The California Art Club

The California Art Club (CAC) is one of the oldest and most prestigious art organizations in the United States, dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional fine art, especially plein air and representational painting.

Founded in 1909, in Los Angeles, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to traditional fine art in the realist tradition—especially landscape, portrait, still life, and figurative work. Membership is open to both professional artists and art patrons via different membership levels.

The CAC is committed to preserving classical techniques and values in painting and sculpture, promoting plein air painting, especially of the California landscape, supporting contemporary-traditional artists and educating the public about representational art through exhibitions, lectures, and community events.

Above image: Esther Engelman – Highland Lake – Soft Pastel on sanded board, 12” x 12” , $1,100

Closing soon!

The 114th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition is now on view and closes on August 9, 2025

VEFA Gallery
21825 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503
Hours: 12 noon to 8 pm
Admission: No Charge
vefagallery.com

Their signature event, the 114th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, returns to Los Angeles County. The CAC is working with an innovative new art venue in the South Bay – VEFA Gallery. The juried Gold Medal artwork will be installed this summer in VEFA’s expansive space.  Presenting Sponsors of the 114th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition include Alyce Williamson.

 

The California Art Club organizes:

• Juried exhibitions (e.g., Annual Gold Medal Exhibition)
• Workshops and painting events (especially outdoors/plein air)
• Demonstrations and lectures by master artists
• Exhibitions in museums and galleries throughout California

They often partner with institutions such as The Autry Museum in Los Angeles, The Natural History Museum of LA County and The Pasadena Museum of California Art (before it closed in 2018).

Notable Events include the Gold Medal Exhibition, which is their signature event held annually since 1911, showcasing top-tier works by contemporary realist painters and sculptors, and Paint-Outs, which are organized outdoor painting sessions in scenic California locations such as the Sierra Nevada, coastal cliffs, and deserts. 

Membership Tiers

• Artist Members: Professional artists whose work meets the club’s standards.
• Signature Artists: Highly accomplished members invited after consistent excellence.
• Patron Members: Collectors and supporters of traditional fine art.
• Student and Associate Members: Emerging artists and enthusiasts.

Learn More or Join

• Website: https://www.californiaartclub.org/
• Social Media accounts on Instagram and Facebook, showcasing artists’ works and events

Upcoming California Art Club (CAC) Events & Exhibitions

Ongoing Exhibition: Plein Air Visions

• When: May 10 through September 7, 2025
• Where: Santa Paula Art Museum, Santa Paula, CA
• What: A juried exhibition showcasing plein air painting from California and beyond.

Master Artist Workshop: Jove Wang

• Dates: August 25–27, 2025 • 9:00 am–4:00 pm
• Location: Pasadena, CA
• What: A plein air workshop led by CAC Signature Artist Jove Wang, open to all skill levels. https://www.californiaartclub.org/event/jove-wang-master-artist-workshop/2025-08-25/

Paint/Sculpt‑Out: Oxnard Heritage Square

• Date: Monday, August 25, 2025 • 9:00 am–1:00 pm
• Region: Malibu/Ventura Chapter
• What: Outdoor painting and sculpture session—perfect for CAC members and plein air enthusiasts.

2025 Virtual Exhibitions

• A Summer’s Night — June 23 to September 19
• Golden Horizons — September 26 to December 12
• Glimmers of Warmth — December 15, 2025 to March 20, 2026
  (These virtual exhibitions aim to support and showcase classical and representational art online.) californiaartclub.org+5californiaartclub.org+5californiaartclub.org+5

Echoes of Yosemite & The Golden State Exhibitions

• Echoes of Yosemite
  • Dates: September 17 to December 14, 2025
  • Venue: Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, Moraga, CA
• The Golden State
  • Dates: September 18, 2025 to January 18, 2026
  • Venue: CAC Gallery at The Old Mill, San Marino, CA
    (Both exhibitions celebrate California’s landscapes and cultural landmarks.) californiaartclub.org+3californiaartclub.org+3californiaartclub.org+3

 114th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition — Artist Reception

• Date: Sunday, June [date TBA] 2026
• Details: A VIP preview to meet exhibiting artists and view nearly 150 works in the Contemporary-Traditional genre.
• Tickets: TBA Some membership tiers are complimentary.

How to Attend / Get Involved

• Members, Patrons & Signature Artists receive invitations and tickets to events like the Gold Medal reception.
• Non-member art enthusiasts may purchase tickets for events (e.g. reception) and can visit exhibitions—both in-person and virtual.
• Artists can submit entries for exhibitions and apply for workshops via the CAC website.