Artist-in-Residence Series
The exclusive Hermosa Inn is home to an innovative program, honoring its artistic roots that brings hotel guests and locals together with a favorite artist or author for an intimate evening of fine dining and conversation. The Artist-in-Residence Dinner Series, inspired by the Inn’s artistic roots (originally the private residence of renowned cowboy artist Lon Megargee) is held throughout the year in our highly acclaimed restaurant, LON’s at The Hermosa.
"Bringing well-known artists and authors here for intimate gatherings was what Lon himself might have done," comments Fred Unger, one of the owners of The Hermosa Inn. "Even today, the residential feel and cozy scale of the inn make it a natural choice for salon-style evenings." A hidden treasure emerges by showcasing artists today, welcoming locals and hotel guests to share in Megargee's past at this historic hand-built ranch house that he once called home.
The Artist-in-Residence Series has brought a diverse array of prominent performing, visual, or literary artists to the historic inn. Guests have included actress, painter, and author Jane Seymour, theater and film luminary Diane Ladd, five-time Emmy Award winner Doris Roberts of Everybody Loves Raymond fame, world-renowned classical pianist Jeffrey Siegel, critically acclaimed Cowboy Artist of America painters Martin Grelle and Harley Brown, action-adventure novelist Clive Cussler, television veteran and author Hugh Downs, NY Times best-selling author and painter Victor Ostrovsky, musician Tito Puente Jr., internationally acclaimed mystery writer Aaron Elkins, and many more.
Hosted by award-winning author, Pam Swartz, the evening begins with a pre-dinner wine reception at which guests and the featured artist can mingle on one of the private patios or amid the candlelit ambiance of the Inn's distinctive underground Wine Cellar. Participants then enjoy a sumptuous four-course dinner designed especially for the occasion by LON’s executive chef. Wines, too, are personally selected for the event by the sommelier. Following dinner, the featured artist speaks informally and answers questions moderated by host Pam Swartz.
Additionally, there is an Artist Demonstration held six times a year during LON's Sunday brunch, featuring local emerging artists. The demonstrations may include painting, sculpting, printmaking, jewelry making, and more. Throughout the brunch, the artist is available for one-on-one interaction with guests as they demonstrate their techniques. This is free for any guest attending LON's Sunday Brunch. For more information on the Artist-in-Residence series, or to inquire about upcoming events please phone 800 241-1210.