At the beginning of the 20th century, a distinctive artistic style that combined aspects of European and American Impressionism developed in California. This style was called California Impressionism or California Plein Air painting, from the French for "in the open air." California, with its temperate climate, liberal sunshine and striking landscape, was an especially popular locale for painters who worked outdoors, seeking to infuse their canvases with intense light and color.

Curated by William H. Gerdts, Professor Emeritus, Graduate School of the City University of New York, and Jean Stern, Executive Director, the Irvine Museum, All Things Bright and Beautiful is a tribute to the Irvine Museum’s dedication to preserving California’s rich Impressionist heritage. The exhibition includes 57 paintings and one porcelain vase, and the works are displayed in thematic groupings dedicated to Spanish missions, flora and figures, the California coastline, mountain grandeur, scenes from home and abroad, and Post-Impressionist styles.  Adjacent to the exhibition will be a “Discovery Room” that explains the development of Impressionism in France and how it came to America and California. This section will feature works from the Columbus Museum’s collection, including Sara and her Mother with the Baby (no.1) by Mary Cassatt.