Zorthian Ranch, known as a unique haven for artists, has suffered significant damage from the recent Eaton fire. The secluded estate, nestled in the San Gabriel Mountain foothills near Altadena, has historically been a gathering place for creatives from various walks of life. Established in 1946 by sculptor Jirayr Zorthian, the ranch was filled with art made from discarded materials, evolving into an outdoor museum showcasing works by both renowned and emerging artists.
When the Eaton fire erupted on January 7, it devastated large portions of Altadena, leading to the destruction of over 4,600 structures and claiming at least 16 lives. Alan Zorthian, Jirayr’s son and caretaker of the ranch, fought valiantly to protect the property alongside others but ultimately watched in horror as fierce winds fueled the fire, destroying nearly everything except for the main house and a mid-century “green house.”
Alan, reflecting on the loss, expressed his despair at the annihilation of decades of artistic work. “I don’t know if I can duplicate 57 years of work,” he lamented. While some art stored in a steel container survived, he was too apprehensive to check its condition due to visible heat damage. “I start to feel bad about the cultural infrastructure that we’ve lost. But then I look around and see what other people have lost,” he said, acknowledging the broader devastation in the community.
Previously resilient against wildfires, Zorthian Ranch was equipped with firefighting resources. However, this time, the destructive force of the flames was too much. As Alan evacuated the property, he left behind important documents and personal belongings, narrowly escaping a raging inferno that made his Jeep inaccessible after a bridge crucial for crossing the property was destroyed.
The property once buzzed with artistic and wild energy—famed personalities like Andy Warhol and Richard Feynman had graced its grounds. The ranch was alive with creativity but now lies in ruins. Alan noted the remnants, including a broken piece of Masonite that once represented a poignant family moment. “There’s nothing left,” he said, filled with sorrow for the past.
Jirayr Zorthian fled the Armenian genocide as a child and built a life filled with artistic expression. He started with 27 acres and expanded it into a creative sanctuary that hosted notorious parties and events. Today, Alan reflects on how the ranch exemplified a bohemian lifestyle, attracting people from various fields while navigating the challenges of off-the-grid living.
In the past, the ranch had transitioned into a working farm, with efforts to combine art and ecology, including growing produce and maintaining beehives. Despite their losses, the Zorthian family is determined to revitalize the ranch and preserve its legacy. They have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support their rebuilding efforts, raising over $100,000 so far.
Yet, as interest from real estate developers grows, the family’s determination to retain ownership becomes increasingly urgent. Alan, sifting through the remnants, contemplated how they might turn their misfortune into inspiration. “I guess we’ll have to make art out of this damn fire,” he remarked, embodying the spirit of resilience that defined Zorthian Ranch for generations.
