Zorthian Ranch

Guided Tour of the Zorthian Ranch! Join us for the stories, art and assemblage architecture of the historic Zorthian Ranch. Sunday, June 9, 11am-1pm. Email Chris Zirbel for details and to reserve your spot at: [email protected].
This is a walking tour that takes place mostly outside.

Ironically, the Zorthian Ranch would not be here without the Armenian Genocide. It was because Arnak Zorthian and his family had to flee for their lives from Kutajia, Turkey, that the Zorthian family arrived in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1922. Jirayr was 11 years old when they arrived and 35 years old when he and Elizabeth Zorthian first came to Southern California and purchased land that ultimately became the Zorthian Ranch. In many ways, the creative apputances of the ranch are a result of Jirayr as a survivor working through the trauma that he experienced as a child during the genocide. As such, today, we emphasize the importance of recognizing that the genocide did occur, and we recognize that many other genocides subsequently occurred and continue to occur. Only through recognition of the truth can we ever hope to stop these disasters.

Tara McNamera Zorthian is having a show . This will be at the Last Projects Gallery.

Well, the rain stopped and we did the Blessing of the Animals again. Since Jirayr Zorthian started attending in 1947, that would be 76 consecutive years that the Zorthian Family has participated.

Come visit the ranch on a walking tour!

Sunday, March 17, 11am-1pm
$20/person, $10 kids 10 and under; kids 4 and under free. Reserve your spot by emailing [email protected]

Bill Thornton demonstrates the concept of acting in your sovereign capacity at the Zorthian Ranch barn/ gallery/ film studio/ multipurpose space. Bill conducted a two day seminar in common law on February 3rd and 4th. We all learned a great deal. Bill has a many years experience negotiating the courts. You can view his very useful website at www.1215.org

Back in 1981, Olivier Fourtouill was on a break from his apprenticeship at a foundry in New Jersey so he came back home to Southern California for Christmas. He decided to go for a hike in the San Gabriel Mountains. Somehow he hiked onto the Zorthian property. Now, you never know what is going to happen if you accidentally hike onto the Zorthian property. It could go one way, or it could go another. Olivier came upon a large bell contained within a rounded metal framework. Olivier impetuously decided to ring the bell. The bell rang loudly and a small bearded man appeared from behind the house. Olivier says that Jirayr asked him to feel his calves. Jirayr had extremely muscular calves and he was very proud of them. Olivier felt the calves and wisely commented on their impressiveness. Jirayr decided he liked Olivier and took him to his studio and showed him his artwork. Olivier and Jirayr became great friends and Olivier still comes to the ranch quite often. As a tribute to Jirayr, using the skills learned in the foundry, Olivier cast a small bronze statue of Jirayr. He used a lost wax process so that meant he carved the original out of wax. He had to do it twice because his girlfriend left the first wax carving, almost ready for the casting process, in the trunk of her car which she left in the sun and it melted. I think that led to their breaking up. At any rate, Olivier is still working on bronzes and jewelry

Well, Olivier demanded I show photos of his second version of this statue. He was dissatisfied with the one shown in the first photo that was posted earlier. He brought the second, and more improved version by this morning , we took photos and I am including them here. He wanted to call attention to the hands because he rigorously had taken casts of Jirayr's actual hands and then had integrated that into the statue.

We were going through some boxes today and among many other things we found this photo of Jirayr and Richard Feynman discussing some important matter. Might have had to do with Physics or might have had to do with art. But not necessarily. They talked about a lot of stuff.

It may not be very scary (we hope), but we are doing a tour this Saturday, the 28th!

Follow the link below for tickets ~

Zorthian Ranch Tour! Guided walking tour of the historic ranch in Altadena Hear about the origins of the Zorthian Ranch's assemblage aesthetic while enjoying the art, stories, and vision of this historic ranch.

Josh Banks and Chris Lynch conduct an in depth workshop in fruit tree care at the Los Angeles Permaculture Convergence held this past weekend at lower Zorthian Ranch. This was one of many workshops held over 2 days at the Convergence. Josh and Chris will be working with us over time to develop more opportunities for those in the area to develop their skills in organic farming and gardening.

2nd annual Los Angeles Permaculture Convergence happening next weekend, October 13, 14, & 15.
Filled with opportunities to camp and converge around some amazing workshops.
Over 20 permaculture workshops to choose from
- 2 breakfasts( we provide locally harvested eggs that you can cook on our DIY rocket stoves)
- 2 dinners made from locally sourced ingredients
- Fermented foods and drinks made with love by our team
- Camping (until we reach capacity- so register early!)

It will be a blast!
To purchase weekend or one day tickets, visit https://losangelespermaculture.com

Tour of the ranch this Saturday, led by Chris Zirbel ~ get tickets here ✨️🌿🌵

Tour the Historic Zorthian Ranch! Join us for a guided walking tour of the Zorthian Ranch in Altadena! Walk the grounds, see the architecture, hear stories of its origins.

Jirayr Zorthian had purchased two small black horses and brought them to Zorthian Ranch.. As they had come from Mexico, he named them Uno and Dos. Not sure what became of Uno, but Dos lasted for many years and lived well into his 30s. He was very gentle and dependable. You could put anyone on him and Dos could be counted on to give them a good, steady ride

This photo shows Liza Gell Mann (in the back) and Dana Rowe, on Dos at upper Zorthian Ranch, back in the 1960s. Liza’s dad had a deal with Jirayr, for some form of monthly compensation, where Liza could come up and ride Dos when ever she wanted. She took advantage of this frequently.

Thanks to Liza for the photo.

Photos from the Apolaki Opera. Performed several weeks ago on lower Zorthian Ranch in the barn built in 1972 by Jirayr Zorthian. The theme of the Apolaki Opera is related to the culture of the Philippines. Opera composed, directed and preformed by Micaela Tobin. Sponsored by the LACE Gallery. Photos by Angel Origgi.

Yoshi Yoshikawa 'splaining himself. Yoshi works on lower Zorthian Ranch. https://www.instagram.com/p/CuDFNWquq0D/

Check out more sculptures on my website.yoshikawastonesculpture.com #sculpture #landscapedesigners #designers #sculptureart #stonesculpting #artcollectors #landscapedesigners

Tour with Chris Zirbel at 11 am this Saturday, June 17. Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/zorthian-ranch-tour-tickets-656199860447

Drawing by Jirayr Zorthian. I believe this was done during World War II or shortly after and dramatized his relationship and the surrounding events with his first wife Betty Williams.

Another great Blessing of the Animals at Olvera Street. The Blessing of the Animals is a tradition, preserved and carried on by the merchants of Olvera Street, that goes back hundreds of years. On the day before Easter the people of Los Angeles, from the time of the Spanish, would then, and still do bring their animals to the town center to be blessed by the Cardinal. The Zorthian family has participated continuously for over 70 years since Jirayr started bringing his children and great Dane in the early 1950s. Thanks to Wojtek Wieteska for the photo.

Photo from Lower Zorthian Ranch, this morning.

The horses are loving the grass the rain brought. Miller likes it too.

Artist Tae Lee celebrates Christmas by painting. Since our rooster woke him up in the morning he decided to incorporate this apparition into the canvass. Tae studied art at the University of Georgia and now works in the Los Angeles area. Merry Christmas to all from Zorthian Ranch.

Repair of a wall. Jirayr had some interesting techniques. He loved to use telephone poles. Somehow that didn't always work out. So now we are doing some repairs with Gabion Baskets. I think Jirayr would have liked this. Everyone has pitched in to get this done.

Progress on the Cob oven with Sir Cobsalot. We'll be at it again tomorrow.

Cob building master Miguel Elliot of Living Earth Structures, down from Northern California has been working on a pizza oven on the lower Zorthian Ranch today and we will be working on it again tomorrow starting at 9 AM. Miguel , otherwise known as Sir Cobalot, is widely known as a great teacher of cob and earthen building. For those who wish to volunteer this is a great opportunity to learn from a master. We will be starting work tomorrow at 9AM at 3696 North Fair Oaks. (Tomorrow being Monday, November 21st.)

One more weekend to view the Visions of America exhibit of Jirayr Zorthian's mural studies at the Zorthian Ranch. Saturday Oct. 22 and Sunday Oct. 23. 10am-5pm with tours of the ranch at 11am and 2pm. Free, donations accepted.

https://www.dailynews.com/2022/10/14/family-of-famed-altadena-artist-jirayr-zorthian-makes-an-amazing-find-and-they-want-you-to-see/

Family of famed Altadena artist Jirayr Zorthian makes an ‘amazing find’ The art and legacy of the eccentric artist continue to live, as his family finds more of his works tucked away.

The Zorthian family warmly welcomes you to the Visions of America exhibition. The event will feature the mural art of the late Jirayr Zorthian whose studies were recently discovered and preserved. The exhibit illustrates Jirayr Zorthian’s rigorous research and dynamic creative process in rendering and creating 42 murals, many of which are still on display throughout America.

This FREE exhibition is family-friendly and open to the public October 15th, 16th, 22nd, & 23rd (Sat & Sun Only). Exhibit hours are from 10AM-5PM. All are welcome to join us at the Zorthian Ranch. Exhibition IS wheelchair accessible.

Free guided walking tours of the Ranch will also be available at 11am & 2pm. Guests should sign up for the tours upon arriving at the Ranch, as space is limited. Tours are free, however, donations are welcome. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for guests attending the tour. Be aware that the ranch is NOT wheelchair accessible. No animals are allowed on the property.

When: October 15th,16th, 22nd, 23rd
Where: The Zorthian Ranch 3696 Fair Oaks Ave, Altadena, CA 91001
Time: 10AM - 5PM (Sat & Sun Only)
Admission: Free to the public (No Animals Allowed)
Parking/Access: Free on-site parking. Exhibit space is wheelchair accessible. Guided tours of the ranch are not wheelchair accessible.