Most Jonathan Club members are aware that artwork graces the walls of the Town Club, but some may not be aware that the Jonathan Art Foundation also offers docent tours as part of its mission of promoting, preserving and presenting the art at the Club.
Docent tours are coordinated by long-time JAF Director Judith Jenkins. Ms. Jenkins, with generous support of the Jenkins Family Trust, has created printed guides and materials that augment the tours. Targeted for a broad audience, JAF’s docent tours discuss the artworks themselves as well as the architectural features and history of the Town Club.
In recent years, the JAF has averaged about a tour per month, hosting such groups as the Art Foundation of Santa Barbara, USC Hybrid School, Palos Verdes Art Center, Pasadena Art League, Los Angeles County Museum of Art's Docents of American Art, and Director’s Circle Members of the Crocker Art Museum.
A typical tour will highlight JAF’s and the Jonathan Club’s most recent purchases including works by Guy Rose, Jean Mannheim, Hanson Puthuff, Elmer Wachtel, and Theodore Wores. However, a specific emphasis can be requested should the group have a particular interest.
JAF’s most recent purchase, Tahquitz Canyon (1927) by John Frost (1890-1937) is a work of special interest and a highlight of 2016 tours. This unique canvas is actually two paintings in one, with a complete image on each side. JAF mounted this unique work on a reversible frame, and the image on the rear, or verso, will be on display for the latter half of 2016.
Members of the public and groups interested in art may contact the JAF offices at (213) 312-5242 or via email at inquiries@jonathanart.org to request a tour. Tours are scheduled individually and last approximately an hour and a half.
Even if you do not have time to schedule a tour, stop by the Concierge desk and ask for a printed guide of the art displayed in the lobby and on the public floors of the Club. The JAF always welcomes members and guests to explore the collections. If you have a background or interest in art, why not join JAF’s docent team?
Illustration: Verso of the painting Tahquitz Canyon (1927) by John Frost (1890-1937), on display for a limited time.