Trotter Museum-Gallery

Trotter Museum-Gallery is a museum and art gallery located in Pacific Grove, California, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the artistic and cultural heritage of the Monterey Peninsula region art.

Overview
The Pacific Grove Museum-Gallery, embracing the philosophy of preserving the past and enriching the future, provides a free and educational experience to the public. The facility, covering an area of about 4,000 square feet, is devoted to exhibiting a range of early California artworks and rare artifacts that highlight the historical legacies of the local area.

Exhibitions
Key exhibits at the Trotter Museum-Gallery include those dedicated to Samuel Finley Brown Morse and the historic Hotel Del Monte. The gallery features the works of influential early California artists like Armin Hansen, William Ritschel, Jules Tavernier, E. Charlton Fortune, Francis McComas, Jo Mora,, M. DeNeale Morgan, and Bruton sisters. It also honors celebrated authors such as John Steinbeck and Robert Louis Stevenson, thereby offering an expansive view of the region's artistic and literary history.

Jules Tavernier (1844–1889)
The museum contains works by Jules Tavernier, including some of the artist's artifacts, such as Jules Tavernier's painting palette. Tavernier founded an art colony on the Monterey Peninsula and briefly established a studio at the Girardin Hotel (now called Stevenson House). In November 1875, Tavernier, alongside Walter Paris, leased space on Alvarado Street, establishing the first dedicated artist's studio in Monterey.

Jo Mora (1876–1947)
In 2016, Trotter Galleries in Pacific Grove enhanced its collection with the acquisition of seven of Jo Mora's "Fable" mural paintings. These murals, originally commissioned for San Francisco's Drake-Wiltshire Hotel during the Depression, are known for their uplifting and whimsical nature. The artworks feature anthropomorphic animals dressed in period clothing, engaging in various festive activities. Among these vibrant and lively pieces is a painting of mountain lion gals playing piano and singing, a jackrabbit in overalls, a raccoon as a trapper, and other California historical archetypes. Displayed at Trotter Galleries, these murals are not only commanding and delightful but are also complemented by various artifacts, books, and pictorial cards, showcasing the extensive and significant work of Jo Mora, a seminal Western artist who found his home in the United States.

Samuel Bolton Colburn (1909–1993) and John Steinbeck
The Trotter Museum is home to an extensive collection of works by Samuel Bolton Colburn (1909-1993). This collection provides an in-depth look at his artistic contributions, with an emphasis on the "Steinbeck era" of the 1930s and '40s, named after the Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck. Among the highlights of the Trotter Museum's Colburn collection is the watercolor "Put Your Little Foot Down There." Painted at El Nido, historically known as "The Keg," this piece reflects the vibrant local life of downtown Monterey at 301 Alvarado Street. "The Keg" was a popular spot for many, including Steinbeck and marine biologist Doc Ricketts; it was mentioned by Steinbeck in his travelogue "Travels with Charley: In Search of America." The museum has a substantial collection of books and memorabilia related to John Steinbeck, who resided in Pacific Grove for several years.

Hotel del Monte
The Trotter Museum houses a historical section dedicated to the iconic Hotel Del Monte, featuring a collection that includes maps and historical documents of the 17-Mile Drive. The collection includes some of the guest books that offer a glimpse into the past patrons of the hotel. Additionally, the museum showcases a photograph collection and architectural plans of the hotel.

Perry Newberry (1870–1938)
The Gallery has a small section devoted to Perry Newberry, former mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea. In the 1923 "Atlas of the Village," artist and cartoonist Jimmy Swinnerton depicted Mayor Newberry as the pillar of Carmel-by-the-Sea, joyfully endorsing various cultural aspects such as literature, art, music, theater, and even eccentricities. It is now on display at the Trotter Museum.

Kalisa Moore (1926–2009)
In one of the windows of the Trotter Museum-Gallery, there is a large stained glass piece that was once a feature of Kalisa Moore's "La Ida Café" on Cannery Row in Monterey. La Ida Café became a cultural hotspot, attracting a diverse crowd that included famous individuals like John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts, as well as bellydancers, bohemians, and beatniks. The café stood as a symbol of Moore's reign. She was known for her distinctive style, often seen perched on a wooden throne, adorned with feathers, and enjoying inexpensive wine. The café closed its doors in 2007, and Moore passed away in 2009.

Granville Redmond (1871–1935)
The Granville Redmond section of the gallery showcases Redmond's paintings along with some notes from Charlie Chaplin. Redmond contracted scarlet fever at around the age of 2½ to 3; following his recovery, he was discovered to be deaf. Redmond formed a bond with Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin, intrigued by the expressiveness inherent in American Sign Language used by deaf individuals, sought Redmond's expertise. This collaboration influenced the development of Chaplin's techniques in his silent film performances. Recognizing Redmond's artistic talent, Chaplin provided him with a studio on his movie lot, became a collector of Redmond's paintings, and supported his participation in silent film acting. Notably, Redmond played the role of a sculptor in the film City Lights.

Armin Hansen's Collection (1886–1957)
A prominent feature of the Trotter Museum-Gallery is the dedicated section to Armin Hansen, strategically placed just inside the gallery’s entrance. This area showcases several of Hansen’s sketches and studies, which he later transformed into full-scale paintings. One notable display pairs a finished painting of a grove of trees with the original charcoal sketch Hansen created on-site, a practice that was integral to his studio work. Armin Hansen first visited Monterey in 1913 and eventually made it his home, drawn by the thriving fishing community and the burgeoning art colonies on the Peninsula. His artistic mediums spanned oils, watercolors, and graphic arts, with a particular mastery in etchings. Hansen developed a deep fascination with marine themes, often exploring the intricate relationship between man and the sea in his works. During the early 1920s, Hansen resided near the Stevenson House in Monterey. This period was marked by his active engagement with the local art community, where he frequently hosted gatherings for fellow artists, including members of the Society of Six. By this time, Hansen had established himself not only as one of California’s most renowned artists but also as a highly influential teacher of his era.

History and present
The Trotter Museum-Gallery is a continuation of a family tradition that began in 1965 when Lee and Dick Trotter opened an antique shop in Pacific Grove. In July 2016, Terry and Paula Trotter launched the Museum-Gallery at the same location. The gallery is divided into sections, each dedicated to a specific artist or historical theme. Beyond artwork, the exhibits include personal artifacts such as letters, brushes, and carving tools. The space also functions as a part library, offering books and comfortable chairs for a relaxed reading experience. The Trotter Museum-Gallery serves as a research resource, primarily focusing on early California painters. Designed to cater to a diverse audience, it offers individual and group visits, including docent-led tours and educational classes.