Event Date(s):
October 5, 2024 – January 18, 2025
Event Location: UCI Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art
Irvine, CA
End of the Range: Charlotte Skinner in the Eastern Sierra explores the artistry of Charlotte B. Skinner (1879-1963), renowned for her vibrant depictions of California’s Sierra Nevada and Owens Valley desert country. Organized by the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno, this exhibition sheds light on Skinner’s life and artistic evolution through approximately 40 paintings and drawings created by the artist over a 30-year period. Works from Langson IMCA’s permanent collection are also included, giving insight into Skinner’s mentors and circle of artist friends, such as Aaron Kilpatrick, Rinaldo Cuneo, and William Wendt, many of whom visited her residence in Lone Pine, CA in search of creative inspiration. Other artists on view include Arthur Mathews, Elsie Palmer Payne, Gottardo Piazzoni, and Helen Forbes.
This presentation not only illustrates and contextualizes Skinner’s profound connection to the landscapes of Lone Pine, but also reflects her unwavering commitment to both her craft and the Lone Pine community. Skinner was a strong advocate for visual art education across Owens Valley and offered painting and drawing lessons to local children. She also actively collected Native American baskets that she acquired from Panamint Shoshone weavers living near Lone Pine. Some of these baskets are on view in the exhibition. Examining Skinner’s journey from San Francisco to Lone Pine, End of the Range highlights the captivating beauty and artistic significance of the Eastern Sierra and reveals Skinner’s enduring legacy as a pioneer of California landscape painting.
