Ione Citrin: A Passion for Art and LAJH

Ione Citrin has an enormous imagination, an immense passion for art, and a great sense of commitment to LAJH. Bringing all three together has been a journey.

Many years ago, when Ione transitioned out of a life in the performing arts, she was left feeling a little lost. After some searching, she found herself again in art. Once she started creating it, she realized she could sell her art, show it, and maybe even win awards for it. That is precisely what she has done for more than 20 years, and LAJH has benefited in the process.

Today, Ione shows her beautiful art all over the United States in various solo shows and as part of larger, group exhibitions. She also has 42 pieces on display at the El Segundo Public Library, and recently released a book, Art by Ione: Recent Works by Ione Citrin, which showcases many of her works.

However, you only have to go as far as the dining room on LAJH's Eisenberg Village campus to see one of these wonderful creations hanging year ‘round. Ione donated a piece of her collage work to the Home to be displayed for the residents' enjoyment.

Ione draws inspiration for her work from within. Dreams and ideas that fly around her mind spill out onto her canvas, evolving as she crafts them into a beautiful work of art. She feels driven by her creativity, "It's like riding in a car but you don't know how to drive it...but it's not scary," she says. Ione generally works on two pieces at a time, but always in different media, such as a painting and a collage.

Her current studio has a charming story behind it. When she leased her new work space, she told her husband, Herb, all about it. As she was describing the building, Herb instantly recognized it as the one he had worked in 40 years earlier. Adding to the sense of enchantment, or possibly destiny, is the fact that Ione's studio space is exactly where Herb's office once was.

Herb was the first one to get involved with the Home, and served as The Guardians' president in 1997. Through him, Ione instantly connected with the Home's mission.

She says she had seen nothing like LAJH in her hometown of Chicago, and was impressed with the level of care, how the facilities are maintained, and the variety and quality of services that the Home provides to its residents. Ione also found the Jewish aspects of the Home -the kosher food, several rabbis on staff, and a synagogue on each campus - to be a great addition to the lives of the residents.

Ione continues to be invested in LAJH and its future. She and Herb are members of the Legacy Circle, those who have generously named LAJH in their estate plans to ensure that it can continue to provide excellent care for the seniors in our community.