Kenton Nelson, a world-renowned artist and Pasadena resident, will headline the Arroyo Chop House Speaker Series Dinner this Monday evening, Oct. 16. The special event will feature a four-course dinner, including a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres.
Nelson’s paintings have been featured five times on the cover of the New Yorker magazine, and his recent exhibitions have been in Los Angeles and Europe. His oil paintings of figures, objects and architecture have, as one critic said, “singlehandedly resurrected the sun-drenched optimism of New Deal American Painting.”
“Kenton is world-famous and has a style that is distinctively his own,” said Arroyo Chop House owner Gregg Smith. “If anyone sees his work they say, ‘Is that a Kenton Nelson?’ His painting is in the middle of the dining room at Smitty’s. [There also is a 50-foot mural at Chop House.] He’s been a big part of our culture.
“With his style, he’s one of the best in the world in his genre. And he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.”
Nelson, who has an art studio in Pasadena, said he is looking forward to the evening.
“My presentation will be on the life of an artist and it should be a little humorous,” he said. “I’ll talk about my work, I’ll talk about various projects and how it helps me make a living. It should be really fun, and it will be in a room full of good people.”
The cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., and dinner is $125 per person. Space is limited. For reservations, call (626) 577-7463.
