Claremont, CA—The Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College is thrilled to announce its Community Welcome on Saturday, November 13 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. The event is free and open to all, and it celebrates the transitions the museum has undergone in the past two years as well as the museum’s new home, ten years in the making.
Since January 2020, the museum has welcomed a new director, Victoria Sancho Lobis; changed its name to the Benton Museum of Art; and, importantly, completed the construction of and move into a brand-new building, designed by Machado Silvetti and Gensler. The new building offers three times the space of the previous facility, allowing for more exhibitions, educational outreach, and events and programs. While the museum has been open for appointment visits since May, it has delayed its Community Welcome celebration due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event will feature an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with elected officials and the Claremont Chamber of Commerce, art and activities for all ages, exhibition viewing, live music, and even a few celebratory surprises. Currently installed in the museum’s galleries are four exhibitions—Alison Saar: Of Aether and Earthe (with the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena); Helen Pashgian: Primavera; Sadie Barnette: Legacy & Legend (with the Pitzker College Art Galleries); Sahara: Acts of Memory—as well as site-specific installations and commissions such as حب /Love by Alia Ali and Imbue by Alison Saar. COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed.
The Benton looks forward to opening its doors at 120 West Bonita Avenue in Claremont and welcoming its friends and neighbors at its free celebration on Saturday, November 13 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
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About the Benton Museum of Art
Now housed in the new Benton Museum of Art designed by Machado Silvetti and Gensler, Pomona College’s collection of art numbers 16,000 objects, including Italian Renaissance paintings from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation; works on paper, including a first edition print series by Francisco Goya given by Norton Simon; and works in various media produced in Southern California in the twentieth century. In keeping with Pomona College’s reputation as a leading center of the visual arts, the collection also includes works by such esteemed alumni as Chris Burden ’69, Marcia Hafif ’51, Helen Pashgian ’56, Peter Shelton ’73, and James Turrell ’65. Recognized globally for its commitment to contemporary art, the museum is the home of The Project Series, which has featured more than 50 contemporary Southern California artists since it began in 1999. Through its collaboration with students and faculty, the museum encourages active learning and creative exploration across all disciplines of study within the liberal arts context.
About Pomona College
Located in Claremont, California, Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nation's leading liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona is known for its quality academic programs, a challenging curriculum, close relationships between students and faculty, a range of student research and leadership opportunities, and a strong commitment to the arts. Additional information available at www.pomona.edu. Pomona College is a proud member of the Claremont Chamber of Commerce.