Preserving History, Celebrating Art
At Moulton Museum, we are dedicated to preserving the rich history of Orange County, and this spring, we are honored to showcase the pioneering artistry of Clara Mason Fox in her first-ever solo exhibition, Canyon Colors: The Botanical Art of Clara Mason Fox. This remarkable exhibit unveils 32 original botanical watercolors, offering a rare glimpse into her delicate yet scientifically detailed works documenting the flora of Silverado Canyon and beyond.
Opening Reception: A Night to Remember
On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Moulton Museum will host a special opening reception for Canyon Colors. This immersive event will provide art lovers, historians, and nature enthusiasts a chance to explore Fox’s breathtaking works while celebrating her lasting contributions to the artistic and cultural heritage of Southern California.
📅 Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Moulton Museum – Nellie’s Gallery
She Was a Trailblazer
“She was such a forward-thinking, brave woman who took chances that were available to her at that time.” – Lorraine Passero
Clara Mason Fox’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and adventure. Born in 1873 in Jackson Township, Ohio, she moved with her family to Illinois before settling in Silverado Canyon, California, in 1887. Her family homesteaded 120 acres in the canyon, where they ran the Mason Chateau, a small resort built around a sulfur spring.
Fox’s artistry extended beyond painting—she was also a historian and poet, capturing the natural beauty and pioneering spirit of early Orange County. She studied at Cooper Union in New York City, traveling alone across the country, a rarity for women at the time. Her independence and drive set her apart as a true pioneer.
From Homestead to High Art
Fox’s early years were shaped by a love of nature, which she combined with a passion for art. She became a schoolteacher in Silverado Canyon, where she learned Spanish to communicate with her students. Her poetry was often written in both English and Spanish, reflecting her deep connection to the diverse culture of California.
One of her translated verses reads:
Oh, to feel once again the salt breeze
O’ver the foams
Of joy, give me one, if no other!
I want to return, and to dwell in a home
By the sea in Laguna forever.
At 22, Fox left California for New York to attend Cooper Union’s prestigious art school. Only 265 of 500 applicants were accepted, and fewer than 200 completed their coursework. Clara was among the talented few who studied pen and ink, pencil, and charcoal drawing. Before returning home in 1897, her friend group, “The Spread,” gifted her a copy of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, a testament to their belief in her bright future.
The Botanical Art of Silverado Canyon
Fox’s botanical watercolors are a fusion of scientific observation and artistic expression. Through her work, she documented native plant species with stunning accuracy, bridging the gap between art and science. Many of these pieces, selected from the California Botanic Garden Library’s 150-piece collection, have never been exhibited before, making this an extraordinary opportunity to experience her artistic mastery.
Exhibit Highlights:
🌿 Botanical Watercolors: Discover the rich biodiversity of Silverado Canyon through Fox’s intricate botanical illustrations.
📜 Rare Archival Works: See original sketches, watercolors, and handwritten scientific notes that provide insight into her meticulous creative process.
📖 A Legacy in Words & Paint: Explore how Fox combined her love of poetry and visual art to document Orange County’s vanishing landscapes.
🌎 Pioneering Women in Art & History: Celebrate Fox’s influence as an educator and documentarian, whose work preserved an important chapter of Southern California’s cultural and environmental history.
A Life of Adventure and Impact
After returning home, Clara married George Fox in 1905 at age 33—considered a late marriage for the time. They moved to Los Angeles, where George worked in the oil fields, and Clara continued writing and painting. Her first book of poetry, In Pleasant Places, was published in 1924, with excerpts appearing in the Los Angeles Times.
By the 1930s, Clara and George returned to El Toro (modern-day Lake Forest). They traveled extensively, even venturing on a six-month trip to Yosemite. Clara used rocks and an old stone pestle, once used by Native Americans, to construct a unique fireplace in their home.
She remained active in the community, serving as secretary for the local P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), which supported women’s education. In 1938, the El Toro Women’s Club asked her to write the first complete history of El Toro, preserving the town’s early days for future generations.
A Lasting Legacy
Clara Mason Fox believed modernization was reshaping society in ways that eroded community bonds. She noted that automobiles reduced reliance on neighbors and altered courtship traditions. Despite these changes, she remained dedicated to preserving history through her art, poetry, and historical writings.
Clara passed away in 1959 at the age of 85 and is buried at Santa Ana Cemetery beside her husband, George. Today, her work stands as a testament to her pioneering spirit and her love of the landscapes she so carefully documented.
Join Us in Celebrating Clara Mason Fox
Don’t miss this extraordinary exhibition that brings together art, history, and nature. Whether you are an art enthusiast, historian, or someone who cherishes the beauty of California’s landscapes, Canyon Colors offers a unique opportunity to connect with Clara Mason Fox’s timeless work.
📅 Exhibit Dates: March 27 – June 25, 2025
📍 Location: Moulton Museum – Nellie’s Gallery, 25258 Cabot Rd, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
🎟 Plan Your Visit & RSVP for the Opening Reception
Join us on March 27th for a one-night-only celebration of Clara Mason Fox’s artistic legacy. Enjoy refreshments, mingle with fellow art lovers, and be among the first to view this rare collection.
Sign Up for the Opening Reception Here
Preserving the past, inspiring the future—Moulton Museum invites you to step into the world of Clara Mason Fox.
Researched by Jeff Ashley
