Some say that “Change is good,” but let’s be honest, it is never easy when we are confronted with the changes in routine we've all faced this year. The Jonathan Art Foundation was no exception. Our board of directors have not been in the same room since March. We have learned whole a new social etiquette about communicating on Zoom calls. Appreciating beautiful brush strokes on a work of fine art will have to wait a while.
However, our belief that world class art is timeless remains unshaken, and we have come to more fully appreciate what a magnificent collection of art the Club has accumulated over the 125 years of its existence. The Club’s stable continuity in a world that changes so quickly makes this possible, and the Jonathan Art Foundation in its quiet way ensures that our collection is protected, preserved, and beautifully presented. We also use our knowledge, relationships and judgement to improve and strengthen the collection in ways that enhance our Downtown LA and Santa Monica facilities. It’s gratifying that many of us are already enjoying them carefully once again.
During 2020 JAF has been busy in its efforts to show the collection to the art loving public at large. On February 7th JAF organized and hosted a docent tour and luncheon for some of the finest plein air painters in the country who were participating in the Autry Museum’s annual exhibition "Masters of the American West." Members of the California Art Club, JAF and the Autry Museum were in attendance. One of the Club’s most treasured paintings from its collection, California Landscape--Oaks and Meadow, was lent to the exhibition "Granville Redmond: The Eloquent Palette" at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. The show has since traveled to the Laguna Art Museum, where it was on display through mid-November. JAF also lent two paintings, Monterey Coast by Angel Espoy (1879-1963) and Asilomar Dunes by Albert DeRome (1885-1959) to the Williamson Gallery, Art Center College of Design in Pasadena for its exhibition, "SKY."
And undeterred by social distancing restrictions, JAF continued its outreach efforts last month by hosting the virtual event, "The Story Behind a World-Class Art Collection."
Finally, the board would like to thank all of you who participated in our first online auction and Raise the Paddle in August. Your interest in supporting our growing stable of artists and generous donors is much appreciated. The proceeds from the auction and annual appeal go towards funding the Foundation’s activities and help us build an acquisition fund for the expansion and improvement of our collections.
If you have an interest in participating in JAF’s work, please contact us at inquiries@jonathanart.org.