Her Great Gift: The Nancy Dustin Wall Moure Collection

About

The picture of Mission San Gabriel created in the 1830s is believed to be the first oil painting made in Southern California. From there the collection departs on a journey that parallels California’s boom in population, matched by an immense output of artistic diversity. The Nancy Dustin Wall Moure Collection spans across time and demonstrates how early preferences for painting dark, formal and interior spaces were replaced by scenes of the outdoors, explorations of light and imagery that captures the quintessential California lifestyle.

Moure began working at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in the 1960s. As Assistant Curator of American Art her first assignment was to answer letters from the public inquiring about their artworks. Information about American art was limited. Information about California art was practically non-existent. Using index cards, Moure began recording every Southern California artist she came across while searching exhibition catalogs, reviews in newspapers and periodicals. This effort eventually led to her seminal Dictionary of Art and Artists in Southern California Before 1930. Today, more than 50 books, articles and exhibitions can be attributed to Moure who has chronicled the entire state of California art from its beginning to present day in California Art: 450 Years of Painting and Other Media.

In 1989, Moure began collecting art. She was guided by an independent eye that focused on artist technique and art historical relevance instead of value or art market trends. Because of its dedication to California art, Moure selected Laguna Art Museum as the recipient of a donation of nearly 100 artworks, her original research materials and 1,000 books for the museum’s library.

Each year Laguna Art Museum presents the Wendt Award to an individual who has made a significant contribution to understanding or promoting California art. This year we are pleased to acknowledge Nancy Dustin Wall Moure for her great gift.