Explore California art at the Hilbert Museum of California Art.

On a recent Saturday afternoon, art enthusiasts gathered at the Hilbert Museum of California Art, located in Orange, to engage with a remarkable narrative woven into a vibrant oil painting. The scene unfolded as Rosemary Vasquez Tuthill stood before her artwork, a piece she had completed in memory of her late father, Emigdio Vasquez, a celebrated figure in the Chicano art movement who passed away in 2014.

Rosemary’s painting captures a bustling orange packing house from a storied era in California’s citrus industry, featuring her relatives among the depicted workers. This particular work was found in her father’s studio—a mere sketch completed by Emigdio—prompting Rosemary to overcome her initial hesitation about finishing it. Her family’s encouragement led her to bring the piece to completion, which now graces the museum’s exhibition space.

Known for shedding light on the authentic experiences of the barrio neighborhoods in Orange, Emigdio Vasquez is often referred to as the “godfather of Chicano art.” His paintings offer a vivid glimpse into the past, revealing scenes of not only orange packing houses but also vibrant street life. Many of these works have remained in private collections until now, allowing museum visitors to connect deeply with their personal memories and the local histories represented.

The Hilbert Museum, which is marking its 10th anniversary this year, embodies a commitment to California art. Situated across from the Orange Train Depot and a few blocks from the historic downtown Orange Circle, it houses an extensive array of works, much of it acquired by its founders, Mark and Janet Hilbert. The museum’s layout features two interconnected buildings adorned with an iconic Millard Sheets mosaic, “Pleasures Along the Beach.”

Within the southern wing, the vibrancy of the Vasquez family’s legacy is palpable. Textual narratives accompany each painting, enriching the viewer’s understanding of California’s citrus heritage. Adjacent to the Vasquez gallery, visitors can explore “Cabinets of Wonder: The Art of Ralph Allen Massey.” His works blur the lines between collage and painting, creating evocative representations of cultural artifacts with playful shapes and unconventional arrangements.

As you exit, you are met with another striking exhibit celebrating Route 66’s centennial, curated by Joan Gladstone. The paintings evoke nostalgia, depicting diners, motels, and roadside attractions that have defined this landmark highway.

Extending beyond traditional art displays, the Hilbert Museum also features a permanent collection of vintage radios, highlighting technological relics from the past. A notable piece is the Keystone Sparton Nocturne radio from 1935, reflecting the intersection of art and design.

Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offering free admission, the Hilbert Museum of California Art invites the public to explore its diverse offerings, including a unique exhibit curated by Chapman University students. For more information, visit HilbertMuseum.org.