David Park pioneered the Bay Area Figurative movement in the 1950s, which is now considered the most significant single contribution of the Bay Area to 20th century American Art. Rejecting abstract art, the prevailing art style of the day, Park yearned for the warmth, liveliness and spontaneity, which he felt must be explored through the human figure.

The movement included other celebrated artists that he worked with, including Richard Diebenkorn, Elmer Bischoff and Joan Brown, whose art we will also touch on in our tour. Museum guide Bernice Iwamoto will talk about Park’s place in the movement and discuss some of his most stirring images.