Millard Sheets Gallery

The Millard Sheets Gallery, a 12,000 square foot building built in 1937, is the showcase for the Art Program at the Los Angeles County Fair. It features an annual exhibition of remarkable quality and New Photography, a national competition. Noteworthy artists, local and national, past and present; outstanding art collections; and historic artifacts are displayed for all to enjoy.The art program originated seventy-seven years ago in the corner of a tent, under the direction of Theodore Modre. In 1930, Millard Sheets succeeded Modre. Aided by the Works Progress Administration, a 12,000 square-foot gallery was built in 1937 which, before the opening of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, served as the art exhibition hub of the County. During his twenty-five year reign, Sheets presented some of the most impressive exhibitions ever to be mounted in Los Angeles with artwork from the Louvre, the British Museum and numerous national museums. After Sheets resignation, Richard Peterson assumed the directorship, followed by Christy Johnson. In 1994 the Gallery was dedicated to Sheets, and in July of 1999 the Gallery was granted a 501(c)(3) status. The current annual attendance is 500,000.Each year, concurrent with the Fair, the Gallery presents a curated, theme-based show. In addition, there are a number of programs that augment the major exhibition: demonstrations, "meet the artist" series, docent tours, hands-on workshops, photography competition and retail Book Store.