Canyon Colors: The Botanical Art of Clara Mason Fox

Recent Exhibit

Moulton Museum is proud to present Clara Mason Fox’s first-ever solo exhibition, Canyon Colors: The Botanical Art of Clara Mason Fox. This groundbreaking exhibit features 32 original botanical illustrations, carefully selected from the California Botanic Garden Library’s 150-piece collection. Many of these works are rarely displayed, if ever seen before, making this a truly special opportunity to experience Fox’s artistic legacy.

Fox’s delicate yet scientifically detailed botanical watercolors showcase the rich biodiversity of Silverado Canyon, bringing to life the unique flora of Southern California’s canyon landscapes. Her work, spanning from sketches to fully realized watercolor paintings, highlights not just the beauty of native plants but also her passion for botanical documentation and preservation.

This exhibition not only celebrates Fox’s artistic achievements but also her pioneering spirit as a teacher, historian, and early chronicler of Orange County’s natural and cultural heritage. As a personal friend of Nellie Gail Moulton, Fox shared a midwestern background, a deep love of art, and an independent, adventurous spirit—qualities that defined both her life and work.

Exhibit Highlights:

Botanical Watercolors
Fox’s detailed watercolor paintings depict the native flora of Silverado Canyon, bridging science and art through botanical documentation.

Rare Archival Works
For the first time in a solo exhibition, explore 32 original pieces that offer a glimpse into Fox’s meticulous artistic process, from early sketches to fully developed works—some even including handwritten scientific notes.

A Story of Resilience & Exploration
Beyond her art, Clara Mason Fox was a trailblazer—a teacher, poet, historian, and adventurer. In an era when few women traveled alone, she journeyed from El Toro (now Lake Forest) to New York City to study at Cooper Union, one of the nation’s most prestigious art schools.

A Legacy in Words and Paint
Fox’s botanical illustrations, combined with her poetry and writings, document a vanishing California landscape and offer a timeless reflection on the relationship between people and nature.

Connections to Nellie Gail Moulton
Like Moulton, Fox was a pioneer in the arts and education, shaping Orange County’s cultural and artistic history. This exhibit honors her underrecognized contributions to California’s artistic and environmental heritage.

About Clara Mason Fox

Clara Mason Fox (1873-1959) was an artist, educator, and historian, known for her detailed botanical illustrations and her early visual records of Laguna Beach and Silverado Canyon. She was the first historian of El Toro (Lake Forest) and a beloved teacher who bridged cultures by writing poetry in both English and Spanish.

Her artwork and writings serve as a vital historical record, capturing a time when Orange County was still a rural, agricultural landscape. This exhibition sheds light on her remarkable career, artistic skill, and lasting influence.

Plan Your Visit

Moulton Museum – Nellie’s Gallery
Opening Night: Thursday, March 27 | 6-8 PM
Admission: Included with general museum entry

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind exhibition, celebrating Clara Mason Fox’s artistic brilliance, pioneering spirit, and the breathtaking landscapes of Silverado Canyon.

Type:
Recent Exhibit

Location:
Nellie’s Gallery
25258 Cabot Rd
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Dates of the Exhibit:
March 27, 2025 – June 26, 2025

This exhibit is now closed. Please view our digital gallery at the bottom of this page.

View the article by Lorraine Passero – Walking Beside Clara Mason Fox

Closing Reception

Join us for a special evening celebrating the closing of Clara Mason Fox’s first-ever solo exhibition, Canyon Colors: The Botanical Art of Clara Mason Fox! Be among the first to experience 32 stunning original botanical watercolors, showcasing the biodiversity of Silverado Canyon and Southern California’s rich landscapes.

Enjoy:
– Complimentary snacks & refreshments
– A exclusive look at Fox’s rarely displayed works
– Insight into Fox’s journey as an artist, educator, and historian

Come celebrate art, history, and Women’s History Month with us at Moulton Museum!