Exhibition - Tilden Daken: The Art of Adventure

For the first time since the House of Happy Walls Museum renovation in 2018, Jack London Park Partners will host a special art exhibition featuring artist, Tilden Daken. Daken, known as the “Painter of the Valley of the Moon” was a friend and fellow adventurer of Jack London. The exhibition, originated by the Museum of Sonoma County (MSC), will travel to Jack London Historic Park (JLSHP) from Santa Rosa. The JLSHP exhibit is scheduled to open on April 19^th.

The show is supported and inspired by Tilden Daken’s granddaughter, Bonnie Portnoy, and the Jack London State Historic Park version will be curated by Jennifer Bethke, collections specialist at the Museum of Sonoma County. We are beyond excited to be partnering with MSC and our good friend and Park supporter, Bonnie Portnoy.

Tilden Daken: The Art of Adventure

Famous in his time, Tilden Daken (1876-1935) was one of the most adventurous artists of California. Working in the early twentieth century as a California Impressionist, Daken’s life paralleled many of the important stories of California – from the Gold Fields, to the growth of San Francisco and the rise of Hollywood, to the state’s connections across the southern border with Mexico. Daken journeyed from the Sierras, to the Coast, to trips far beyond California to paint.

Daken lived several places in California, including spending at least six years working in Sonoma County, living in Glen Ellen near famous author Jack London, whom he called a friend. His paintings encapsulate many aspects of the state, from the area’s natural beauty, to a mythos of self-creation and spirited adventure that reflects views of life in the West popular during Daken’s lifetime. This exhibition gathers together many of his paintings, and the stories of his life, capturing insights into the history, artistry, and adventure of the Golden State and Sonoma County.