HWĪT Opens December 12th at the Loft at Liz's!

Friday, December 12th, the Loft at Liz's presents HWĪT, a group show featuring the art of Natalie Arnoldi, Carlos Grasso, Eric Johnson, Stuart Kusher, J.J. L’Heureux, Elizabeth Orleans, Diane Silver, Zadik Zadikian, and guest artists (from Art 1307) Marco Abbamondi and Amedeo Sanzone.

“Each artist has created work with White as the predominant component,” said gallery owner, Liz Gordon. Gordon discusses what she looks for when putting together a show…”It varies depending on the theme but I am always looking for originality, technical execution, and in many cases an underlying social message.  In the case of White the latter is not relevant.”

For this exhibition, Gordon has chosen both photography and paintings by renowned photographer and artist J.J. L’Heureux whose work has been featured in museums across the world. 

J.J. L’Heureux Bergy Bit 6 – 12 x 16, oil on canvas (below)

A busy photographer, L’Heureux has participated in thirteen expeditions to date and is on her way to her fourteenth. Her travels inspire her to create her “Bergy Bit Series” which are abstract paintings. “The Bergy Bits are evolving.  For me they contain the spirit I feel in Antarctica that speaks with the wind, the cracks of startling booms as icebergs calve into the sea and the silence of a place devoid of industrial sounds.”

Starting with white gesso, L’Heureux applies many layers (up to forty to fifty), adding more color to create the desired effect. The process is detailed and time consuming…she often works on her collage work and photography while the paint is drying, then she returns to her “Bergy Bits” to complete the process.

She has been featured in one-person exhibitions most recently at Science Spectrum, (Lubbock, Texas), Goddard Center, (Ardmore, Oklahoma), the International Wildlife Museum (Tucson), the Lafayette Science Museum, (Lafayette, Louisiana) and more.

http://www.jjlheureux.com/  http://www.penguinspirit.com

Natalie Arnoldi will also be participating in the exhibition. “I have 5 pieces confirmed to be in the show - two oil paintings on canvas and three gouaches.  All are from the same body of work - paintings of gas stations illuminated at night.” 

Natalie Arnoldi - NA14-51, Untitled, 2014 gouache on paper 3/4 x 5 inches (image) 61/2 x 7 inches (sheet)

Arnoldi talks about her art…“I choose the imagery that I do for several reasons, the first of which being, of course, that they appeal to me.  Airplanes, transportation, fossil fuels, dying technologies and environments; all are very important to me both my academic and artistic life. http://nataliearnoldi.com/

Sculptor Stuart Kusher has shown several times at the Loft at Liz’s. He will be unveiling two new bronze works at the gallery’s winter exhibit. His latest works, titled “The Messenger” and “The Scribe”, will debut in The Loft at Liz’s to later be featured in the artist’s forthcoming solo museum show at MOAH in 2015. http://www.stuartkusher.com/

Enjoy a special performance at the opening reception by Amy Kaps. A performance artist, Kaps talks about the upcoming event. “I am going to Miami right before Liz's to perform ‘Unraveled (in Aqua)’ at the Aqua Art Miami Fair.” 

See image: of Amy Kaps in performance

Kaps has performed in all types of pop-up events and venues such as "Victus Versus" in NYC, "Art in Odd Places" and renegade at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim, Zero Down in Inglewood at Beacon Arts, The Electric Lodge, and Chung King Road for Perform Chinatown 2014. “I have never performed at Liz's but I did exhibit a photograph in a show, One Shot: One World in which I had the 1st place photo, "A Striped World", in collaboration with Eric Schwabel.” http://amykaps.com/

 Additional artists featured are: Carlos Grasso, Eric Johnson, Elizabeth Orleans, Diane Silver, Zadik Zadikian….also guest artists from Art 1307: Marco Abbamondi, and Amedeo Sanzone.


Don’t miss this extraordinary exhibition Friday, December 12, 2014 from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. The Loft at Liz’s is located at 453 S. La Brea Avenue, located above Liz's Antique Hardware, Los Angeles, CA 90036; (323) 939-4403; http://www.theloftatlizs.com

Miracle on 34th Street Event Presented by Upper West Restaurant - Fundraiser for Miracles for Kids!

Miracle on 34^th Street takes over Upper West Restaurant…yes Upper West happens to be located just west of 34^th street…making it the perfect place for this special toy drive and fundraiser for an extremely important non profit, Miracles for Kids. 

This local organization provides necessary financial aid to low-income families of children who are dealing with a serious diseases such as cancer.

The Miracles for Kids story started in 1988 as The Breeze Fund, with the purpose of raising funds to support the research efforts of the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), which it successfully did for many years. The name was later changed to Miracles for Kids.

Upper West will be serving a four-course meal starting with a tempting pumpkin soup with ricotta crema, braised bacon and toasted sesame powder. Next one can expect a yellowtail carpaccio, with watercress pesto, smoked salt and meyer lemon. Be sure to save room for the main entrée, a braised short rib and goat chees puree, with truffle and thai basil. And finally to end the delicious meal, enjoy a butterscotch crème brulee with cassisa and expresso dust. Admission is $120 per person plus a toy. The meal will also come with two glasses of wine. There are some exceptional items that will be up for auction…such as restaurant gift cards, jewelry, wine and spirits, original art, a luxury condo in Mammoth and more. 

Designer Gigi Clark said she was happy to help Miracles for Kids and has donated one of her own designs for the silent auction. The charming snakeskin bracelet features a beautiful mother of pearl stone with a leather lining for maximum comfort.

Clark is also the owner of Uroborus-Mode, located on Main Street in Santa Monica. The store is run by Clark and her business partner David Scheffer. Catering to local clientele, the exclusive fashion boutique features trendy designs and European couture. Clark’s reputation has attracted fans from all over the world, who travel to Santa Monica, just to purchase Clark’s original designs.

When asked what inspires her to create, she answered, “Excitement of life and communication with people keeps me inspired. It is often unpredictable what comes along and triggers me. I am also fascinated by other cultures.”

Clark is currently designing new slim-lined T-shirts, as well as a new take on traditional work out clothes. Stop in for their month long sale through the end of December.

Uroborus-Mode is located at 2407 Main Street in Santa Monica, 90405. For more info about Gigi Clark and special deals, call 310 581 9399 or check the FB Page. 

Artist and cancer survivor, Stephanie Visser has generously contributed one of her paintings for the silent auction. When asked how she felt it must be for children dealing with cancer…she answered…”It is such a shame.  And it seems most children go through it with more equanimity than adults do because of their innocence and inexperience with life.”

Stephanie Visser, Querencia Series Untitled #3 14 x 11 Acrylic on Canvas

Stephanie said she is happy to contribute to such an important cause. “After having gone through my experience, I am vested in hoping to make a difference through education and just plain support on whatever level it is needed.”

Stephanie Visser has donated one of her brand new works of art from her "Querencia" series, which was created while recuperation after a recent operation. She dubbed the series "Querencia, which means “feeling safe and secure” (in Spanish) while she was back home in Michigan, safe and sound with her family. For more info about the art of Stephanie Visser, check out her website at Stephanie Visser’s website

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity…to give back while enjoying an incredible dining experience. Upper West is known for stepping up for good causes. Chef Nick Shipp’s specialty dinners are also a popular event at the restaurant. In fact they ALWAYS sell out…so make your reservation soon.  

The event will also put a spotlight on the children. Beginning at 6pm, Chef Nick Shipp will work with the children in the kitchen and help them decorate holiday cookies.

See image: At a Miracles for Kids event

The children will be provided chef coats and hats by Upper West and learn how the inside scoop and secrets to working in a professional kitchen from a veteran chef.

Be sure to make your reservations now for Miracle on 34th Street event at Upper West. To find out more about Miracles for Kids, see the website at http://miraclesforkids.org/http://miraclesforkids.org/

Located in Santa Monica…(3321 W. Pico Blvd. at 33rd Street), Upper West is a well-known restaurant with an exceptional culinary reputation. Reservations are filling up, so call now to RSVP - (310) 586-1111; Tickets are $120 per person…don’t forget the toy…it’s a toy drive too. http://www.theupperwest.com

Argentinian Artist Javier De Aubeyzon Featured at FABstudio GALLERY December 4!

FABstudio GALLERY presents the work of Argentinian artist Javier De Aubeyzon on Thursday, December 4^th from 5-9pm. 

Image, right: Still Life, Javier De Aubeyzon, oil on canvas, 78”x78”

Featuring nine works, the exhibition is curated by gallerist Flavio Bisciotti, a friend and fellow architect. The show features two series, ”Urban Industrial Landscapes” which juxtaposes technology and nature, and “Natural Environmental Landscapes” which explore global warming and the future of the environment.

The two have been friends for over fifteen years and originally met in Argentina. Bisciotti is a big supporter of De Aubeyzon’s and work recently featured his art in a group show this past August.

Bisciotti explains, “I admire his architectural vision and its portrayal in his paintings. I also appreciate his surrealist tendencies. He is able to combine a hyperreal painting style with depictions of unique environments. In ‘Still Life,’ Javier uses a monument from the Buenos Aires cityscape, in this case Eduardo Catalano’s sculpture “Floralis Generalis” of a giant metallic flower which opens and closes. In this painting, he contrasts this with the detritus and trash of society floating in the ‘Riachuelo River,’ a manmade natural disaster.”

Promoting an environmental consciousness throughout the work is key to the art of De Aubeyzon. Within that framework, he combines the visuals of polar opposites. “Recently I've found myself merging the two opposing themes I've worked on for years, ‘Urban Industrial Landscapes’ and ‘natural environment landscapes,’" said De Aubeyzon. “Two contradictory images interact in one, with a clear message….Man co-exists with his enemy, himself, and feels obligated to protect his home, planet earth.”

Image, left: Field Trip, Javier De Aubeyzon, Oil on Canvas, 60" x 60"

De Aubeyzon said he has always been drawn to visual concepts of the port industry in Buenos Aires, as well as its abandoned freeways. This captivating imagery heightens the seriousness of the subject.

De Aubeyzon has been included in exhibitions at Galería Praxis,International Art, Miami, The British Arts Centre in Argentina, Galería D&G Arte, the Palais de Glace Museum, and many others.

Don’t miss the opening reception of "Javier De Aubeyzon Paintings: Environmentalism-o" Thursday, December 4^th from 5-9pm at FABstudio GALLERY (2001 Main Street in Santa Monica 90405). The exhibit runs December 4, 2014 to February 5, 2015. More nformation: 424-744-8156;  http://fabstudiola.com/;  http://www.deaubeyzon.com/; Or call Flavio at (310) 630 9216.

Shop Small this weekend at Montana Avenue's Small Business Saturday!

Small Business Saturday takes place this Saturday November 29, 2014, two days after Thanksgiving and is dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Created by American Express in 2010 by American Express, the event is now in its 5^th year. 

Montana’s Avenue’s Small Business Saturday event takes place from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from 6^th street to 17^th street this Saturday.

Local shopping provides jobs for local residents, it keeps money circulating in the local economy, increases diversity and ultimately helps the city retain a sense of identity if the face of increasing homogenization.  

Jane Walker, founder of TEXTURE: A Sweater Store & More is one of the shop owners who helped make this event happen. “People can stroll, enjoy the day and start their holiday shopping, but without all the frenzied madness of a Black Friday,” said Walker. “With music on every block and special promotions all along the Avenue, everyone enjoys the experience." TEXTURE: A Sweater Store & More is located at 716 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA; (310) 393-0707; See FB page.

Ten Women is another popular hotspot on Montana Ave. An artist collective, which features the art of 24 women and talented artists.

Here one can find original gifts for that special loved one. One such artist, Linda Fenster features mosaic art such as "Cinderellie's Get Away Dress" a costume jewelry and bead dress, created completely out of mosaic tiles with Scrabble letters spelling out, "HAPPINESS.” Also for sale are Fenster's signature beaded functional office telephones and a dreaming mermaid themed treasure.

The charming shop is filled with beautiful work of this Ten Women Gallery co-operative located at 1128 Montana Ave., in Santa Monica; 310-393 6254;  www.tenwomengallery.com

In addition to the incredible shopping at Saturday’s event, local bands are scheduled to perform up and down the street.

Kat & the Jazz Birds will be performing from 12:00pm to 4:00 pm just outside L'Occitane located at 1301 Montana Ave; (310) 393-7040; http://usa.loccitane.com/

Singer, Kathy Leonardo has been performing for the past thirty years and currently fronts five bands (jazz, blues, country, originals, and holiday music). Her musical career began in her teens when she worked as an actor/singer/dancer in NY’s stage shows. She has toured extensively both internationally and in the US, performing in national touring companies and on Broadway. She has performed in original musical stage productions by famed Broadway composers Charles Strouse (Annie) Liz Swados (Runaways), etc. She also toured in the revival of the national production of “Stop the World, I Want to Get off” with renowned actor/singer/composer Anthony Newley. 

In addition to singing and dancing across the world, she is a prolific songwriter/composer in her own right. She plays guitar and has worked as a stand up comedian. She is the consummate performer…an animated front singer for all of her bands. She has worked in both film and TV (Cosby, Ground Floor. Etc). Leonardo has produced two CDs featuring all original music (available on Itunes, CD Baby, etc.) and continues to perform across the country with several of her bands. Being trained in opera and having a Broadway background has only added to her well-rounded stage presence. Standing 4’11”, Leonardo has become known as the blues dynamo with the big voice.

Kat & the Jazz Birds features Kathy Leonardo (vocals), Bob Crickmore, (keys), Albert Rappopot (sax), Mike Flick (Stand-up Bass), and Mitch Montrose (drums). For more info about Kat & the Jazz Birds and her other bands at KathyLeonardo.com

Greg Cruz will also be playing at the Montana Ave Small Business Saturday event as a duo version of his own band The Venice Street Legends, which also includes Petr Hromadko. Forged in the streets of Venice Beach, these passionate troubadours know that music is life and life is music.

Busking long hours exclusively on the Venice Boardwalk, they have become legendary for their dedication and sheer will of instilling their brand. Cruz is a versatile performer, playing and singing many genres. Having cut his chops in Venice as well as booking gigs such as the House of blues where he was a fixture at the Porch Restaurant Lunch hour weekdays for years.

The Venice Street Legends will be performing popular blues melodies and some country too. The band will be located in the middle of the block in front of Browns Cleaners 1223 Montana from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. http://www.reverbnation.com/venicestreetlegends

Guitarist, Michael Jost will perform Flamenco and classical music from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm in front of Kiehl’s located at 1516 Montana Ave.

Michael's music is a journey in time & space fueled by his passion for music & his instrument. His main instrument is the guitar with all the different colors & emotions. Michael's influences are very multicolored & involve different styles, continents and time periods. Live or on in the studio... Expect to be surprised. http://www.reverbnation.com/michaeljost

Don’t miss the Montana Avenue Small Business Saturday event featuring a variety of eclectic small businesses and live music from 6th to 17^th. For more info, see http://montanaave.com/