For the Smith Brothers, a memorable restaurant has always been about more than what arrives on the plate. Architecture, gardens, lighting and art all add beauty and interest to the experience. Among the many works displayed throughout the restaurants are several distinctive pieces by acclaimed local artist Kenton Nelson.
Nelson has maintained his studio in Pasadena for more than 40 years and became known for a style influenced by American Scene painting and the idealized imagery of the 1930s. His connection to the restaurants is particularly special because several of his works were commissioned specifically for the spaces they inhabit.
At Smitty’s Grill, a woman applies lipstick using a window as her mirror, with the Smitty’s Grill name cleverly appearing in reverse on the glass. At Parkway Grill, two dramatic, nearly floor-to-ceiling paintings—one depicting a man and the other a woman—have become familiar features of the dining room.
At Arroyo Chop House, Nelson worked on an even larger scale. His sweeping mural, Leisure and Recreation, depicts scenes of sport and leisure inspired by the 1930s and was created for the restaurant when it opened in 1997.
These works are just one part of the art found throughout our restaurants, but their local connection makes them particularly meaningful—original pieces created by a Pasadena artist to bring a little more beauty, character and interest to the spaces our guests enjoy.
