Kondos Family Donates Cache of Fine Art to ACC

As you walk through the glass doors into the lobby, you’re greeted by stunning artwork from famed San Francisco artist William Gatewood (1943-1994).  Large images of kimonos and Japanese screens, enhanced by splashes of gold and silver leaf, are prominently displayed on the walls.  Walk further into the building and you can take a meandering stroll along the Sacramento River Delta, courtesy of landscape paintings by legendary local artist and former Sacramento City College art professor Gregory Kondos.  No, you’re not at the Crocker Art Museum.  You’re visiting ACC Maple Tree Village, the newest residential community that will provide Assisted Living and Memory Care services to older adults.  Located in the Pocket-Greenhaven neighborhood, Maple Tree Village will open its doors in early 2020.

I recently sat down with Moni Van Camp-Kondos, Gregory’s wife.  She is also the sister of William Gatewood. Moni led the effort to permanently house a vast collection of fine art from renowned artists at Maple Tree Village.  She took an active role in selecting the artists, the artwork and the specific placement of each piece.  The Kondos family donated 11 limited edition and signed prints.  Moni placed most of her husband’s paintings in the “Blue Jay Neighborhood,” located in the assisted living area – a most appropriate setting since the color blue is a signature feature in most of Kondos’ pieces.  “Gregory is very impressed with the design of the Maple Tree Village community. He can’t stop talking about it,” says Moni.  “The river has been a major part of Gregory’s life and he loves that residents will be surrounded by familiar Delta images on a daily basis.” 

Gregory’s work is included in permanent collections around the world, so ACC is very appreciative of this generous donation from the Kondos family.  I asked Moni why the family made such a generous donation to Maple Tree Village.  “I worked with Scott Okamoto (Marketing Manager for Maple Tree) to display a few art pieces at Monroe Manor.  When Scott proposed a similar, but larger project for Maple Tree Village, I was very excited to make this happen.  It’s a great venue to show off all of this wonderful art.”

I recently went on a walking tour of Maple Tree Village with Scott.  His pride about the modern, yet functional facility was evident as we walked and talked.  The community is thoughtfully designed and built around a “person-centered program” philosophy.  There are 72 apartments in the four assisted living “neighborhoods” and 30 in the memory care neighborhood.  Each apartment has state-of-the-art lighting and adaptive living features.  Each neighborhood has its own “just like home” dining and activity centers, with lots of windows allowing views of the lush landscaped courtyards filled with water features and native plants.  Colorful, comfortable furnishings and local nature images avoid the stereotypical “institutional” look common in many residential living facilities.  This unique, nurturing environment is a place I’d consider for my mother if she needed such services.  And how fortunate the residents are to live inside an art museum!

Down the road, Scott anticipates acquiring more artwork and envisions the possibility of self-guided art tours. With the help of Maple Tree Village staff, Moni will create informative signage to accompany each piece of art.  Moni told me many of the artists are local or have roots in Northern California.  There are 17 pieces from William Gatewood.  She adds, “My brother Billy passed away 25 years ago.  To see his Asian-inspired art displayed in this beautiful building is a great tribute to him.” 

Lotus-inspired artwork from Chinese artist, Shimo, hangs in the Welcome Center.  Originally from Shanghai, Shimo moved to Sacramento in 2003 and is a good friend of Gregory Kondos.  His Midtown gallery, Shimo Center for the Arts, is dedicated to promoting local artists. There is also original artwork from Oakland-born artist Fred Uhl Ball, whose parents taught art classes at Mills College. 

Says Scott, “Our residents, their families, and the greater Sacramento community will have this extraordinary opportunity to enjoy this special art collection for many years to come.” Moni couldn’t agree more.  “I want everyone who passes through Maple Tree to admire the beauty around them, inside and outside.”