In Memory of Florence “Deda” Jacobsen
Artist and beloved faculty member at Brentwood Art Center
Deda Jacobsen, October 27, 1938 - January 6, 2023
Deda was born in Chicago the second of three children. Her older sister coined the name because she had trouble saying Florence and the name Deda stuck throughout her life. Her family moved about and settled in Santa Monica in the early 1950s where she attended St. Monica and Norte Dame High School. She graduated from Northwestern University where she studied for a career in dental hygiene and met her future husband and prominent Beverly Hills dentist, Raymond Jacobsen (1930-2015).
After beginning her career in 1959 as a dental hygienist in Pacific Palisades, Deda married Ray in 1960 and had three children, Eric, James, and Nancy over the next 12 years. She was a devoted wife and mother who juggled the many aspects of parenting with joy and dedication. When she wasn't working, she filled her time tending to her children's activities, doing charitable endeavors, and developing a love of cooking and entertaining. She was continually active in many charities during her life including National Charity League Los Angeles Founder Chapter, The Ebell, Santa Monica Westside Charity League, ARCS Foundation, as well as being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
“Deda always exhibited exceptional artistic talent and this ability she pursued with passion her entire life.”
Le Petite Maison d'Amour, mixed media on paper, by Deda Jacobsen
Deda always exhibited exceptional artistic talent and this ability she pursued with passion her entire life. She entered a drawing contest in her early teens and won first prize which was personally presented to her by Walt Disney. In the early 1970s, she signed up for classes at Brentwood Art Center. She had retired from dental hygiene and was looking to rekindle her love of art. This proved to be her calling.
Within a year, Deda was offered a teaching job at the art school which she happily accepted. She had a knack for teaching and quickly became a fixture at the Brentwood Art Center. Her tenure as a teacher lasted more than 45 years. During that time, she not only taught countless students painting, life drawing, perspective, color theory, and art history; she created several series of original artworks. Most of these series received gallery exhibitions, including a Barnsdall Art Gallery exhibit in 1992. Later, she was a founding member of TAG, The Artists Gallery. Additionally, she fed her love of travel by coordinating several art tours and painting excursions to France and Italy with students and colleagues. Well loved by her students and generous with her time, she always helped them to embrace their own individual styles and achieve their desired results.
“She had a knack for teaching and quickly became a fixture at the Brentwood Art Center.”
Spirits, Assemblage and Oils on canvas, by Deda Johnsen
Deda is survived by her three children and a brother, as well as several nieces and nephews. Her passing has dimmed all our lives by the loss of her vibrant smile, sparkling sense of humor, and vivid inner light. An internment ceremony is scheduled for 2pm January 30, 2023, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica for family, friends, students, and colleagues who may wish to attend.
For more information on Deda's art career please visit www.dedajacobsen.com
(Published by Los Angeles Times January 22, 2023)
