October 22, 2022 - Saturday - Today we were in Altadena, CA to visit the Zorthian Ranch. For over 70 years the Zorthian Ranch has existed as a haven for artists, intellectuals, a community arts center, and as a movie location for over 20 years. Jirayr Hamparzoom Zorthian was an Armenian American artist who was friends with jazzman Charlie Parker, artist Andy Warhol and Nobel prize winning physicist Richard Feynman. His specialty was murals and several studies for his murals were on display today.
As we headed for the "Barn Gallery," we were greeted by a large and friendly Gomper (Gampr), which is an Armenian flock guardian sheep dog.
This is Zorthian's leather hat, which he always wore. He killed a rattlesnake, skinned it and wrapped it around his hat.
After the gallery, we wandered around this large ranch.
There are many artists who live and work here, including this stone sculptor.
Zorthian was another interesting California artist, who was very talented and fun loving.
Before the ranch we stopped in Pasadena to have lunch at Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles.
Their fried chicken can't be beat, it's delicious!
