20 DAYS OF ADVENTURE ON VENTURA BOULEVARD

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                2013

From Encino Avenue to Balboa things became a lot more interesting.

 Wildflowers in the Saint Francis garden at Saint Nicholas Anglican church in Encino.

 Nuestra Senora de Dolores - Shrine at Saint Nicholas Anglican church in Encino.

 Farsi signage in front of Saint Nicholas Anglican church in Encino. Great bronze doors of the church were done by the famous San Fernando Valley artist Henry Van Wolf in 1957.

 Signature of the great artist Henry Van Wolf - 1957

 The Christina Sacrament of Baptism - sculpture by Henry Van Wolf 1957.

 Priest hearing a confession during the Sacrament of Penance, by Henry Van Wolf 1957.

 I normally peel away and put street stickers in my Valley notebooks, but this Indian at the corner of Amestoy and Ventura was too high for me to reach.

 Farm laborer in the San Fernando Valley - mosaic detail at Chase Bank in Encino.

Children's art-quilts in the window of Encino School.

 Exterior art of Chase Bank in Encino. The building was built by Home Federal Savings.

This building was constructed on the site of an ancient Tongva Indian village site. It is on the corner of Balboa Boulevard and Ventura in Encino. A stream from the hills to the right of this picture continue to supply the little pond at Los Encinos Historical Monument just north of the intersection.

HAPPY 112th BIRTHDAY CLARK GABLE

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY          2013

The great old plantation Tara may be "gone with the wind" but the fame and glory of the San Fernando Valley's Clark Gable lives on.  Born on February 1st, 1901 in Cadiz, 112 years ago, Gable was the heart throb of the "greatest generation.

Oversize bust of Clark Gable by his friend, San Fernando Valley sculptor Henry Van Wolf. Bust is a gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Joe and LaDonna Van Wolf 2012.

PRECIOUS MODELS FOR ST. NICHOLAS DOORS IN ENCINO

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY      2012

A dozen plaster models and casting molds for the doors of Saint Nicholas Anglican Church in Encino have been found.  The precious artifacts allow the viewed a very personal insight into the thinking and workmanship of the Van Nuys based artist Henry Van Wolf as he was building the magnificent doors of the Encino sanctuary. Donated to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Joe and Ladonna Van Wolf, the artifacts are a priceless addition to the cultural heritage of the San Fernando Valley.

 Bronze entry doors of Saint Nicholas Anglican Church in Encino by Valley artist Henry Van Wolf. (photo by Gerald Fecht 2009 - click to enlarge)

Plaster images by Henry Van Wolf - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Joe and Ladonna Van Wolf 2012 - (click on images to enlarge them._

 Plaster casting mold by Henry Van Wolf for the doors of St. Nicholas church in Encino.

Hidden positioning markers for plaster moldings by Henry Van Wolf.

If you agree with The Museum Community that splendid art works by San Fernando Valley artists, like these models by the Van Nuys artist Henry Van Wolf should be protected and exhibited for the edification of all the residents of the great San Fernando Valley - JOIN WITH US TODAY!

Scott Sterling
Chairman for the Public Arts Program

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE
1 (818) 347-9665

THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS
gerald.fecht@TheMuseumSFV.org
info@TheMuseumSFV.org

THE MUSEUM’S BLOG

www.museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

HENRY VAN WOLF'S SCULPTURE OF THE HERO FRIEDRICH von STEUBEN

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY      2012

 Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, hero of American liberty 1730 to 1794. Plaster sculpture by San Fernando Valley artist Henry Van Wolf. Collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

von Steuben was a Prussian born officer who served the American Revolution. He became the Inspector General of the Continental Army and General George Washington's Chief of Staff. He is created as one of the fathers of the Continental Army.

JOE VAN WOLF SENDS PHOTOS OF HIS FATHER'S SCULPTURES

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY     2012

Joe Van Wolf, contributor of the Henry Van Wolf sculpture collection to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, shares images from his father's archives with us.

"Peace" Jesus as the Good Shepherd by Henry Van Wolf - Crystal Cathedral grounds.

 Joseph Van Wolf with his father's sculpture of Jesus with the little children. Work is in the Van Wolf family collection. (click on image to enlarge)

 Bust of Christ by Henry Van Wolf for a Methodist Church.

 Sculptor Henry Van Wolf a meditating Abraham Lincoln for the Burbank Public Library.

Bronze doors of Saint Nicholas Anglican church in Encino, California with notes from sculptor Henry Van Wolf.

ORIGINAL FERNANDO AWARD CONCEPT DRAWING COMES TO THE MUSEUM

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY

Concept image of the Fernando Award by Henry Van Wolf - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Joseph Van Wolf (the artist's son) 2012.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

The most important community service award in the San Fernando Valley is the coveted "Fernando Award".  The sculpture was done by the Van Nuys artist Henry Van Wolf. This month, The Museum received the original concept watercolor by Van Wolf.

SNAPSHOTS OF MUSEUM EXHIBIT SPACE IN WESTFIELD FASHION SQUARE

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY   2012

These are few informal photos taken of The Museum's exhibit space in the Westfield Fashion Square Mall. (We're two spaces away from See's Candy.) They were taken by Phyllis Hansen, member of The Museum's Board of Directors. 

A special exhibit of San Fernando Valley sculptor, Henry Van Wolf greets visitors to The Museum's exhibit space in the Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks.  Click on images to enlarge)

JOSEPH VAN WOLF AT HIS FATHER'S FAMOUS SCULPTURE IN VAN NUYS

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY   2012

It rained hard on Friday night, and as much as the San Fernando Valley needed the water, Richard Hilton kept his fingers crossed that the weather would clear for The Museum's historic walking tour of Van Nuys. It did!  

A modest group of walking tourists joined Hilton, Director of Museum Tours and Adventures, despite dire predictions of downpours. In actuality, one couldn't ask for a better day for the two and a half walk. It was cool and crisp, but not cold. 

 Joseph Van Wolf stands by the sculpture of Fernando by his father Henry Van Wolf. January 2012

(click on photograph to enlarge it)

A special treat awaited our intrepid walkers, when they stopped to learn about the famous Fernando sculpture standing in front of the court buildings. Among the walkers was Joseph Van Wolf, the son of the statue's sculptor Henry Van Wolf. Joe shared stories about how his dad had him flex his arms and hands as models, as well as how the massive sculpture piece was made and transported to the heart of Van Nuys and the center of the San Fernando Valley.

 

LYNDER ELLSWORTH BEHYMER MEDALLION ADDED TO MUSEUM COLLECTION

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY    2012

The December 2011 gift of sculptures by the San Fernando Valley artist Henry Van Wolf will provide historical evidence and inspiration for generations to come. Among the works donated to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is this large bronze medallion of Lyner Ellsworth Behymer, whose story appears in part earlier on this blog. Behymer spent much of his adult life bringing important musical events to Los Angeles and laying the foundations for a world-class symphonic orchestra for the city.

 

Lynden Ellsworth Behymer - bronze medallion by Henry Van Wolf - after 1947.  (click on this image to enlarge it) Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Joseph and Ladonna Van Wolf 2011. 

Initial information about the life and times of Lynden Behymer was provided to The Museum from Board member, Phyllis Hansen.

VAN WOLF ARTIFACT DISPLAYED AT CAMPO DE CAHUENGA

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY   2012

An element of The Museum's plans to serve the entire San Fernando Valley, means an assertive effort to effectively expose residents of the Valley to its historical and cultural treasures.  This means taking The Museum to the people means many ways of sharing the Valley's heritage, near their homes and places of work.

This last weekend, over 200 visitors to the Campo de Cahuenga reenactment event had the opportunity to see the wax maquette (artist's model) that the great sculptor, Henry Van Wolf, made in 1976 as a tribute to America and his adopted home in the San Fernando Valley.

Maquette of the Friendship Medallion featuring Lt. Col. John C. Fremont and General Andres Pico at Campo de Cahuenga. The Medallion was a gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Joseph and Ladonna Van Wolf in 2011. 

The display featuring the Medallion and photo portrait of Henry Van Wolf are on loan to the Campo de Cahuenga Memorial Historical Association.

VAN WOLF SCULPTURE OF LINCOLN IN MEDITATION IN BURBANK LIBRARY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

In 1962, San Fernando Valley sculptor Henry Van Wolf completed the long admired bust of President Abraham Lincoln in Meditation. I haven't had the opportunity to read its dedication plaque but have the strong suspicion that it was a donation of the long established Pomeroy family in that community (A Pomeroy married into the Burbank family about the same time the town was founded).

Pomeroy family members with the Henry Van Wolf bust of Abraham Lincoln on September 19th, 1975. Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Joseph Van Wolf November 2011.  (click on image to enlarge) Refer to Museum photo 1011-129-4089

Inscription on back of photo reads:

"Central Library Burbank Sept. 19, 1975.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pomeroy, Helen Pomeroy Sullivan (Mrs. Davis) Frances Muir Pomeroy, girl Margaret Pomeroy, Mrs. Charles Pomeroy, son Vance, Mr. and Mrs. (Doris) H. Greenam, Charles Pomeroy and May Fox Pomeroy."

GONE WITH THE WIND'S CLARK GABLE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

 Clark Gable - Vintage post card - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

Clark Gable and his famous wife Carole Lombard lived on a small ranch in Encino, California. Gable, who is considered by many to be among the most famous screen actors of all time, played the role of Rhett Butler in the block buster firm Gone With The Wind. 

Bust of actor Clark Gable by San Fernando Valley artist Henry Van Wolf.  Promised gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Joseph and Ladonna Van Wolf 2011.

SAM YORTY POWERFUL AND COLORFUL MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

One of the most influential, loved and despised office holders in California was Sam Yorty of Encino. He served as the 37th Mayor of Los Angeles from 1961 to 1973. Sam's long career reads almost like a script for the industry he worked so hard to keep in our city. When you get a few minutes, take time to do an on line search about his life. 

Bust of Mayor Sam Yorty by San Fernando Valley sculptor Henry Van Wolf. Promised gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Joseph and Ladonna Van Wolf 2011.

Lithograph portrait of Los Angeles Mayor Sam Yorty - Gift, along with other Yorty artifacts, from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on images to enlarge)

1936 BERLIN OLYMPICS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Among the many important objects recently donated to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley was this 1936 edition of Die Woche magazine. Part of the Henry Van Wolf collection, donated by Joseph Van Wolf, the magazine features several Olympians who made their home in the San Fernando Valley at the time.

Die Woche magazine 1936 - donated to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Joseph and Ladonna Van Wolf 2011  (click on image to enlarge)

Gary Fredburg (left) Museum Vice President examines Die Woche magazine being contributed to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Joseph Van Wolf (center).  At the right is Richard Hilton, Museum Board member and Director of Museum tours.  The three men are in the art studio of the late San Fernando Valley sculptor, Henry Van Wolf.