Pomona Valley News

The Claremont Lewis Museum of Art has announced a series of new exhibitions scheduled for 2025. These exhibitions will cover diverse themes, such as the art of instrument making, the intersection of language and art, and the exploration of color and abstraction. A pop-up show featuring numerous local artists is also planned.

The museum expressed gratitude to its donors for their support in making these exhibitions possible. It encourages community members to visit regularly to explore new exhibits throughout the year. The museum is located at the historic Claremont Depot on 200 W. First Street.

One of the upcoming exhibitions, "Sound Formations: Artist, Musician, Instrument Maker," will run from April 5 to July 13, 2025. This group exhibition will display handcrafted musical instruments recognized as works of art. The region around Claremont has a rich history with musicians and instrument makers who continue to create unique pieces valued by musicians over mass-produced items. Curated by Mike Kotzen and Martin Maudal, it will feature works by several artists including Henry Barnes and Richard Barnes.

On July 19, 2025, local artists will participate in CLMA’s annual one-day pop-up show "Free for All" from 4-9 pm. With no fees or restrictions on participation, hundreds of artists are expected to fill the museum's galleries with their work. The event aims to foster community building through unfiltered artistic expression.

"Complications in Color," scheduled from August 2 to November 16, 2025, will focus on abstract art's complexity beyond its aesthetic appeal. It challenges traditional views that have historically ignored psychological and political contexts within abstraction. The exhibition includes contributions from Rachel Lachowicz and Terry O’Shea among others.

From December 6, 2025, to March 22, 2026, "She Opens the Door: Women Artists and Writers Shape Language and Space" will be presented under the curation of Poet-in-Residence Chloe Martinez. This exhibition examines female agency through language and art with contributions from artists across Southern California.

Currently on view until March 23 is "Home in Aztlán: The Garcia Collection of Chicanx Art." Sponsored by various organizations including Epic Design Build Inc., this exhibition showcases Cathy and Frank Garcia's collection reflecting community-based collecting practices within Chicanx art circles.

For more information about these exhibitions or visiting hours—12-4 pm Friday through Sunday—interested individuals can visit clmoa.org.