Art Festival/MOTA Day at Pasadena Museum of History

An art/culture/history extravaganza
is in store for visitors to Pasadena Museum of History at the 24th
MOTA (Museums of the Arroyo) Day on Sunday, May 19. This annual event celebrates the diverse mix
of art, architecture and history of the Arroyo Seco area with free admission to
five unique history-based museums that preserve and perpetuate early Los
Angeles life.

PMH will be a
hub for artists and art lovers, fashionistas and families, architecture and history
buffs.  More than 40 members of the
Pasadena Society of Artists – including Altadena artists J. R. Cooley, Gina Fernandez, Jeffry
Jensen, Richard Pina, Rhonda Raulston and  Bea Taggart -- will display their works in tents throughout the
gardens and in the special MOTA Day-only art store in Giddings Conference Room.
All the artwork will be for sale, along with prints, cards and other
distinctive gift items. In addition, a number of the artists will be actively working
on new pieces during the afternoon.
A
juried art exhibition, “Relationships,” is also featured, themed especially for
this event to tie in with the Museum’s stunning exhibition of vintage wedding
gowns, I Do! I Do! Pasadena Ties the
Knot, which will be on view in the History Center Galleries.  A Children’s Area will offer young visitors
the opportunity to make and take home three different art projects --  a Rain Stick, a Japanese Brush Painting, and a
Family Collage -- under the supervision of PSA artists/educators. The
Fenyes Mansion will be open for mini-tours throughout the afternoon, offering
many a first look at the historic residence following its recent $1.7 million
rejuvenation.  In addition, members of
the Finlandia Foundation will welcome guests to the Finnish Folk Art Museum.
Furnished in the style of a 19th century Finnish farmhouse, this unique
exhibition provides a fascinating glimpse into Finland's tradition and culture
and reminds visitors that the Fenyes Mansion once served as the Finnish
Consulate.