Celebrating Everyday Life in Art: The Hilbert Museum and Pageant of the Masters Collaboration
Mark Hilbert, a passionate art collector and co-founder of Chapman University’s Hilbert Museum of California Art, places a strong emphasis on the everyday themes in art. This grounding in the ordinary is a shared vision that resonates deeply with Diane Challis Davy, the directing force behind the beloved Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. Davy’s direction aims to illuminate the beauty of life’s daily moments, inviting spectators to engage with art in a unique and personal way. This is particularly evident in their recent collaboration, where select pieces from the Hilbert Museum are set to be showcased as living pictures during the 2025 Pageant of the Masters show, titled “Gold Coast: Treasures of California.”
This year, the Pageant of the Masters breathes life into five selected masterpieces from the Hilbert Museum’s collection. Among the notable artworks is “Monday at the Crab Cooker” by Bradford J. Salamon, which captures a nostalgic moment at a renowned Balboa Peninsula restaurant. Not only does this painting hold artistic significance, but it also holds personal meaning for Hilbert himself — he appears as a character in the artwork. On July 9, Hilbert will make a special appearance during the show, embodying the very essence of connection between the artist, the artwork, and the storyteller, making this collaboration a standout experience for audiences.
Diane Challis Davy meticulously curated the art pieces to align with the Pageant’s overarching theme. The show serves not only as an artistic showcase but as an invitation to embark on a journey through California’s cultural heritage. Along with the Hilbert Museum’s collection, the event features masterpieces from esteemed institutions like the Norton Simon Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and more, creating a tapestry of Californian storytelling. Davy hopes this summer experience inspires audiences to seek out the featured museums and engage with art physically rather than through digital reproductions. She emphasizes the unique connection formed when one stands before an original piece, observing the brushstrokes and the artist’s intent.
Hilbert attributes the success of his museum’s mission to his late wife, Janet, who believed that depicting people in artwork significantly enhances its intrigue. Her vision has taken root in the museum’s philosophy, culminating in the Pageant of the Masters collaboration. The integration of living art into the show is more than just an artistic endeavor; it is a celebration of community and the stories that bind us together. Hilbert reflects on the opportunity to share a piece of his journey as part of the living narrative that unfolds throughout the show, delivering a profound personal connection that accentuates the meaning of the artwork showcased.
Challis Davy discovered the potential for collaboration through her admiration for Hilbert’s collection, particularly the works of local artists she recognized from her family’s connections in the art community. This serendipitous relationship blossomed into a partnership that allows the expression of cultural pride and local stories through the lens of creativity. Each painting incorporates elements of Orange County’s rich narrative, showcasing not only the art but the lifestyle and history that frames it. The inclusion of multiple Salamon pieces speaks to local hangouts and traditions, mapping out community roots that resonate with attendees.
Salamon, the talented artist behind the selected pieces, was tasked to create an additional painting that embodied the spirit of California’s coastal lifestyle. The result is the delightful “Marine Room,” which captures the essence of another iconic local venue, adding depth to the narrative Davy has woven into the showcase. The commission reflects a playful approach to storytelling, where humor and community engagement merge seamlessly. The show’s success hinges not just on captivating art but on the accessibility of narratives that evoke nostalgia and foster connections among the audience.
As the Pageant of the Masters continues to run until August 29, both Hilbert and Davy hope this celebration of everyday moments will encourage audiences to engage with art personally and intimately. By spotlighting pieces that tell stories common to the Californian experience, they are reinforcing the notion that art is not just to be observed from a distance but to be entered into and lived within. As Hilbert said, it’s a rare opportunity to step into living art alongside recognizable local stories, creating memories that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on attendees and deepen their appreciation for the remarkable interconnectedness of life, art, and storytelling. For more details and tickets, visit foapom.com.
