Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center

Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center The Wieghorst Museum preserves the work of Olaf Wieghorst, a great Danish-American twentieth century
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The Wieghorst Museum is an anchor institution in East County San Diego’s El Cajon Art and Entertainment District. The museum includes the artist’s gallery, exhibition space, the artist’s historic home and studio (a local historic landmark building) and a manicured southwest cactus/succulent garden. The museum presents tours, workshops, classes, exhibitions and events. It is available as an event v

enue for business meetings, receptions, weddings, and institutional fundraising. The museum provides a place for artists of the Western genre, both performing and visual, to showcase their art.

Interested in bidding on a Wieghorst?  The Link Auction Galleries in St. Louis, Missouri listed Olaf Wieghorst's "Round-...
09/26/2024

Interested in bidding on a Wieghorst?

The Link Auction Galleries in St. Louis, Missouri listed Olaf Wieghorst's "Round-up Dust" for sale in an on-line auction.

It is a great piece created in 1953 while Olaf was living in El Cajon. Ask yourself, "How did he create the illusion of a dust cloud partially obscuring the cattle and cowboys on the trail?"

Bid now on Invaluable: Olaf Carl Wieghorst, California / Denmark (1899-1988), Round-Up Dust, 1953, oil on canvas from Link Auction Galleries on September 28, 2024, 10:00 AM CST.

Celebrating the first day of fall and cooler temperatures I am bringing in a bevy of colorful succulents tomorrow for th...
09/20/2024

Celebrating the first day of fall and cooler temperatures I am bringing in a bevy of colorful succulents tomorrow for the Bucks for Olaf plant sale being held in the Olaf Wieghorst Museum cactus garden. $1 each or 6 for $5 unless otherwise labeled. We are open from 12 to 4 on Saturdays, as well as 10 to 3 on Fridays. 131 Rea Avenue, El Cajon, California. Non profit and totally run by volunteers. wieghorstmuseum.org

"Racing the Iron Horse" - Oil on Canvas by Andrea RushingThis wonderful painting will be on display at the Olaf Wieghors...
09/11/2024

"Racing the Iron Horse" - Oil on Canvas by Andrea Rushing

This wonderful painting will be on display at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum beginning this Friday, September 13th. And you can meet the artist at 5 p.m. at an informal reception.

This event is a part of El Cajon's annual Alley Cat Art Walk. Won't you join us?

We are in the news! The East County Californian Newspaper called to talk about the Alley Cat Art Walk and our presentati...
09/08/2024

We are in the news!

The East County Californian Newspaper called to talk about the Alley Cat Art Walk and our presentation of Andrea Rushing's opening reception - Scenes and People of the Frontier American West.

Art Walk events are free and open to the public beginning this Friday (September 13th) at 4 p.m. Andrea will be available to meet you at 5 p.m. at the Wieghorst Museum.

Come visit us.

A big "Thank You" to The East County Californian for covering the news and serving the communities of East County since 1892.

Arts & EatsEvents Art fans to roam Alley Cat Art Walk By Albert Fulcher - 09/06/2024 Share Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest WhatsApp Photo Courtesy Wieghorst Museum “Buffalo Soldier” El Cajon is holding its 13th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk in downtown El Cajon on Sept. 13 from 4-8 p.m. Presented...

Join us and our friends at Downtown El Cajon, Sophie's Gallery and Gift Shop , Carlos Castrejon, East County Art Associa...
09/04/2024

Join us and our friends at Downtown El Cajon, Sophie's Gallery and Gift Shop , Carlos Castrejon, East County Art Association and the Downtown Cafe Bar & Grill for the ALLEY CAT ART WALK.

We will be featuring Western Art by Andrea Rushing. Please stop by and meet the artist, owner of the San Diego Art Academy, beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, September 13th.

See you there!

The Olaf Wieghorst painting "Mountain Trail" recently sold at the Scottsdale Art Auction for $43,875.  The sale price ex...
08/30/2024

The Olaf Wieghorst painting "Mountain Trail" recently sold at the Scottsdale Art Auction for $43,875. The sale price exceeded the pre-auction estimate of $20-30,000 and demonstrates the lasting popularity of Olaf Wieghorst's art.

"Mountain Trail" is an oil on canvas painting, measuring 16” x 20.” It was created in 1972. The original owners were La Jolla friends of Olaf and Mae who loaned the painting to the Wieghorst Museum in 2015 for a showing of Wieghorst art titled: "Reflections of Olaf - A Retrospective."

The Scottsdale Art Auction is one of the premier western art auction houses west of the Mississippi. They have been named “Best of the West Art Auction” three years in a row by True West Magazine.

Copies of the 2025 retrospective catalogue are still available for sale at Olaf's Corner Gift Shop at the Wieghorst Museum.

Meet the artist – Andrea RushingYou are invited to attend the opening of an exhibition of the art of: Andrea Rushing - S...
08/23/2024

Meet the artist – Andrea Rushing

You are invited to attend the opening of an exhibition of the art of:
Andrea Rushing - Scenes and People of the Frontier American West

Andrea will meet the public in an informal setting to discuss his art and Western themed paintings.

When: Friday, September 13th – 5 pm to 8 pm
Where: Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Avenue, El Cajon, CA
Cost: FREE with free parking.

This event is part of the 13th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk. All art galleries and restaurants in downtown El Cajon will be open with live entertainment on Prescott Promenade.

On July 24, 1992, President George H. W. Bush proclaimed that July 28, 1866 will be known as Buffalo Soldiers Day. This ...
07/29/2024

On July 24, 1992, President George H. W. Bush proclaimed that July 28, 1866 will be known as Buffalo Soldiers Day. This date memorializes the action taken by Congress on July 28, 1866, to establish the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, and the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st Infantry Regiments.

Like Olaf, these Cavalrymen patrolled the American west and the Mexican border on horseback. They would later become the first protectors of America's Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and go on to fight in America's Wars.

The story of these American soldiers is told at the
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

For a short history see:

Soldiers Day on July 28th commemorates the formation of the first regular Army regiments comprising African American soldiers in 1...

The El Cajon Historical Society is once again featuring an opportunity drawing with " A Day Trip to the Harbor". This tr...
07/05/2024

The El Cajon Historical Society is once again featuring an opportunity drawing with " A Day Trip to the Harbor". This trip will include a (1 year) family membership for 2 adults and 3 kids under the age of 18 with 2 free guest passes to the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

(The Maritime Museum's mission is "to serve as the community memory of our seafaring experiences by collecting, preserving, and presenting our rich maritime heritage and historic connection with the Pacific world". Their historic fleet of ships include the world's oldest sailing ship the "Star of India", the Navy frigate replica "H. M. S. Surprise", the "Californian", the "San Salvador", the submarine "USS Dolphin" and the steam ferry "Berkley", which is now a museum and gift shop.)

This day trip will also include a $100.00 gas card and a $100.00 gift card for parking and to use towards lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants of your choice, at the Embarcadero and along Harbor Drive. This day trip package is valued at more than $300.00.

Requested Donation: $10.00 per entry.

You may submit as many entries as you like. All donation slips must be returned by Saturday, July 20th.

To obtain the entry forms visit the Knox House Museum on Saturday July 6th from 11:00am to 2:00pm or Saturday July 20th from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

The drawing will be held at our next quarterly meeting on Thursday, July 25th. You need not be present to win. The Historical Society would like to thank you in advance for you interest and appreciates your support. The prizes have been donated by an anonymous donor. The Historical Society funds are not used to purchase the prizes.
Just as a reminder, we keep our dues low to include more people in our mission to preserve our local history and we rely on our fundraisers to help us reach our expenses.

All proceeds benefit the: El Cajon Historical Society and the ECHS Knox House Museum
P O. Box1973
El Cajon, CA 92022

06/22/2024

Send a message to learn more

The Olaf Wieghorst Museum recently partnered with the El Cajon Historical Society to create a Downtown Walking Tour. The...
06/21/2024

The Olaf Wieghorst Museum recently partnered with the El Cajon Historical Society to create a Downtown Walking Tour.

The tour tells the story of El Cajon's historic Downtown District, its first hotel, its first grocery store and pharmacy, and its original Town Hall. Learn about downtown's arcade architecture and the street that has been the City of El Cajon's Main Street since 1912.

You can pick up a copy of the Downtown El Cajon Walking Tour at the Wieghorst Museum or the ECHS Knox House Museum. If you are a member of either organization, we will mail you a copy for free. If you are not a member send us your name and address and one dollar ($1.00) to cover the cost of postage. Mail your request to: Wieghorst Museum, P.O. Box 951, El Cajon, CA 92022.

Then come on down and visit the businesses in Downtown El Cajon.

06/10/2024

Looks dangerous just getting to the fire.

06/07/2024

Here is a great news item that ran recently on CBS 8 San Diego. It contains a 35-year-old film clip taken from a long-ago interview with the artist. It is a rare opportunity to see Olaf talking about his art.

A special thanks to television reporter Alex Lai for her work on this excellent piece. She captures the essence of the Olaf Wieghorst Museum and its work.

And thanks to the City of El Cajon for sharing the story with the people of El Cajon.

After waiting for over 4 months, one of our agave's death bloom is finally in flower. The plant is only about 2 feet hig...
06/06/2024

After waiting for over 4 months, one of our agave's death bloom is finally in flower. The plant is only about 2 feet high and 3 or 4 feet in circumference, but the bloom stalk now about 14 feet tall. Truly one of nature's wonders. Fear not tho, while the mother plant will have sacrificed itself with this mighty bloom, it already has pups hiding beneath its leaves, as-well-as scattered around in the near vicinity. This also not the only agave in the Olaf Wieghorst Museum cactus garden to be making this ultimate sacrifice. The garden and museum are located at 131 Rea Avenue El Cajon California. The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is entirely run on donations and the efforts of volunteers. The museum and garden are open Fridays 10 to 3 and Saturdays 12 to 4. There is also a fund raising plant "sale" of succulents and cactus, $1 each, or 6 for $5 unless otherwise labeled. Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center

Please save the date for our friend and neighbor, Carlos Castrejon, whose work will be on display at the East County Art...
05/30/2024

Please save the date for our friend and neighbor, Carlos Castrejon, whose work will be on display at the East County Art Association gallery beginning June 8th.

A reception for the artist will be held on the opening evening between 5 and 8 p.m.

If you are interested in the East County Art Scene, this is the place to meet the folks who make it happen. See you there!

East County Art Association Gallery
Art Exhibition by Carlos Castrejon
124 E Main Street El Cajon, CA 92020
Opening Reception Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Join us for this new exhibition by local artist Carlos Castrejon at the East County Art Association Gallery in Downtown El Cajon. You can contact them for more information.

(619) 466-7758

https://eastcountyart.org/

We would also like to recognize Olivia Cobian for her photographic art entry in the Grossmont Union High School District...
05/25/2024

We would also like to recognize Olivia Cobian for her photographic art entry in the Grossmont Union High School District's Annual Student Art Show.

Her photograph “Eight Seconds” earned a first-place ribbon! 🥇

Olivia attends El Capitan High School. Her art teacher is Janelle Malveg.

The student art show exhibit is at the Lakeside Library through tomorrow, Saturday, May 25th.

Congratulations, Olivia!

Cactus for "sale" in the Olaf Wieghorst Museum cactus garden. Some are  potted up with roots and ready for your home or ...
05/24/2024

Cactus for "sale" in the Olaf Wieghorst Museum cactus garden. Some are potted up with roots and ready for your home or garden, and others are cuttings. Cactus and succulents, $1 each or 6 for $5 unless otherwise labeled. The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is entirely run on donations and the efforts of volunteers. The museum and garden hours are open Fridays 10 to 3, and Saturdays 12 to 4. 231 Rea Avenue El Cajon California.

Congratulations are in order for Dania Al Ameen whose painting, "Running Free" drew  honorable mention in the Grossmont ...
05/23/2024

Congratulations are in order for Dania Al Ameen whose painting, "Running Free" drew honorable mention in the Grossmont Union High School District's Annual Student Art Show going on now at the Lakeside Library.

Dania recently participated in the Wieghorst Museum's High School Student Art Workshop led by local artist and instructor Andrea Rushing. The focus of the workshop was painting horses, and Dania was clearly paying attention!

Dania attends Grossmont High School. Her art teacher is Susan Phillips.

Congratulations Dania!

The High School Student Art Workshop was made possible by a Community Enhancement Grant from the County of San Diego, District 2, Supervisor Joel Anderson.

Please take time off during the week to support the young artists from the Grossmont Union High School District by visit...
05/19/2024

Please take time off during the week to support the young artists from the Grossmont Union High School District by visiting the 38th Annual Student Art Show going on now at the Lakeside Library.

There will be a reception for the young artists on Tuesday, May 21st at 5 p.m. if you would like to meet some of these truly talented individuals and their art teachers.

We have met some of the artists and seen what they can do. It is quite amazing!

Give yourself the opportunity to say: "I met this artist back in 2024 long before the rest of the world discovered the artist's art."

The library is located at 12428 Woodside Avenue, Lakeside, CA. The library opens at 10am daily. It is closed on Sunday.)

New offerings in our gift shop to support the Olaf Wieghorst Museum. Plant jewelry selling for $15 or $25 depending on t...
05/18/2024

New offerings in our gift shop to support the Olaf Wieghorst Museum. Plant jewelry selling for $15 or $25 depending on the topper, hand made by Kathy, our gift shop guru. Visit our ongoing plant "sale" in the beautiful cactus garden. $1 each or 6 for $5 unless otherwise labeled. We will be open today, 12pm thru 4pm. Note that El Cajon is having their America on Main Street event today from 3pm to 8pm. 131 Rea Avenue El Cajon California. The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is entirely run on donations and the efforts of volunteers. The museum and garden hours are open Fridays 10 to 3, and Saturdays 12 to 4.

Address

131 Rea Avenue
El Cajon, CA
92020

Opening Hours

Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+16195903431

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