CHRISTO & JEANNE-CLAUDE: THE TOM GOLDEN COLLECTION In 2001 Tom Golden, the unofficial mayor of the small Northern California town of Freestone in Sonoma County, donated his collection of works by renowned artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude to the Sonoma County Museum. Golden's personal and professional relationship with the artists began when he met them during the 1974 public hearings for the approval of their momentous project Running Fence, Sonoma and Marin counties, 1972-1976. Golden went on to manage or assist with a number of the artists' large scale projects including The Umbrellas, Joint Project for Japan and the USA, 1984-1991 and, more recently, the as yet unrealized Over the River, Project for the Arkansas River. Actively engaged with the art he so loved for nearly 30 years, Golden passed away at his home in late 2002. Tom Golden's remarkable collection reflects his friendship with and admiration of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Over 100 original drawings, sculptures, collages and photographs lovingly trace their impressive careers. Original works from the sculpture, Double Show Window, 1972, to a recent collage of the Over the River project, the collection captures the versatility, longevity and international scope of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Drawings and collages of the large-scale public works, sold to fund the actual installations, are an important component of this collection. Those projects include Running Fence, Surrounded Islands, The Pont Neuf Wrapped and Wrapped Reichstag among many others. There are also a multitude of smaller projects represented in original drawings from the whimsical Package on Radio Flyer Wagon to the haunting Wrapped Woman. Finally, unique to this collection are some small, poignant pieces made especially for Golden, including a wrapped bouquet of flowers. Christo and Jeanne-Claude's work defies easy categorization having elements of earth, installation and conceptual art. While the temporary nature of their large works bespeaks an anti-materialist bent, they are nonetheless determined to realize their monumental concepts through political and physical action, if for only a short time. The Museum's collection documents the period between 1962 and 2000, powerfully illustrating the work of Christo and Jeanne-Claude over that period of time. Christo and Jeanne-Claude's past works remain relevant and widely recognized. The Smithsonian recently ranked Running Fence among the most important artworks of the twentieth century. The Sonoma County Museum considers the legacies of Tom Golden and Running Fence to be an important part of its mission to preserve the rich history of Sonoma County and to connect that history with contemporary artistic and cultural currents. The Museum is proud to travel this remarkable collection. Christo & Jeane-Claude: The Tom Golden Collection is available from fall 2004 - 2005. For fees and scheduling please contact our office. The exhibition includes promotional copies of the catalog, press material, and the exhibition documentation. back to top