October 1, 2026 – September 2027
Curated by Peter Hiller
Happy 150th Birthday to Jo Mora!
October 22, 1876.
In celebration of Jo Mora’s 150th birthday year, Monterey History and Art has decided to share vintage photographs by Lewis Josselyn from the Jo Mora Collection, housed here, along with additional images courtesy of the Pat Hathaway Collection/Monterey County Historical Society. The photos depict various aspects of Jo Mora’s time on the Monterey Peninsula – from 1920 until he passed away in 1947.
With noted local photographer and Mora family friend, Lewis Josselyn behind the camera, these photos acknowledge the close friendship between Mora and Josselyn who was privileged to document both Jo’s work as an artist and his family life.
Whereas both Mora and Josselyn have had and deserved exhibitions and biographies of their own, it is fascinating to note several aspects of each other’s lives and accomplishments that overlap.
Both men had their artistic efforts published as ephemeral material including postcards and calendars. They both shared an interest in the Native Americans in Arizona, particularly the Hopi and Navajo.
They both shared an interest in the history of early California especially the Missions of California along with life in the County of Monterey including living on the Monterey Peninsula. Their time in the Carmel area found them both involved with the Forest Theatre and the Theatre of the Golden Bough.
Both artists participated in Abalone League baseball games and Josselyn was skilled enough to assist Mora while working on the creation of Mora’s Portola diorama – in addition to photographing the project.Through the good fortune and steadfast collecting by Jo’s mother Laura, wife Grace, and children Jo Jr. and Patti who were often the recipients of Jo’s artistic accomplishments, several of the art pieces seen in the photos remain in the Mora Collection and are also showcased in this exhibit.
Heartfelt thanks to Tanya von Giese, Susan DeLay, James Perry, Mike Beck, Dan Christsensen, Paula & Terry Trotter, Glenn Gobel, Evan Lowery and Bob Wecker for contributions to this exhibit.
