San Francisco’s Chinatown is built around Grant Avenue, which is depicted here by painter Jack Laycox. Chinese immigrants have faced a turbulent history in the United States; discriminatory laws prevented them from marrying non-Chinese, to vote, and they are the only ethnic group to have been specifically denied entrance to this country. However, times have changed. In 2015, the Chinese became the largest single immigrant group to the U.S. It will be interesting to observe how the cultures will continue to blend. You might even watch it happen yourself and visit Grant Avenue- just as Jack Laycox did half a decade ago. Jack Laycox "Night on Grant Avenue" Watercolor on paper, 1964 Hilbert Collection #HilbertMuseum #JackLaycox #AsianPacificHeritageMonth #AsianPacificMonth #watercolor #fineart #californiaart #californiascenepainting #chinatown #SanFrancisco #ChapmanUniversity #chapmanu

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Max King Cap Artist Max King Cap has utilized a wide range of materials and techniques over the course of his career, such as found textiles or acrylic painting. His art often questions, criticizes, or otherwise raises issue with various sociological, political, or racial topics. Drawing from his own life as an African American who grew up in foster care, Cap imbues his work with the sense of gravity that comes from directly experiencing adversity. "Full of Spiders" draws the viewer's eye in with its flailing, nightmarish tendrils. Both mesmerizing and frightening, perhaps the piece explores Cap's personal journey through hell, while also inviting us all to look inward and face our own demons. Will you gaze long into the abyss? #maxkingcap #art #contemporaryart #contemporary #acrylicpaint #fullofspiders #nightmare #scaryart #halloween #californiaart #fright #escalette #chapmanu #escalettecollection #chapmanuniversity

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Tzadik (צ) is for charity (צדקה). Charity is an important tenant of the Jewish faith. Called “tzadeqah,” giving aid to those in need is considered a duty of all faithful Jews. During Hanukkah, small gifts of money called “gelt” are exchanged, often given to children as a reward for studying the Torah well. This gave rise to the popular chocolate coins, which are also often used in playing dreidel games. The origin of gelt is tied to the Jewish concept of tzadeqah; money was given to the poor who could not afford to buy candles, giving them a way to join the Hanukkah celebrations without feeling any shame. Michael Hafftka “Tzadik” Watercolor on paper, 2006 Gift of the artist #michaelhafftka #hanukkah #jewishart #happyhanukkah #chanukkah #fineart #contemporaryart #watercolor #chapmanuniversity #chapmanu #escalettecollection

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Shin (ש) is for Oil (שמן). Oil is a central part of the Hanukkah celebration. According to Talmud, after the Maccabees retook Jerusalem and rededicated the temple to the Jewish faith, they needed to light the menorah at the altar. Unfortunately, the Greeks had defiled almost all of the ritual oil in the temple before they left. Only one jar with an unbroken seal remained- enough for one night- yet the menorah continued to burn for 8 nights, allowing enough time to create more ritually pure oil. This miracle was taken as a favorable sign from God, and this is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights Michael Hafftka Shin Watercolor on paper, 2007 Gift of the artist #michaelhafftka #hanukkah #jewishart #happyhanukkah #chanukkah #fineart #contemporaryart #watercolor #chapmanuniversity #chapmanu #escalettecollection

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Christmas is fast approaching and we’re counting down the last days with a selection of Russian icons from our collection. Icons play an important role in the Orthodox Christian faith, serving as manifestation of the divine world in our human one. Icons are displayed in both churches and private homes, and are even made in miniature forms for travel. While made to be beautiful and inspiring, the aesthetic value of icons is far secondary to their religious function, which is to create a place of worship and foster spiritual thought and experience. Mother of God "Banish My Sorrows" Tempera and gold leaf on panel, 19th century Gift of Evelyn LaLanne #russianart #arthistory #iconart #icons #christianart #christmasart #instaart #fineart #religiousart #chapmanuniverstiy #chapmanu #escalettecollection #christmas #merrychristmas #artforchristmas

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