Why Mr. Price, You Amaze Me – Touring the Vincent Price Art Museum

Now what is the first thing you think about when you hear the name Vincent Price? Curator of the wax museum? Slimy fiancee of the recently deceased Laura? Inventor of Edward Scissorhands? What if I said consummate collector of over 900 pieces of art? Would that surprise you?  It sure did surprise me.

In 1957 Vincent Price and his wife Mary Grant donated 90 pieces of art to East Los Angeles College. Over the next 40 years they continued to donate ultimately bestowing the college with over 900 pieces from their collection. This year the late Mr. Price was given the ultimate tribute to his generosity – an art museum named in his honor located on campus.

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting this brand new museum. I must say, it sure beats the one located at my alma mater. Just look at it.

Pretty snazzy, huh? The Vincent Price Art Museum consists of three floors containing seven galleries. The collection contains permanent pieces and rotating exhibits. There were three temporary exhibits at the time of my visit – 2011 Juried Student Art Exhibition, Sonia Romero’s Inner Landscape, and Round Trip: Eight East Los Angeles College Alumni Artists. I just love that two of the three exhibits are related to the students and alumni of the college. Not only is the museum cultivating an appreciation of art but one of community as well. That is impressive.

My favorite exhibit held the artwork of Sonia Romero. I had never heard of her before my visit but now I’ve officially joined the fan club. These are a couple of the pieces on display.

courtesy of Ms. Romero’s website

courtesy of Ms. Romero’s website

I just love them.

But what about the pieces belonging to Vincent Price? Much of it is on display in the permanent collection. At this time there is a large selection of Pre-Columbian works on display.

Oh, and I almost forgot the mention the best part. Admission is free!

Vincent Price Art Museum
1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez
Monterey Park, CA  91754
park on 6th floor of structure 3, $2 permit required