"The Five O'Clock Club is plain, easy-going and unconventional. . .
Members or guests need not don their dress suits to attend the meetings."

--From the Club History
written in the 1890's

About the
Five O'Clock Club
and the "Fruytagie" Canvas

Five O'Clock Club members are special. We attract upbeat, ambitious, dynamic, intelligent people--and that makes it fun for all of us. Most of our members are professionals, managers, executives, consultants and freelancers. We also include recent college grads and those aiming to get into the professional ranks, as well as people in their 40s, 50s and even 60s. Most members' salaries range from $25,000 to $400,000 (40% of our members earn in excess of $100,000 a year). For those who cannot attend a Club, The Five O'Clock Club Book Series contains all of our methodologies--and our spirit.

The Philosophy of The Five O'Clock Club
The Fruytagie Canvas by Patricia Kelly, depicted here, symbolizes our philosophy. The original, which is actually 52.5" by 69", hangs in the offices of The Five O'Clock Club in Manhattan. It is reminiscent of popular 16th century Dutch "fruytagie" or fruit tapestries which depicted abundance and prosperity.

I was attracted to this piece because it seemed to fit the spirit of our people at The Five O'Clock Club. This was confirmed when the artist, who was not aware of what I did for a living, added these words to the canvas: "The garden is abundant, prosperous and magical." Later, it took me only ten minutes to write the blank verse, "The Garden of Life," because it came from my heart. The verse reflects our philosophy and describes the kind of people who are members of the Club.

I'm always inspired by Five O'Clock Clubbers. They show others the way through their quiet behavior . . . their kindness . . . their generosity . . . their hard work . . . under God's care.

We share what we have with others. We are in this lush, exciting place together--with our brothers--and reach out for harmony. The garden is abundant. The job market is exciting. And Five O'Clock Clubbers believe that there is enough for everyone.


About the Artist's Method
To create her tapestry-like art, Kelly developed a unique style of stenciling. She hand-draws and hand-cuts each stencil, both in the negative and positive for each image. Her elaborate technique also includes a lengthy multi-layering process incorporating Dutch metal leaves and gilding, numerous transparent glazes, paints and wax pencils.

Kelly also paints the backside of the canvas using multiple washes of reds, violets and golds. She employs this technique to create a heavy vibration of color which in turn reflects the color onto the surface of the wall against which the canvas hangs.

The canvas is suspended by a heavy braided silk cord threaded into large brass grommets inserted along the top. Like a tapestry, the hemmed canvas is attached to a gold-gilded dowel with finials. The entire work is hung from a sculpted wall ornament.

Our staff is inspired every day by the tapestry and by the members of The Five O'Clock Club. We all work hard--and have FUN! The garden is abundant--with enough for everyone.

We wish you lots of success in your career. We--and your fellow members of The Five O'Clock Club--will work with you on it.

--Kate Wendleton, President

The original Five O'Clock Club was formed
in Philadelphia in 1883. It was made up of the leaders of the day,
who shared their experiences "in a spirit of fellowship and good humor."