My brush with $45 Million

UCLA was building a Genetic Research Center. Funds were in place, thanks to the largest single donation the university had yet received—from Leslie and Susan Gonda. The Director of Development, Ms. Paula Golden, had done her usual bang-up job. However, being more than thorough, she was on the lookout for yet another, even personal way to acknowledge the Gondas. A portrait. To be unveiled at the opening of the center. Hmmm….

Gerry and I were invited to a large reception called “The Gonda Celebration”. As the last steel beam was being installed on the framework of the new building, the UCLA Chancellor Charles E. Young, Provost Gerald S. Levey and Lt. Governor Gray Davis led guests in a toast to the Gondas and good luck for the construction ahead.

We learned something about the Gondas. They were from Hungary back in the very unlucky days of Nazis in the neighborhood. They took the name of a Catholic friend to escape persecution and get the heck out o’ there. They went to Venezuela, South America, where they built a large enterprise in the construction industry. Then, with growing children to educate, they moved to the USA and built another business empire—this time in cattle. (Mr. Gonda told me later—“A lot of hungry cows.”) Then, when one of their sons needed backing in a promising business, Mr. Gonda traded his quadrupeds for airplanes for lease. Now they live in Beverly Hills with all four children and lots of grandchildren nearby. They wanted to give back as thanks for their good fortune in this country. The American Dream.

It was interesting to meet them at their house. Mr. Gonda showed me his art–especially bronze sculptures of Frederick Remington. The Mrs. served tea and we talked of the portrait. They wanted me to use a seven-year old photo for my reference, but Mr. Gonda had a mustache now which didn’t show in the photo. Gerry took photos of him in the present so I could paint it in. Also in the photograph, was Mrs. Gonda’s intricate lace and beaded jacket. She had me take that to my studio so that I wouldn’t miss the detail.

The concept for the building that they funded was that teams of scientists and doctors will work together to conquer neurological and genetic disease. Information from around the world would be funneled here to come up with medical solutions that help mankind as a whole. Pretty powerful stuff. All in all, this was turning into a very interesting project….

I got my painting done on time for the opening and for the Gondas and their children to weigh in on it. (The children loved their mother, and their father was great but they thought I had taken out a couple too many “character” lines in the face. Mrs. Gonda loved what I did for the Mr. but wanted me to take out miniscule ridges in his upper coat sleeve. She said she never let him go out with wrinkles in his coat.)

Then, to the Gonda (Goldschmied) Neuroscience and Genetic Research Center at the UCLA Medical Center. The portrait was unveiled at a candle-lit dinner for fifty, which included luminaries such as the Governor of California Elect’s wife and Michael Ovitz, Former CEO of Disney. They asked me to speak and graciously received me.

The next day was the public opening and dedication accompanied by a 30-minute orchestral concert with Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting one of his own creations—heralding a building to the future! Then a tour (with a pass through the ground-floor gallery and conference room, home of the now-celebrated portrait).

Wrapping up all loose ends, the Director of Development sent me a personal note from the Dean of the Medical School:

“On behalf of the UCLA community, I want to thank you once again for the magnificent portrait of Susan and Leslie Gonda. … How does an institution such as UCLA thank this unique couple for their generosity?… Your artistry spoke the words for us all, and will be enjoyed by visitors to the Gonda Center for many, many years to come.

“Gerald S. Levey, M.D.

“Provost, Medical Sciences”

Yes, I would say the Director of Development did her usual bang-up job.

But wait. There’s a postscript: You would think that the festivities were the end of the story—NOT! Several weeks later, I received a call from Paula Golden who asked me to come with my paint brushes to the new building. When I arrived, there was Paula with Leslie Gonda. Leslie confessed that though he loved the picture, each time he went by it there was one thing that bothered him. “My eyes are a little more hazel, I think,” said he. “I can fix that,” said I, and up on a ladder I scampered with a dab of burnt umber, olive green and yellow ochre. With three dabs, I brought a smile to this remarkable man’s face that lit the room.

Where’s your story? Call/write/email yours truly for your portrait.

And stay tuned for—more Adventures….