Saturday, December 12, 2015, BUILDING BRIDGES ART EXCHANGE Presents New Exhibitions!

BUILDING BRIDGES ART EXCHANGE presents two solo exhibitions opening December 12^th from 5:00pm to 8:30 pm. 

In the main gallery, “Franco Marrocco - The Red Studio & Other Works” curated by Giovanni Iovane and Marisa Caichiolo will debut paintings from the international artist Franco Marrocco.  On view in the project room is “J.J. L’Heureux: Etichette,”a solo show from Venice local and established artist J.J. L’Heureux.

In English the word "studio" refers to the working space where a painter, a photographer or a sculptor brings his or her creation to life. In Italian, however, "studio" also refers to a study on a certain subject, a drawing, an elaboration, as well as a model for a future application. It also means space for either a private or public exhibit.

Co-curator, Giovanni Iovane talks about Marrocco's exhibition, "'Red Studio' is the name of the exhibit and of the large-scale painting hanging in the gallery's main space. The exhibit's key piece is part of Franco Marroco's recent body of work, who turns his daily painting practice into a "study." The study is an original and singular characteristic of the pictorial process and space. A space with a view,"

The art of Venice resident J.J. L’Heureux has been shown in museums around the world. She is most well known for her photography, she is also a painter, she also create collage and mixed media works. For this show her collages have been chosen…L’Heureux calls them “Etichette.”

Her annual treks to the Antarctic not only are the subject of her photography, which has been sought after by museums across the world, but they also inspire her to create in other mediums.

The artist has been featured in solo exhibitions at Kansas University Natural History Museum, Lawrence, Kansas, Detroit Zoo, Ford Gallery, Royal Oak, Michigan, SoZo Gallery, Dothan, Alabama, Madison Children’s Museum, Madison, Wisconsin.

L'Heureux's work has also be part of the following group exhibitions this year:  “Water Unbalance” Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, “Who’s Afraid of Feminism?” AIR Gallery, Brooklyn, New York. (Catalogue), “i AM woman…i AM digital,” Women In Photography International, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. “Water Works II,” Porch Gallery, Ojai, California. (Catalogue).

http://www.jjlheureux.com/     

http://www.penguinspirit.com/

BUILDING BRIDGES ART EXCHANGE is a Non Profit Organization 501 (c) 3, dedicated to cultivate an understanding among cultures worldwide through international art exhibitions (workshops-lectures), art exchanges and artists residencies 

Don’t miss the opening, Saturday, December 12^th from 5:00pm to 8:30 pm at BUILDING BRIDGES ART EXCHANGE is located at space F2 at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404; (310) 770-1961; www.buildingbridgesartexchange.org 

This Weekend, Nov 28, Shop at Montana Avenue's Small Business Saturday Event in Santa Monica!

The holidays are rapidly arriving…and the malls will be crowded after Thanksgiving….so why not head to Small Business Saturday on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica?

The event is a nationally recognized campaign and encourages people across the nation to shop at local stores and small businesses on this black Friday/Saturday shopping weekend. Small Business Saturday takes place from 7th Street to 17th Street from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, (with restaurants offering extended hours)  Live music will run from 12:30pm to 4:30pm on the Avenue.

Texture: A Sweater Store and More, will be open and offering specials on its gorgeous merchandise. It's a perfect time to buy a warm sweater.

Owner, Jane Walker said that this event is important for so many reasons. Locals come out to hear music and enjoy a casual day of shopping…all the while giving back to their own neighborhood. She went on to say when people buy directly from local shops, the money goes right back into the community…into the police department, the fire department, etc.
See Texture’s FB page.

Texture will offer live music featuring guitar player Peter Skrabak. 

The musician was classically trained and started playing at just seven years old. He played his first professional gig at fourteen, then worked as a bassist as well. Skrabak has played just about every style of music.  http://www.peterskrabak.com

Ten Women on Montana offers some wonderful gift giving ideas for the upcoming holidays (both inside and outside in front of the gallery). 

Enjoy savings with 40% off bamboo & cashmere scarves, 10-25% off fine art, prints & photography. Ten Women Gallery, 1128 Montana Ave., in Santa Monica; 310-393-6254; http://www.tenwomen.org

Kat & the Jazz Birds will be performing on the northwest corner 13th Montana, next to Partner's Trust (1333 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403) from 12:30 – 4:30 pm.

The band will perform jazz standards as well as some old time swing. Well known songs such as All of Me, Stormy Weather, My funny Valentine, Fever, Fly me to the Moon, Almost like Being in Love and more will take you back to a nostalgic time when the sound of legendary artists like Peggy Lee, Etta James, and Ella Fitzgerald, filled the airwaves. For more info about Kat & the Jazz Birds, visit http://www.KathyLeonardo.com.

For info on Partner’s Trust call or visit the website. (310) 382-8500; http://www.thepartnerstrust.com/

Located at 1631 Montana Ave., Sweet Lady Jane has been in business for the past twenty-five years. It offers all types of desserts such as cookies, brownies, lemon squares, layer cakes, cheese cakes, pies tarts and more. 

Guitarist Milo Gonzalez will perform. A self-taught classical guitar and flamenco guitarist, Gonzalez’s music derives influence as much from guitar masters, such as Paco De Lucia and Andres Segovia, as it does from modern day heavy metal and psychedelic music, such as Black Sabbath or The Mars Volta. You can find out more about Milo Gonzalez’s music by visiting
https://soundcloud.com/milo-gonzalez

Sweet Lady Jane is located at 1631 Montana Ave. 310 254-9949; http://www.sweetladyjane.com/

This is just a taste… more stores will be open offering special sales. Montana Avenue is home to over one hundred and fifty businesses and many will participate in the  event from 11am to 5pm (restaurants will offer extended hours) running from 7th Street to 17th Street. For more info about the Montana Avenue Art Walk and Music Festival check out http://montanaave.com/

November 21st, 2015, “Mirrors of the Mind 4: The Psychotherapist as an Artist” opens at Art Share LA.

On Saturday, November 21, 2015 “Mirrors of the Mind 4: The Psychotherapist as an Artist” opens at Art Share LA. Presented by the Community Outreach Committee of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, this event celebrates its fourth year. Artists have been chosen via a juried selection process. The jurors are: Robert Bilder PhD, James Catterall PhD, Rebecca Catterall, and Gus Harper.The event will also feature poetry and music.

The Los Angeles Psychological Association (LACPA) represents licensed psychologists within Los Angeles County by responding to the mental health needs of the community. Its purposes are to advance the science and profession of psychology and promote human welfare while educating the public about psychological issues.

This year’s event will feature work from Dr. Stuart Perlman. A psychoanalyst, psychologist and artist, Perlman has become well known for his powerful paintings of the homeless. Dr. Perlman reminds us that these individuals, too, are to be valued: "If we can see into their faces and learn their stories -- their hopes, dreams, accomplishments and fears -- we can no longer pretend that they don't exist...we can no longer look the other way." 

LACPA’s goal is to increase the awareness of the general public about mental health issues, the profession of psychology, and the mission of LACPA. The Mirrors of the Mind Project reflects just that that. Founded in 2012, by Terry Marks-Tarlow, Ph.D., and Pamela J. McCrory, Ph.D., the success of the event has increased with each new year. Co-founders Tarlow and McCrory curate the group show and both agree that they feel the annual event is a perfect example of the importance and power of creativity.

McCrory said that working on this project for the past four years has been a highlight in her professional life. “I have learned more about the value of arts in well-being and health.  Sharing and encouraging arts engagement with the LA community and psychologists across the country has been a professional highlight.  I know that it has enhanced my belief in my own creativity and deepened my commitment to nurture creativity in my clients, students and colleagues.” McCrory added that she felt creativity is an important part of the healing process. “Art is a universal way to make meaning out of experience, to enlarge our world, to create an opportunity for empathy, and to celebrate our common humanity, as well as our diverse perspectives.”

Co-curator and artist Marks-Tarlow is also a psychologist and clinician and sees the benefits of the artistic process in herself as well as her patients. Her art will be included in the show. She is excited to see the art displayed in the gallery at Art Share LA, and celebrates the many talented artists who are a part of this community outreach event.

Other artists set to be featured in the exhibition are Karissa Burnett,  Alisa Dennis, David Feingold, Gary Felton, Christine Forest, Flora Golden and many more. 

Art by Gary Felton

“Mirrors of the Mind 4: The Psychotherapist as an Artist” officially opens November 18 with a  reception taking place on Saturday, November 21st, 2015, from 5 to 10pm at Artshare LA, located at 801 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

There will be a poetry reading 5-6pm as well as Community Art Creation from 4-9pm.

Attendees can bid on an art silent auction. Live original music and light refreshments will be provided. The exhibition will run through November 28.

There is a $10 admission for the general public; $5 for students and LACPA members; (213) 687-4278; http://artsharela.org/   http://www.lapsych.org/