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E. Charlton Fortune 1885-1969
Historical Exhibition
August 2 – September 5, 2001
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Exhibition:
E. Charlton Fortune (1885-1969), one of California’s premiere impressionistic painters, was the featured artist for the Carmel Art Association's biennial historical exhibition from August 2nd – September 5th, 2001. The Exhibition included approximately 50 landscape paintings and provided a glimpse of her work with the Monterey Guild as a liturgical artist.
Because of the high value of Ms. Fortune’s work, this exhibition was one of the most prestigious and expensive shows to be held in Carmel’s history.
Euphemia Charlton Fortune was chosen for the 2001 exhibition not only for her talent as a painter, but also for her strength of character. In 1927, she became active in the newly formed Carmel Art Association and served as Vice President from 1934-1936. In mid-career, Fortune abandoned landscape painting and founded the Monterey Guild, grouping around her artists and artisans dedicated to reviving ecclesiastical art by decorating small Catholic Churches, which began with St. Angela’s in Pacific Grove, California. Fortune described her work with the Guild as “making bad churches less awful” and became so involved, that she decided to devote her whole time to it. By 1943, the Guild had completed thirty-four churches around the country. The Monterey Guild was the only group of American artists asked to show at the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay.
Although many of the association's early women artists have been honored in special group historical exhibitions at the CAA, this was the first time one woman painter was featured. Fortune is now recognized as one of the most significant painters in the history of California art and has become one of the most sought after women painters of the West.
With this special exhibition of the work of E. Charlton Fortune, the Carmel Art Association continues in its tradition of honoring the early members who formed its history. Seventy-three years after its inception, it remains true to the original goal of offering local artists a gallery of their own.
Catalogue: (view samples)
A special commemorative catalogue has been published by the Carmel Art Association in conjunction with the show which features over seventy color images of her work. The catalogue includes an introduction by Dr. William H. Gerdts, internationally known author of the definitive book on California Impressionism. Additional authors include: Steve Hauk, Hauk Fine Arts, Pacific Grove, CA., Penny Perlmutter, Perlmutter Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA and Tina S. Flaherty, New York, NY.
Lecture:
In conjunction with the E. Charlton Fortune Historical Exhibit, the CAA presented a slide lecture on Thursday, August 9 by Mr. Jean Stern, Executive Director of the Irvine Museum. The lecture featured over 20 of the better known California Impressionist artists, focusing on E. Charlton Fortune.
Mr. Stern, a recognized authority on California Impressionism, is a frequent lecturer and panelist, having made presentations at the National Academy Museum in New York, the Oakland Museum, The Laguna Art Museum and many other museums and galleries.
He is the author of numerous books and articles including monographs on Franz A. Bischoff, Alson S. Clark, Sam Hyde Harris and Elsie Palmer Payne. In addition, Mr. Stern has written essays for several books on California art including Plein Air Painters of California: The Southland, Plein Air Painters of California: The North, and Guy Rose: American Impressionist.
