American Art At the Huntington

Designed as a preparatory video for children who are going to visit the Virginia Steele Scott collection of American art at the Huntington, this cleverly shot program follows a young host (we see only hands or feet) as she hip hops through the gallery and art history. Viewers see works by Copley, Sargent, Cassatt, Stuart, and others, and learn about the patronage system, various ways to create portraits, and the expatriate art movement in Paris. While well-written and nicely produced, the framing device of the program (the assumption that the video is being shown to a class on their way to the Huntington) greatly reduces the possible audience. Southern California libraries and elementary and junior high schools will want, but for others this is not a necessary purchase. (R. Pitman)