For more than a century, the California Art Club has promoted the merits of traditional art forms by championing painting and sculpture created using classical art skills. The Annual Gold Medal Exhibition was and continues to be the most vital platform for demonstrating the best of the realist genre. The 113th installment of this storied exhibition was on view to the public at the Hilbert Museum as noted art historian Jean Stern discussed the rich legacy of the California art that was inspired by the early members of the California Art Club. His fully illustrated talk focused on exploring works created by these historical members of the Club, including numerous artists represented in the Hilbert Museum’s permanent collection. These artists’ dedication to excellence has repeatedly raised the bar for traditional art throughout the decades.