, Ga., earned his bachelor’s degree in the history of art and architecture from Harvard University, his master’s degree in art history from the University of Georgia, and has completed his doctoral coursework at City University of New York. He is a graduate of the Getty Leadership Institute’s NextGen Executive Education Program for the Next Generation of Museum Leaders. Alligood has been awarded several grants and fellowships, including most recently a resident fellowship from the Women’s International Study Center to write an essay for the upcoming monograph on Judy Chicago, to be published by the National Museum of Women in the Arts in 2019.

Photo by Stephen Ironside/Ironside Photography

STEVE HINDLE NAMED ACTING PRESIDENT

S teve Hindle, W.M. Keck Foundation Director of Research at The Huntington, has been named acting president of the institution while an executive search is under way. Former president Laura

Skandera Trombley stepped down in March to commence her next book-length study of Mark Twain, having become the newest recipient of the Louis J. Budd Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Twain Scholarship. Addressing the Huntington staff, Hindle said “I am humbled and feel highly privileged to serve as acting president of The Huntington at this time, and I look forward to working with my Senior Staff colleagues and all of you in the service of this great institution. We all share a love of this extraordinary place and its culture of collabora-tion and collegiality. And while I have always believed that the collections serve as the core of The Huntington and the source of its intellectual vitality, it is in fact the remarkable staff that brings those collections to life and sustains the institution’s relevance. Let me take this moment to thank you for all that you do. Together, we move forward.” Hindle will continue to serve as director of research in his capacity as acting president.

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Members’ Events

ALL MEMBERSMembers’ Evening Garden StrollsJune 25 & July 16 (Sundays) Aug. 12 (Saturday) 5:30–8 p.m.Members at all levels can enjoy a stroll in the gardens after hours on three evenings this summer. Dine in the 1919 café while you’re here, or relax with coffee and ice cream in the Red Car coffee shop.

CONTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND ABOVEMembers’ Summer EveningsJune 24, July 15, July 29 & Aug. 13 5:30–8 p.m.Bring a picnic, enjoy live music, and explore the gardens after hours at our popular Members’ Summer Evenings, open to Members at the Contributor level and above. The 1919 café, the Red Car coffee shop, and the Huntington Store will also be open. (See page 13 for details.)

AFFILIATE LEVEL MEMBERS AND ABOVESpring Quarterly Event

Huntington AuthorsMay 20 (Saturday) 6–9 p.m.Sit down with over a dozen fascinating Huntington authors for informal conversa-tions about their work and signings of their recent books. Invitation to follow.

For questions regarding your Membership, please call 626-405-2124 or visit huntington.org/membership.

Public Programs

Carnegie Astronomy Lecture Series

Exoplanet GeneticsMay 1 (Monday) 7:30 p.m.SOLD OUT: Johanna Teske, Carnegie Origins Postdoctoral Fellow, will highlight new discoveries about exoplanets, including how their composition is “inherited” from their host star. Free; advanced reservations required. Information: 626-304-0250 or obs.carnegiescience.edu. Rothenberg Hall r

Tickets are no longer available for this event, but the program will be livestreamed and archived at huntington.org/channel.

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

Cinco de Mayo WeekendMay 5–7 (Friday–Sunday)Join us for tacos, tequila, music, and festive fun at the Patio Grill. (Details on page 12.)

Conference

Evelyn Waugh: Reader, Writer, Collector May 5–6 (Friday–Saturday) 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.In 2013, Loren and Frances Rothschild donated their Evelyn Waugh archive to The Huntington. Now, their gift is celebrated in a symposium which brings together researchers, editors, and archival practitioners to explore the biographical and disciplinary significance of the new holdings. The symposium is a collaboration between The Huntington, the Evelyn Waugh Society, and the UK-based Complete Works of Evelyn Waugh project. $25. Registration: huntington.org/evelynwaugh. Rothenberg Hall

Ranch Open HouseSaturdays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.Stop by The Huntington’s urban agriculture site during its weekly open hours and pick up some fresh ideas for sustainable gardening. Experts from the L.A. Master Gardener pro-gram will be on hand to answer questions and offer seasonal tips. From the Teaching Greenhouse, follow signs to the site. (Cancelled in the event of rain.) General admission. Ranch Garden

Brody Lecture

The Art of Farming: How a Farmer Sees the FutureMay 7 (Sunday) 2 p.m. David Mas Masumoto, organic farmer and acclaimed author of Epitaph for a Peach and Harvest Son, will be joined by his wife, Marcy Masumoto, for a lively talk about life on their Central California farm. Through stories that offer a personal perspective on

growing organic crops, the Masumotos will share their reflections on the vision required of artisan farmers in today’s food world. A book signing will follow the program. $10. Reservations: huntington.org/calendar.

Japanese Teahouse ToursMay 8 & June 12 (Mondays) 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.Learn the traditions behind the Japanese Garden’s ceremonial teahouse. Informal tours are offered at 20-minute intervals on the second Monday of every month. No reservations required. General admission.

Chamber Music Concert

Camerata PacificaMay 9 (Tuesday) 7:30 p.m.Camerata Pacifica’s season-closing concert features some of the great classics of the chamber music repertoire, including Haydn’s Trio in G Major, Hob. XV:15, and Mozart’s dramatic String Quintet in G Minor, K. 516. The program closes with Ernst von Dohnányi’s Piano Quintet No. 1 in C Minor. $56. Tickets and program details: camerata-pacifica.org or 805-884-8410. Rothenberg Hall

Garden Talk and Sale

Palms of Cuba May 11 (Thursday) 2:30 p.m.Explore Cuba’s rich, unique, and sometimes bizarre palm flora in an illustrated talk with environmental horticulturist Donald Hodel of the University of California Cooperative Extension. Hodel will discuss the ecology, distribution, and identification of the island’s diverse palm species, and will also share some interesting glimpses of Cuban life and culture. A plant sale follows the talk. Free; no reservations required. Ahmanson Room, Brody Botanical Center

QUESTIONS? 626-405-2100

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Ridge Lecture

Hilary Mantel: “I Met a Man Who Wasn’t There”May 11 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m.Tudor statesman Thomas Cromwell was described by an eminent historian as “not biographable.” Faced with an intractable puzzle, can a novelist do better? Hilary Mantel, two-time Booker Prize-winning author of Wolf Hall and its sequel Bring Up the Bodies, describes her ten-year effort to pin her compelling and elusive subject to the page. Mantel is currently working on the third book in the trilogy. Her papers are archived at The Huntington. Free with advance reservations. Reservations: huntington.org/calendar. Rothenberg Hall This program will be livestreamed and archived at huntington.org/channel.

Conference

Fictive Histories/Historical FictionsMay 12–13 (Friday–Saturday) 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.This interdisciplinary conference takes the recent popularity of the historical novel as a starting point to explore the relationship between history and fiction. The plenary speaker, Booker Prize-winning author Hilary Mantel (Wolf Hall), will appear in conversation with Mary Robertson, former Huntington chief curator of British historical manuscripts. $25. Registration: huntington.org/fictivehistories. Rothenberg Hall

Mother’s Day BrunchMay 14 (Sunday) (See box, above)

Carnegie Astronomy Lecture Series

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star: Now I See You As You AreMay 15 (Monday) 7:30 p.m.SOLD OUT: Jennifer van Saders, Carnegie- Princeton Fellow, will discuss how the tech-nique of astroseismology has revolutionized scientists’ view of the internal workings of stars. Free; advanced reservations required. Information: 626-304-0250 or www.obs.carnegiescience.edu. Rothenberg Hall r Tickets are no longer available for this event, but the program will be livestreamed and archived at huntington.org/channel.

Tropical Nursery TourMay 17 (Wednesday) 1:30–3 p.m.Go behind the scenes with Dylan Hannon, The Huntington’s curator of tropical collections, for a tour of the botanical nurseries where rare orchids and other plants are grown. $5*. Advance reservations required. Tickets: huntington.org/calendar.

*For non-Members, Huntington admission is a separate required cost.

Remembering James Beard, On Film and In FoodMay 19 (Friday) 6–9 p.m.Join us for a special screening of the new documentary, James Beard: America’s First Foodie, followed by a panel discussion and reception. (See page 11 for details and ticket information.)

Fiber Arts DayMay 20 (Saturday) 10 a.m.–5 p.m.The centuries-old crafts of spinning, weaving, and dyeing with natural plant dyes will be showcased in this program in The Hunting-ton’s Herb Garden. Skilled craftspeople will demonstrate the tools and techniques for carding and combing fibers such as cotton and linen, spinning the fibers into yarn or thread, weaving, and making natural dyes using herbs and other plant materials. Free with general admission.

East Asian Garden Lecture Series

Picturing Modernism in Japanese Architecture: Photographs of Katsura by Yasuhiro IshimotoMay 23 (Tuesday) 7:30 p.m.The seminal 1960 publication Katsura: Tradition and Creation in Japanese Architecture explored the relationship between modernity and tradition in postwar Japan. In this lecture, Yasufumi Nakamori, curator of photography at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, discusses the book’s 135 black-and-white images of Kyoto’s Katsura Imperial Villa by photographer Yasuhiro Ishimoto and how they were used by the book’s author, architect Kenzo Tange, to point the way to a new direction in Japanese architecture. Free; no reservations required. Rothenberg Hall

Historia PlantarumMay 24 (Wednesday) 4:30–6 p.m.In this new botanical series, Alain Touwaide, historian of botany, medicine, and medicinal plants, discusses related topics reaching as far back in time as Hippocrates and Cleopatra and into the modern era. Free; no reservations required. Auditorium, Brody Botanical Center

Botany Bay Series

Plant Science for Gardeners and Citizen Scientists May 25 (Thursday) 4:30–5:30 p.m.Join James Folsom, the Telleen/Jorgensen Director of the Botanical Gardens, for an exploration of the wonders of the plant world through discussion and hands-on lab time. Free; no reservations required. Auditorium, Brody Botanical Center

r The 1919 café will be open until 7:15 p.m. before the start of programs showing this symbol. A select variety of à la carte dinner options will be available without reservations.

QWERTYUIOP{}|ASDFGHJKL:” Research Lecture and Dinner Series. 1919 will offer a special three-course, prix-fixe dinner before the lecture. Reservations required. huntington.org/lectures.

Mother’s Day BrunchCelebrate Mom with an elegant brunch at The Huntington on Sunday, May 14. Served al fresco under the dome of the Rose Hills Foundation Garden Court, the meal will feature made-to- order savory delicacies, sweet treats, and flowing libations. Two seatings will be offered, at 9:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. $85 per person; $40 for children under 10. Reservations are required. The Rose Garden Tea Room will also be offering a special Mother’s Day menu. Details and reservations at huntington.org/MothersDay.

And don't forget Dad! See Father's Day Barbecue details for June 18 on page 6.

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Visiting Artist

Huang Ruo: Excerpts from Paradise Interrupted and Traditional Kun OperasMay 25 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m.Composer Huang Ruo, the 2017 Cheng Family Visiting Artist at The Huntington, will present excerpts from his highly acclaimed new opera Paradise Interrupted, along with excerpts of traditional Kun opera, accompanied by opera singer Qian Yi and other musicians and vocalists. $15. Reservations: huntington.org/calendar. r

Garden Talk & Sale

Moving the Whitelock CycadsJune 8 (Thursday) 2:30 p.m. In 2015, The Huntington received a donation of 620 cycads from the estate of Loran Whitelock, a passionate local plantsman. The gift nearly tripled the number of these rare plants in the botanical collection. Gary Roberson, head gardener of the cycad collection, discusses the herculean task involved in transporting, documenting, and transplanting the Whitelock cycads, which now grace a long ribbon of landscape stretching east and west along a ridge above the Jungle Garden. A plant sale follows the talk. Free; no reservations required. Ahmanson Room, Brody Botanical Center

The Romance of Yue OperaJune 10 (Saturday) 3 p.m. Experience an afternoon of Chinese Yue opera featuring international artists Wang Zhiping and Huang Hui of the Shanghai Yueju Company, accompanied by performers from the California Yueju Center. One of the most popular forms of opera in China today, Yue opera is known for its romantic themes, gentle melodies, and stunning costumes. The program includes scenes from “The Fairy Carp,” “The Tragedy of Liangshanbo and Zhuyingtai,” and “Interrogating and Rescuing her Husband.” Free; advanced reservations required. Tickets: huntington.org/calendar. Rothenberg Hall

Contemporary Dance Program

Gu Jiani: Right & LeftJune 16 & 17 (Friday & Saturday) 7:30 p.m.Beijing-based choreographer Gu Jiani presents her latest work, the acclaimed contemporary dance Right & Left, in its Los Angeles premiere. (See details on page 2.)

Father’s Day BarbecueJune 18 (Sunday) 11 a.m.–4 p.m.Treat Dad to a day at The Huntington in celebration of Father’s Day, and enjoy a mouthwatering barbecue meal at the Patio Grill, adjacent to the Rose Garden Tea Room. Offerings will include pulled pork, chicken, beef brisket, and St. Louis-style ribs, plus plenty of tasty sides to enjoy with an ice-cold beer. (No reservations needed, but museum admission is required.)

Conference

Octavia E. Butler Studies: Convergence of an Expanding Field June 23 (Friday) 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.Inspired by the award-winning speculative fiction author Octavia E. Butler (1947–2006), leading experts in the field will explore the expansive ways Butler’s writing, research, and life foster deeper understanding of the past, present, and possible futures. $25. Registration: huntington.org/butlerstudies. Rothenberg Hall

Cactus and Succulent Show and SaleJune 30 (Friday) Pre-show plant sale July 1–2 (Saturday–Sunday) Show and sale10 a.m.–5 p.m.Hundreds of outstanding and intriguing plants will be on view as the Cactus and Succulent Society of America presents its annual show and sale. With today’s growing interest in dry-climate gardening, it is a must for anyone wanting to learn more about these wonderfully diverse and visually striking plants. An early-bird sale gets under way Friday; the show opens Saturday and continues through Sunday. Brody Botanical Center

Continuing Education

Tea Brewing WorkshopMay 13 (Saturday) 9 a.m.–noonExplore the ins and outs of brewing the perfect cup of tea in a workshop led by Angie Lee from 1001 Plateaus and Linda Louie from Bana Tea Company. While tasting rare teas, participants will look at cultural traditions, the pros and cons of different methods, and how brewing techniques (as well as the type and quality of tea) affect the beverage’s flavor. Members: $55. Non-Members: $65. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Painting with Nan Rae May 17 & June 21 (Wednesdays) 11 a.m.–3 p.m.Artist Nan Rae continues her popular watercolor classes inspired by the art of Chinese brush painting. Each session: $50. Registration: 818-842-6489.

The Wines of Spain May 17 (Wednesday) 5–7:30 p.m.Join chef and sommelier Brad Owen for an in-depth lecture and tasting focusing on the wines of Spain, which today are considered on a par with the greatest wines in the world. Discover the factors behind their surge in popularity. Members: $90. Non-Members: $105. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Taste of Art: The Georgian KitchenMay 20 (Saturday) 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Trace the social changes and political movements that transformed Britain in the Georgian era (1714–1830), then prepare a delicious meal adapted from period cookbooks. Maite Gomez-Rejón of ArtBites leads the gallery discussion and cooking workshop. Members: $85. Non-Members: $100. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Flower Arranging: RosesJune 3 (Saturday) 10 a.m.–noonJoin the team from Flower Duet for this hands-on floral design class. Participants will learn how to create loose and natural vase arrangements that combine pale pink garden roses with the newest coffee-colored varieties on the market. Members: $85. Non-Members: $100. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

QUESTIONS? 626-405-2100

MAY – JUNE 2017 EVENTS (continued)

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Taste of Art: Huntington CookbooksJune 3 (Saturday) 9 a.m.¬–12:30 p.m.A discussion of early cookbooks in The Huntington’s collections will whet the appetite for an exploration of historical foodways in this workshop led by Maite Gomez-Rejón from ArtBites, which will include the preparation of a communal meal. Members: $85. Non-Members: $100. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Curator Tour“Octavia E. Butler: Telling My Stories”June 7 (Wednesday) 4:30 p.m.Curator Natalie Russell leads a private tour of the first exhibition to examine the life and work of celebrated science fiction author Octavia Butler. Drawn from the Butler archive at The Huntington, the exhibition features approximately 100 items, from Butler’s very first short story, written at age 12, to an early draft of her bestselling novel Kindred. Members: $15. Non-Members: $20. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Plein Air Watercolor SeriesJune 9–July 14 (Fridays) 9 a.m.–noonJoin artist Robert Sherrill for a six-part series in plein air landscape painting. Sessions will be held outdoors in the gardens, where the scenery of The Huntington offers endless variety and inspiration. Members: $210. Non-Members: $230. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Bonsai Academy June 10, 11, 17 & 18 (Saturdays & Sundays) 10 a.m.–4 p.m.Bonsai master Ted Matson leads an intensive four-session gakko, or school, in the art of bonsai. Geared to beginners, the sessions explore the history of bonsai, basic tree botany and horticultural challenges, design concepts and training techniques, and bonsai display. All supplies and tools are provided, including demonstration trees for classroom practice. Members: $120. Non-Members: $135. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Wines of Germany and Austria June 21 (Wednesday) 5–7:30 p.m.Germany’s wines are some of the most exciting in the world, with a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity that makes them ideal for summer enjoyment. Join chef and sommelier Brad Owen for an educational evening, exploring the wine regions of Germany and its neighbor Austria through in-depth lecture and tasting. Members: $90. Non-Members: $105. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Children and Families

Children’s Workshop

Make it Pop!May 6 (Saturday) 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Young artists will create imaginative Pop Art sculptures inspired by the work of Andy Warhol in this workshop led by Paisley Callow, which includes a visit to the American art galleries. Ages 6–12. Fee includes one accompanying adult. Members: $25. Non-Members: $35. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Children’s Flower Arranging

Roses and HerbsJune 3 (Saturday) 1–2:30 pm.Taking inspiration from the bountiful spring blooms in the gardens, children will create floral bouquets using a variety of fragrant roses combined with fresh herbs. Ages 7–12. Fee includes one accompanying adult. Members: $25. Non-Members: $35. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Children’s Workshop

Chinese Brush PaintingJune 10 (Saturday) 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Using the Chinese garden as their creative muse, kids can learn the expressive art of Chinese brush painting in this workshop led by artist Peifang Liang. Ages 7–12. Fee includes one accompanying adult. Members: $25. Non-Members: $35. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

Children’s Workshop

Picnic CondimentsJune 24 (Saturday) 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Summer is here! Time to grab a picnic basket or fire up the barbecue. In a hands-on workshop with chef Ernest Miller, kids can learn how to make homemade ketchup, mustard, mayo, and relish as tasty toppings for classic picnic fare. Impress your family and friends at your next outdoor party! The workshop concludes with a lunch of hot dogs with all the fixin’s. Ages 7–12. Fee includes one accompanying adult. Members: $30. Non-Members: $40. Registration: huntington.org/calendar.

MAY – JUNE 2017 EVENTS (continued)

Huntington Explorers CampThe Huntington Explorers Camp returns July 10–28, offering three weeks of summer programs for children ages 5–12. Participants will engage in arts- and science-based activities that emphasize active learning, creative thinking, and—most of all—fun! Along the way, they’ll become incredible inventors, budding botanists, super storytellers, eco-rangers, and more. For program details and registration, visit huntington.org/explorers.

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I n March, The Huntington collaborated with several international partners to present a three-day science workshop on plant conservation, hosted by the National Genetic Resources Center in Jalisco, Mexico. The International Workshop on Ex Situ Conservation and Cryopreservation of Plant Species drew more than 170 participants from

universities, agricultural agencies, forestry commissions, and research institutes around the world. Lectures and demonstrations highlighted the work being done by scientists in the field to preserve genetic biodiversity. Raquel Folgado, cryopreservation researcher at The Huntington, was among the event’s organizers and spoke about her ongoing work developing cryopreservation protocols for several rare species of Aloe and Magnolia. Folgado also led a laboratory demonstration of tissue culture and cryopreservation techniques (pictured above, with Bart Panis of Biodiversity International, Belgium). Read more about cryopreservation research at The Huntington in the article “A Garden in Deep Freeze” in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of Huntington Frontiers, available online at huntington.org/deepfreeze.

A PIONEER IN WESTERN HISTORY

C alifornia historian Gloria Ricci Lothrop was a pioneer: in the field of western American history, which had been written largely by men, she mined

original sources and cultural artifacts to bring the voices of women into the story of westward expansion. When Lothrop died last year, she left a generous bequest of $340,000 to The Huntington to create endowments for research fellowships and acquisitions in the field of western American women’s history. “Many of the early Western historians were male writers,” she told the Los Angeles Times in a 1987 interview. “They wrote about what they knew and what they considered important from their frame of reference. They went to the most accessible records, using treaties of war, business records, court proceedings and legislative proceedings.” To find first-hand accounts by women, Lothrop delved into other sources, including diaries, letters, and even cookbooks. Lothrop held a doctorate in history from the University of Southern California, where she studied under Doyce Nunis, a leading California historian. She and Nunis later co-wrote A Guide to the History of California, one of the first books to survey the contributions of women to the westward movement. (Nunis, who died in 2011, also left a bequest to The Huntington to fund research fellowships and acquisitions.) Lothrop was the

first woman to join the history department faculty at Cal Poly Pomona in 1970, and she was later named the inaugural W. P. Whitsett Professor of California History at California State University, Northridge, a post she held from 1994 until she retired in 2004. A longtime Huntington researcher, she had also contributed to the support of the institution as a Member for nearly three decades. “The research division is delighted to be able to enhance its programs as a result of this extraordinary gift,” said Steve Hindle, the W. M. Keck Foundation Director of Research. “Gloria Lothrop’s generosity will help bring a new generation of scholars to work on a historical theme, the role of women in western American culture, that was so palpably close to her heart.” For information about making a gift to The Huntington in a will or living trust, contact Cris Lutz at clutz@huntington.org or at 626-405-2212.

A bequest from historian Gloria Ricci Lothrop will support western American women’s history. Photo by Anne Cusack. Copyright 2015. Los Angeles Times. Reprinted by permission.

PRESERVING BIODIVERSITY, GLOBALLY

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SUPERBLOOM!

S outhern California’s spring “superbloom” wasn’t limited to desert wildflowers. In public and private gardens across the region, flowering

plants have been putting on a spectacular show, thanks to a refreshingly wet winter after five long years of drought. “We haven’t seen a spring like this in a long time,” said James Folsom, the Telleen/Jorgensen Director of the Botanical Gardens. The photos on this page are just a small sampling. And the abundant blooms continue. If you haven’t visited the gardens this spring, there’s no better time to do it!

1. Streptosolen jamesonii, Jungle Garden 2. Pericallis papyracea, Subtropical Garden 3. Wisteria floribunda ‘Macrobotrys’, Japanese Garden 4. Ranunculus, Shakespeare Garden 5. Cassia, Subtropical Garden 6. Aloe burgersfortensis, Desert Garden 7. Euphorbia xantii, Desert Garden 8. Brunfelsia latifolia, Jungle Garden. Photos by Kate Lain.

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CELEBRATING THE SUCCESSORS

A t a special evening honoring their philanthropy, a group of donors known as the Huntington Successors had an opportunity to delve “under the surface” of

The Huntington’s collections, gaining fascinating new insights into two works of art that have recently been the focus of special attention from curators and conservators. One of these works was Govaert Flinck’s Lady with a Plume (once attributed to Rembrandt), which underwent a year-long technical analysis by senior paintings conservator Christina O’Connell, who shared her findings with the group. The other was Thomas Gainsborough’s masterpiece, The Blue Boy. The iconic portrait is scheduled for conser-vation treatment beginning in September of 2018, funded by a grant from Bank of America. Visitors will be pleased to know that much of the work will be conducted in full view of the public in the gallery. Donors are invited to join the Huntington Successors when their cumulative gifts total $100,000. (Recognition is also made posthumously, in the case of bequests.) Donors are recognized again at subsequent milestones of $500,000, $1 million, $5 million, and $10 million. The Successors group increased remarkably this year, with 22 new donors and 14 donors moving up to higher levels. All told, there are more than 570 Successors whose collective giving exceeds $900 million—funds that support the institution’s research and education mission and will help sustain it for generations to come.

For information about joining the Huntington Successors, contact Randy Shulman, Vice President for Advancement, at rshulman@huntington.org or 626-405-2293.

NEW SUCCESSORS

Anonymous (2)AS&F Foundation in honor of Philip V. SwanRichards and Ann BargerMr. Titus BrenninkmeijerMs. Catherine C. Cheney and Mr. Barry JonesDonald G. DavisMr. Russell HanlinDr. Stephen A. KanterThe Lin Family: Matthew, Joy, George, Amy, Jenny, Jerry, Tim, Olivia Lee, Vanessa,

Brandon, and RyanGloria Ricci Lothrop TrustIlene and Howard MarshallIn memory of Ray McSavaneyThe Lluella Morey Murphey FoundationMr. and Mrs. Ralph Peer IIMr. and Mrs. John B. QuinnNan RaeSusan W. and Carl W. RobertsonJohn and Dorothy Shea Mr. and Mrs. William Guy Steele IIIMr. Paul TherouxWilliam and Eileen Zimmerman

SUCCESSORS REACHING ADDITIONAL MILESTONES

Bank of AmericaChristine C. and George H. Benter, Jr.John and Louise BrysonMr. and Mrs. Theodore G. CongdonBlaine and Lynda FetterJonathan and Karin FieldingGardner Grout FoundationMr. and Mrs. Robert C. GoldsmithMr. and Mrs. Jerry KohlJune and Simon K.C. LiSharon and John LightGary, Brenda, & Hayley RuttenbergThe Honorable and Mrs. R. Carlton SeaverJudy Yin Shih and Joel Axelrod

Pictured above: Senior paintings conservator Christina O’Connell (center) talks with Successors about the year-long technical analysis she conducted on the portrait Lady With a Plume (1636) by Dutch artist Govaert Flinck. Photo by Noelle Williams Photography.

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AN EVENING AMONG THE ROSESA Celebration of the LGBT Community at The Huntington

T he Huntington kicks off Pride Month on Friday, June 9, with “An Evening Among the Roses,” the fourth annual garden party celebrating the

important contributions of the LGBT community to The Huntington. From donors and staff to the individuals whose works are preserved in the collections, the LGBT community is well represented at The Huntington.

The elegant event will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. among thousands of fragrant blooms in the Rose Garden. The suggested attire is Garden Party Chic. For information, tickets, or to make a donation to support the event, visit huntington.org/amongtheroses.

Wells Fargo is proud to be lead sponsor of “An Evening Among the Roses.”

REMEMBERING JAMES BEARD, ON FILM AND IN FOOD

T he Huntington will host a special screening of the new documentary, James Beard: America’s First Foodie, followed by a panel discussion and reception, on Friday, May 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Rothenberg Hall. The

documentary is a production of Federici Films LLC and Thirteen Productions LLC’s American Masters for WNET. Dubbed the “Dean of American Cookery” by The New York Times, Beard was a cookbook author, journalist, television celebrity, and teacher. He was also a native Oregonian who loved and celebrated the bounty of the Pacific Northwest long before it became hip to do so. At a time of “all things French,” Beard appreciated what America had to bring to the table. He introduced Julia Child to New York, boosting her place as a culinary grande dame. As Child herself once said of Beard, “I may have brought French cooking to America, but Jim brought American cooking to America.” In the film, a veritable who’s who of the food world — Alice Waters, Jacques Pepin, Martha Stewart, and Wolfgang Puck, among others— share memories and recall Beard’s influence on the modern culinary scene. After the hour-long screening, celebrated Los Angeles chef Mary Sue Milliken (one of The Huntington’s culinary partners) joins producer/director Beth Federici, producer Kathleen Squires, and well-known baker and Beard buddy Jim Dodge for a short discussion of what Beard meant to them. Oakland food writer John Birdsall will moderate. The winner of two James Beard Awards,

Birdsall is working on a major new biography of Beard, to be published by W.W. Norton & Co. The discussion will be followed by a reception with a menu of Beard-inspired appetizers by Milliken and Bon Appétit, paired with wines and beers from Beard’s home state of Oregon. Tickets for the event are $85. Reservations: huntington.org/calendar.

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It’s the year of the “superbloom,” and the gardens are looking better than ever after plenty of rain and sunshine. There’s no better time to plan a visit—and to enjoy lunch al fresco at the 1919 café or cocktails at The Bar while you’re here. Spring events for Fellows are shaping up to be super, too. At the Spring Seminar in May, Fellows will gather for wine, fine food, and a fascinating lecture by David Zeidberg, the Avery Director of the Library. Fellows can learn how to get connected to The Huntington’s online content in a hands-on IT Training 2.0 workshop. “Moonlight & Music” will include a buffet dinner and a garden concert featuring violinist Martin Chalifour, principal concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Fellows’ Date Nights continue on four Friday evenings through the summer, with dinner followed by presentations with a science theme. Scholarly Sustenance, our most popular annual series, returns in June, with eight lectures by visiting research scholars held during casual gatherings in private homes. Opportunities abound all year long for our Society of Fellows to enjoy in-depth lectures, behind-the-scenes tours, and access to our collections, curators, and scholars. Join the Society of Fellows and become part of this remarkable philanthropic community, defined by annual giving levels beginning at $2,500. For information, contact Pamela Hearn, director of the Society of Fellows, at 626-405-2264 or phearn@huntington.org.

A “SUPER” SEASON UPCOMING FELLOWS’ EVENTS

Spring SeminarMay 2 (Tuesday) 6:30 p.m.Society of Fellows and Benefactor Members

IT Training 2.0May 6 (Saturday) 8:30 a.m.

Moonlight & MusicMay 10 (Wednesday) 6:30 p.m.President’s Circle & Huntington Circle Fellows

Scholarly SustenanceJune–July

Date Night SeriesJune 30, July 14 & 28, August 11 (Fridays)

INVITATIONS TO FOLLOW

The Pasadena POPS has a special offer for Huntington Members: a 10 percent discount on tickets to its 2017 Sierra Auto Summer Concert Series at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia. Led by principal POPS conductor Michael Feinstein, the five-concert series runs from June 17 through Sept. 9 and features musical favorites the whole family will enjoy, from Gershwin to Broadway to Harry Potter. Just mention the “Huntington” discount code. Tickets: 626-793-7172 or PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org.

CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYOJoin us for tacos, tequila, music, and more as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Patio Grill, The Huntington’s global street-food destination. The fun starts Friday, May 5, and continues through the weekend with special appearances by Border Grill founders (and Huntington culinary partners) chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. The Patio Grill is located next to the Rose Garden and is open weekends and selected weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. No reservations needed, but general admission is required.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR MEMBERS

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MEMBERS’ SUMMER EVENINGSContributor level and above

ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIPMakes a perfect gift, too!

M embers are invited to attend four special Summer Evenings at The Huntington in June, July, and August. Explore the gardens in the golden twilight, dine at the

1919 café, or bring your own picnic to enjoy on the lawn while listening to live music. (Don’t forget your blanket or chair.) All gardens will be open during Members’ Summer Evenings, as will the Huntington Store. The library and galleries will be closed. Members’ Summer Evenings are a benefit for annual donors at the Contributor, Affiliate, Supporting, Patron, and Benefactor levels, and for the Society of Fellows. (Members at all levels are invited to a separate series of Evening Garden Strolls; see details on page 4.) For Membership information, call 626-405-2124 or visit huntington.org/membership.

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

Choose the Membership level that is right for you:

Sustaining $139Free admission for two adults and your children and grandchildren (18 years of age and under), plus discounts in the Huntington 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 free entry for a third adult on every visit, quarterly events and programs, 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, invitations to Discovery Programs, and more.

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

Payment Options:

Check (payable to The Huntington) Visa MasterCard American Express

Acct. no: Exp. date: Billing zip:

Signature:

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

Name (as it will appear on Membership card):

Second cardholder’s name:

Address: Apt. #

City: State: Zip:

Office phone: Home phone:

Email address:

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Gardens open 5:30–8 p.m.Music 6:30–7:30 p.m.

June 24 (Saturday)The Salastina Music Society String QuartetWorld-class chamber music

July 15 (Saturday)The RockabillysAmerican rock ‘n’ roll from the ’50s and ’60s

July 29 (Saturday)Irie Earth BandCalypso, Caribbean, and steel drum music

Aug. 13 (Sunday)L.A. HarptetteConcert harp quartet performing classical, Broadway, and original works.

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May/June 2017 • Chad Alligood joins staff as Chief Curator of American Art • An Evening Among the Roses to be held June 9 • Octavia Butler Conference slated for June 23 • Members’ Summer Evenings begin June 24

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