Alex Ross comic book art fans superheroes await at The Haggin Museum in Stockton

Rating:  Star! Star! Star! Star! Star!

Alex Ross is the caped crusader of comic book art. His feats of fancy began as a young child – early drawings and construction paper creations were clear indicators of his future talents. At 23, he was hired by Marvel Comics as an illustrator – Bam! Zap! Zowee! – the rest is legendary superhero history.

The Haggin and Alex Ross share symbiotic and devoted relationships with illustrator J.C. Leyendecker. How many among us know thatLeyendecker was the nation’s most popular and successful commercial artist – gracing the covers of Collier’s magazine and the Saturday Evening Post, yes, way back in the day. The connection here? The Haggin Museum’s collection of more than 50 original Leyendecker works is the largest held by any other museum. Side-by-side, Leyendecker and Ross share a spotlight in this current exhibit which features more than 130 works from Ross’ personal collection.

Heroes & Villains runs until January 18, 2015. Don’t miss the 1st & 3rd Thursdays with Food & Drink – November 6th features art scholar Alice B. Carter and November 20th, comic book artist Ramon Villalobos. 2nd Saturdays for Families with art activities for children ages 5-12 specially-designed to complement the temporary exhibitions on display

“The Haggin Museum is a hidden gem,” says publicity coordinator Meredith Lange. “People are amazed at the major works of art. Other museums know what we have and are very interested in our collections.” Exactly why The Andy Warhol Museum (located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) contacted The Haggin and borrowed two Leyendecker pieces for the first Heroes & Villains show which took place at the museum in 2011.

An art and history museum, The Haggin is world-renown and does Stockton proud. Other major works include 19th- and early 20th-century American and European artists Jean Béraud, Rosa Bonheur, William Bouguereau, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Paul Gauguin, George Inness and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Landscapes of Yosemite Valley by American painter Albert Bierstadt are awe-inspiring. The Haggin has the largest museum collection of major Bierstadt works.

Holy artwork Batman, lots of super(latives) for Stockton!

The Haggin Museum
1201 N. Pershing Ave.
Stockton, CA 95203-1699
Saturdays & Sundays, 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesdays through Fridays, 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.
(last admission 4:45 p.m.)
1st & 3rd Thursdays, 1:30 to 9:00 p.m.
(last admission 8:45 p.m.)