‘Painter of the Valley of the Moon’s’ work featured in Jack London Park exhibit

Jack London State Historic Park is presenting its first art exhibition since 2018; “Tilden Daken: The Art of Adventure,” featuring the works of painter Tilden Daken, running April 20 - June 23 in the House of Happy Walls Museum.

The exhibit will feature the works of Daken, who lived 1876 - 1935, and was a friend of the famous author Jack London.

Popular himself during this his time, Daken was said to be one of the most adventurous artists of California and was known as the “Painter of the Valley of the Moon.”

Daken lived from 1876 - 1935, working as a California Impressionist. His life paralleled many notable stories of California’s history such as the gold fields, the growth of San Francisco, the rise of Hollywood and California’s connections across the southern border with Mexico.

The painter’s works reflect the popular views of life in the West during this period, according to a press release from the park. The exhibition brings together many of Daken’s paintings, the stories of his life, and insights into the history and culture of California and Sonoma County.

The artist lived in several places across the state, including working for six years in Sonoma County and living in Glen Ellen near his friend, Jack London. He traveled from the Sierras to the coast, to journeys beyond California to paint.

“Tilden Daken: The Art of Adventure” is supported and inspired by Daken’s granddaughter, Bonnie Portnoy. The Jack London State Historic Park exhibition was organized by Jennifer Bethke collections specialist at the Museum of Sonoma County where the exhibit originated.

The exhibit is the first to be featured in the House of Happy Walls since the the museum’s 2018 renovation.

Museum admission is included in the park’s entree fee of $10 per vehicle up to nine passengers. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,and the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit https://jacklondonpark.com/events/tilden-daken-exhibition-2024/.

You can reach Staff Writer Emma Molloy at emma.molloy@sonomanews.com.