California knows how to party

It's a little stressful being a Californian right now, what with this disastrous drought and the “If it's yellow, let it mellow” philosophy that accompanies it. One day in the future, amidst a yard of river rock and succulents, some youngster will reflect on the absurdity of his or her ancestors having had extremely large patches of water-guzzling vegetation in their yards primarily for aesthetic purposes, and our fair state will have evolved and adapted. Right? Right.

But as we come to grips with the changing environs, take time to appreciate the lushness that is and was California. The Crocker Art Museum honors the work of two painters celebrated for their distinctive portrayals of the Golden State over the last century: Armin Hansen (1886-1957), renowned for his impressionist depictions of life on the Pacific coast, and contemporary realist David Ligare (whose oil painting “Penelope” is pictured above), known for his current yet classical take on still-life portraits and fertile, golden-lit landscapes.

The museum's associate director and chief curator Scott A. Shields, who has authored books on both painters, will conduct a presentation, followed by a lecture and book signing with Ligare. The day's events will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. Tickets range from $35-$42 with an option to preorder a lunchbox from the Crocker Cafe by Supper Club for $15. Armin Hansen: The Artful Voyage runs through October 11, and David Ligare: California Classicist runs through September 20. 216 O Street, www.crockerart.org.