Anyone familiar with the Jonathan Art Foundation knows that we’re unfailingly ambitious. We shoot for the moon every year, hammering home the importance of our JAF mission and welcoming new works into our esteemed collection by artists past and present. This was a year unlike any other, and we’d like to express our immutable gratitude to our long-term donors as well as those who’ve recently joined us on this journey. Much excitement lies ahead. We launched into 2024 with a range of unmissable events and fundraisers. Meet the Artist event Showman: The Uncanny Influence of Liberace featured a fascinating talk from Liberace Museum board member Jonathan Warren, who spoke about the entertainer’s extraordinary legacy, in addition to his success in bringing the Liberace Museum Collection back to its former glory.
March ushered in our hotly anticipated online auction and annual gala, All Things Bright and Beautiful. We were thrilled that so many of you pledged your support to local artists by purchasing their work. Between the auction and the sold-out gala, we raised a record-breaking amount, an incredible achievement that reflects the hard work and unwavering support by our members.
Our treasured collection, jointly owned by the JAF and the Jonathan Club, was bolstered by the purchase of 12 new artworks: pieces from masters like Joseph Kleitsch and George Gardner Symons, alongside work by exceptional contemporary figures such as Grafton Tanquary, Lincoln Mayne, Natalja Kent, Mike Lundgren, and Michael DeSutter. The most significant, Kleitsch’s Jeweled Hills (1922), was very gratefully acquired from esteemed local collector Jackie Heller.
The official presentation of our Kleitsch and Symons acquisitions, held in August at the Town Club’s Main Lobby, made it clear that we love nothing more than a room filled with great art and good friends. It was a tremendous success and boasted well-over 100 attendees. Elsewhere, we wrapped up a productive year at our Beach Club, installing five new works of contemporary art in the Club’s recently refurbished penthouse. A variety of marvelous pieces by photographers Michael James Hillman, Natalja Kent, and Mike Lundgren now adorn the Penthouse’s walls. Collecting from contemporary artists is an invaluable way to support their careers. Next February we will host another highly anticipated event at the Beach Club, including exclusive interviews with the artists themselves.
For 2025, we’re setting our goals even higher; goals that require the generous help of our Circle members. Fourteen years after its publication, Art at the Jonathan Club will undergo a comprehensive update highlighting the many outstanding acquisitions made in the intervening years. We’re also planning a one-of-a-kind Warhol Factory party at the Beach Club – so dust off your best fright wig – while preparations are underway on a commission for an artwork celebrating the Town Club’s 100-year anniversary.
We have set our fundraising goal for 2025 at $100,000. The JAF could not do all this without your generous, and much appreciated, support. By pledging your support you will be joining a committed group of patrons who are passionate about enhancing the Club’s art.
The Jonathan Art Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable foundation. As an individual or on behalf of an organization, there are several ways that you can help support us. Doing so will allow you to invest in the Art Foundation’s mission to preserve, enhance and display our peerless collection of California art, for the enjoyment of our and future generations. For further information and to donate, please visit https://www.jonathanart.org/support.
Onwards, upwards, and forwards
Judith Jenkins
Jonathan Art Foundation President
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