ABM and BCC | The Life and Times of Jo Mora: Iconic Artist of the American West

Hosted/Organized by: American Bookbinders Museum and Book Club of California

The Life and Times of Jo Mora provides an in-depth portrait of this gifted illustrator, painter, writer, cartographer, and sculptor (1876-1947). Mora was one of the first American artists to elevate the cultural importance of the Western frontier, presaging broad shifts in twentieth-century thought and expression. Through his celebration of the great glories of nature and of the human heart, Mora reminds us that the subject matter of all art is life.

The book interweaves fascinating biographical material with Mora’s personal letters, journal entries, and other writings — many never before seen by the public — to provide an intimate portrait of an important yet often overlooked artist. Discover the story of Jo Mora and his rich creative career at this illustrated talk by Peter Hiller, author, historian, and curator for the Jo Mora Trust Collection.

The Life and Times of Jo Mora is the Book Club of California’s 238th publication. It was published in two editions: a Deluxe Edition of 50 copies and a Standard Edition of 295 copies. Both are on display in the current exhibit.

As curator of the Jo Mora Trust and lifelong devotee of Mora’s art, Peter Hiller is widely recognized as the foremost authority on Jo Mora. He has lived a career in the visual arts, teaching art and photography for almost forty years. Raised in West Los Angeles, he earned his B.A. from experimental Johnston College and his teaching credential from UCLA.

Note: Proof of vaccination and photo ID may be required for admission, as well as a mask.