Yesterday evening I took a drive to Salt Lake to attend a fine art tour at a private home in the city. The weather is starting to finally feel like summer, but my friend Melissa Soltesz and I thought it was still a bit too windy to put down the top in the convertible. We parked in front of the home of Jonathan and Leanne Freedman, not knowing what treasures would wait us.  In addition to his retail businesses, Freedman sits on the executive board of the Young Benefactors at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and generously offered his home for the art tour.

We walked into the (modestly sized) home and were handed an art guide for the tour. Each room has a new surprise of fine, contemporary artwork. The pieces ranged from a Gary Ernest Smith painting to Takashi Murakami prints. The traditional work is all by Utah based artists, while the more modern works are from artists from all over the world. I felt like quite the voyeur as I walked through their home, surveying the art.

The variety was intriguing, but you could certainly tell that the Freedmans have a few favorites. Andy Warhol in particular. When I asked what their favorite piece was, Jonathon mentioned that it was their most recent: a Grace Kelly piece by Warhol, which is one of around 15 Warhols in their collection. Getting an excellent value for their art purchases (even buying artworks on Ebay!)  is also important to these collectors.

The largest piece in the collection is a Brian Kershisnik painting, featuring Ruth. The piece is a tight fit for their stairwell, but suits the room and the feeling of the home quite well. I’ve worked with Kershisnik in the past, and his collectors are incredibly loyal. Such is the case with the Freedmans, who have several Kershisnik drawings and paintings in some of their most intimate rooms in their home.

Thanks to the Freedmans for this peek into their home and art collection.

Tags: Any Warhol, Jonathan Freedman, takashi Murakami, Utah Museum of Fine Art
Posted in Gallery News