The Kutztown Area School District Education Foundation Board of Directors announced that Kempton artist Jonathan “Jon” C. Bond has been selected as the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.
“Jon embarked on his artistic journey upon graduation from Kutztown Area High School in 1974. He traveled extensively throughout Europe to study mural painting, which inspired him to focus on creating many open air works of art stateside. His career in art has taken him from the use of traditional materials into the age of computer assisted design,” the foundation states in the release.
2024 marks the 50th year of Bond’s profession as a painter and graphic artist. He estimates that he has created more than 2,500 original paintings and designed 30,000 graphics for private and corporate businesses, as well as government and religious institutions.
“Jon has been instrumental in documenting the landscape of Berks County through his art,” the foundation states.
Bond has published three books and mounted 15 solo exhibitions featuring works created in egg tempera, oil, watercolor, and pencil and ink. He founded the Albany Township Historical Society in 1997 as a vehicle to preserve the rich cultural heritage of northern Berks County.
“Jon hikes the gentle sloping woodlands surrounding his art gallery in Kempton. He is often alone but never lonesome as he draws inspiration from the rustic unspoiled scenery, the awesome sunsets and atmospherics of the Kittatinny Ridge, and the iconic farmsteads of Pennsylvania Dutch Country,” the foundation states.
Bond will be honored at a reception held at Setter Ridge Vineyards on May 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. He will deliver the commencement address to the Kutztown Area High School graduating Class of 2024.
Founded in 2000, the Kutztown Area School District Education Foundation has received charitable donations in excess of a $1 million. An independent, private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation's mission is to enhance educational opportunities in the district’s schools and to recognize the superior achievements of district students and alumni. The nonprofit has raised more than $1.3 million for scholarships and also manages monies received through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program that enables the district to buy technology equipment not covered by local tax dollars. Through the past year, those monies total more than $413,000 in donations.
For more information about programs funded or supported by the foundation, visit kasdedfoundation.org.