December 8th, 2018, Montana Avenue Holiday Walk Lights Up Santa Monica!

On Saturday, December 8, 2018, from 4–8pm, Santa Monica’s Montana Avenue Holiday Walk will be in full swing. Come celebrate the holidays with a free event featuring live music, Santa Claus, the Grinch and Cindy Lou. The event runs from 6th street to 17th.

Each year all the merchants get involved. Locals come out to mingle and ring in the holiday season. Retailers offer all sorts of deals plus many give away cookies, cider, etc. Check Montana Avenue’s instagram as there will be a contest — post a pix of the grinch, with what street you found him on, and tag @montanaavesm — you will automatically be entered. There will be a Disney Princess Caroling group as well. Montana Avenue supports local schools by partnering them to help raise funds. Many of the students will participate in the event. 

The Off Their Jingle Bell Rockers will be performing holiday classics, plus their own original songs. This zany group of professional performers have been caroling together for the past fourteen years. You can find the Off Their Jingle Bell Rockers on the south side of Montana Ave …between 6th and 17th streets.  

Texture a wonderful assortment of sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, in both bright and muted colors, tweedy solids to polka dot. It also sells beautiful one-of-a-kind scarves. TEXTURE: the Sweater Store & More, 716 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA; (310) 393–0707; See FB page. Ten Women on Montana is an artist’s co-operative gallery showcasing local artists. Enjoy specials and light refreshments. Ten Women Gallery, 1128 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; 310–393–6254. 

On the North side of the street…heading east, you come to Exir (1134 Montana Avenue). Tonight, enjoy a special performance by the children of Chord 2 Cure, a non-profit organization benefiting pediatric cancer research. Be sure to stop by to see a performance by these amazing kids. Back on the south side…If you haven’t been to Le Macaron…you will love these delicate sweets. Le Macaron is located at 1301 Montana Avenue at the corner of Euclid.

Ama Asamoah is the manager of Jigsaw’s operations for Southern California, and re-located from London a year ago. This year, Jigsaw will be collaborating with Five Senses Tastings and hosting a pop-up event.

 Participants will taste the clothing along with chocolate, wine, cheese, and music, the experience is meant to include all five senses. Jigsaw is also running a sale (up to 50% off) on selected accessories for this special night. Jigsaw, 1409 Montana Avenue.

Kiehl’s on Montana is participating this year with 20% all purchases for Montana Walk only! This old-world apothecary was founded 165 years ago in New York’s East Village neighborhood. Stop in to purchase these most loved products at great prices for your loved ones. They make for great stocking stuffers. Kiehl’s on Montana, 1516 Montana Avenue.

Head to 16th Street…and you will find a three piece band called the Ledbetter Blues Band near Citron Santa Monica, located at 1615 Montana Ave.   

Blending old school blues with a modern funky energy, Ledbetter Blues Band knows how to turn up the heat. Front man Louis Ledbetter has the blues running through his veins. The great grandson of Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter, he’s been playing the blues as long as he can rememer. In 2017, Ledbetter joined pro musicians Erick Brassfield and Rick Bryan to form the Ledbetter Blues Band. Check out the Ledbetter Blues Band FB Page.

Don’t forget to stop into L’Oliphant for some cookies and enjoy 20% off of most items. L’Oliphant 1621 Montana Avenue. So come on out play on Saturday, December 8th, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Find out more about the merchants of Montana Avenue on the website http://montanaave.com

November 24, 2018, “Mirrors of the Mind 7: The Psychotherapist as Artist”

The annual event “Mirrors of the Mind 7: The Psychotherapist as Artist” is set to be hosted by Santa Monica Art Studios this year. The event was founded by colleagues Pamela J. McCrory, PhD, and Terry Marks Tarlow PhD, and is sponsored by the Community Outreach Committee (COC) of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association (LACPA).

The exhibition continues to celebrate the intersection of psychology, arts and culture, and is open to both doctors, therapists and students working within the psychology community. LACPA’s mission is to foster a culture of inclusiveness and respect for diversity in the organization and its community outreach efforts. Mirrors of the Mind does just that and will include all art forms. 

 “The quality of the art remains high, and we continue to be happy to launch our artists out into the world,” said Marks-Tarlow, co-founder and curator, has been participating as an artist in the event since inception. Pamela McCrory, co-founder and co-curator, said it has been an honor to watch the event evolve through the years. “My own creativity has grown, and making art is now a part of my week, a sanctuary for well-being, play and personal growth.”

Pamela kirst, Infinite Folds, 9½ x14" photo 

The group exhibition will feature a variety of artists such as the work of painter Kristen Wright LMFT,  who has been painting since she was five years old. She currently works in oil, acrylic, and water color. Photographer Pamela Kirst, PhD, will feature a work called Infinite Folds, which is the final image in a series of photographs called The Fungi Family. “My fascination with them came about because they just appeared one day in my psychology office (found sharing the pot of one of her plants) to my consternation and then amazement…and refused to leave.”

Robin Walker LMFT, is another painter included in the show. “I make stories with my paintings - they have a strong sense of narrative. He is currently working on a series called “Strongmen” featuring men lifting weights, wearing power suits / military uniforms. “I’m attracted to this image because, psychologically, they just want to be liked, but it’s hard for men to admit to this,” said Walker.

Dr. Claire Vines PSY. D., "Woman of the World" 36” 28” Oil on Canvas

Claire Vines, PsyD has participated each year since “Mirrors of the Mind,” was first created. She said she found it both honoring and validating. She added “Creating art is part of my life journey.”

This year’s opening art party takes place on November 24th 2018, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Santa Monica Art Studios, 3026 Airport Avenue, SM, 90405. Enjoy live music and poetry. Admission to the event is $10.00 per person or $5.00 for students and LACPA members. The exhibition will remain on view from November 21 through December 1, 2018. There is no admission charge during daily viewing. The gallery will be open from Wednesdays through Saturdays from 1- 6 p.m. (except Thanksgiving).  Visit the website to find out more about LACPA and the upcoming exhibition - http://www.lapsych.org

The Upper West Presents the Art of Debbi Singer, November 18th, 2018!

The Upper West presents “AffirmSheArt - Working it out in the Paint,” on November 18, 201 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The solo exhibition will feature the paintings of Debbi Singer. The artist will be in attendance. 

         Acrylic and Oil Pastel on 1.5 inch gallery wrapped canvas 18 x 36  

“I discovered Upper West about four years ago. I love the ambiance, checking out the Art and most importantly Chef Nicks artistic food creations. That is what keeps me going back.” Singer and her husband frequent the restaurant. She said her husband’s favorite dish is braised short ribs. “I never eat Mac & Cheese and yet I made the mistake of taking a bite and now I dream about it. So many of their ingredients are sourced locally and taste and feel like a farm to table experience.”

She added that she has always been impressed with the art on exhibit at the Upper West and is looking forward to having her own art on exhibit. “Their large walls and beautiful restaurant make for a perfect backdrop so it is an honor.”

Like most artists, she works on several paintings at a time. Painting three to four times a week, she said it is an essential part of her soul’s journey.

“It is not unusual for me to take a finished piece and feel compelled to paint over all or part of it,” said Singer. “So some have multiple lives.”  She commented that some paintings just come together right away and feel finished. “Other times that is just a starting point and from there I respond to what is on the canvas.” 

  Peeling Back the Layers Triptych 36 x 60 Acryllic & mixed media on canvas

Singer works with Acrylic paints, Oil pastels, and many mark making tools. She explained, “From time to time I use stencils, mixed media and digital images I create in Photoshop.” Color can be the theme of the work, or the impetus to starting the painting. She chooses not to work in series. “My process is more intuitive and organic and doing a series would feel stifling to me. I feel that my best pieces come from my heart not my head.”

Don’t miss the opening reception of “AffirmSheArt” on Sunday, November 18, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Meet the artist Debbi Singer. The Upper West is located at 3321 Pico Boulevard, in Santa Monica 90404; 310 586-1111; http://www.theupperwest.com; http://debbisingerart.com/

Celebrate Beyond Baroque's 50th Anniversary, November 10th, 2018

Support a great cause and purchase some legendary art at Beyond Baroque's 50th Anniversary. The November 10th gala, titled "Bohemian Bacchanal," celebrates the legendary literary center's half century mark, will feature an auction of work by some of LA's iconic artists. The live and silent auction kicks off the festivities with more than 40 works from some of the world's most notable artists, including Ed Ruscha, John Baldessari, Gronk, Robbie Conal, Catherine Ruane, Barbara Kerwin, Bob Branaman, Gloriane Harris, and Francisco Toledo. 
Items include rare books, poems and artifacts from Beyond Baroque's unique literary archive, as well as items donated by the Venice business community. The catalog published online contains information on how to participate in this auction if you cannot attend. Works were donated by the artists, Andy Schwarz, Board President of Beyond Baroque, and ViCA. For inquires about specific works available, call Juri Koll at 310-957-7037. See link to the latest catalog on ViCA's website.

The evening will pay tribute to Beyond Baroque founder, George Drury Smith and feature a catered dinner along with a historic lineup of L.A.'s leading artists, performers, poets and authors, highlighted by presentations honoring actor/poet Viggo Mortensen, a long-time supporter of the non-profit organization, and award-winning poet Will Alexander. Performers include: John Doe and Exene Cervenka (who first met at Beyond Baroque and formed the iconic LA band X); John Densmore, founding member of The Doors; legendary jazz trumpeter Bobby Bradford; Chris D (Divine Horsemen; Flesh Eaters); Julie Christensen (Divine Horsemen; Leonard Cohen); and poets Kamau Daáood, Jack Grapes, among others.

On November 10, 2018, enjoy cocktails in the Poet's Garden (landscaping curated by Kiss The Ground and Safe Place for Youth), and artwork in the Mike Kelley Gallery, and explore the unique collection of poetry and literature for sale in the bookstore. Admission is $50 per person; CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. The event begins at 5:30pm at Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291; 310-822-3006; http://beyondbaroque.org

The Art of Veronique Periano to Featured at The Upper West, August 26th!

The Upper West celebrates the art of Veronique Periano in a solo show entitled You got me floatin’.

Born in Algiers, Algeria from French parents, Veronique Periano has lived all over France. She spent her childhood and teenage years in Marseille and was drawn to art at a young age. Starting first with arts and crafts, she focused her creative skills on painting in 1992 and has continued ever since.

Periano will be exhibiting work over seventeen paintings created in 2017 and 2018 as part of her solo show.

Periano on Upper West:
“Upper West is able to mix taste, class, humility, affordability and keeps it relaxing for all. The best place I have seen in L.A. county in decades.” She added that the restaurant had yet to disappoint her. “I am always surprised and pleased by the mixing of flavors and the freshness of it all. It is unpretentious but yet grand. Innovative but yet traditional.” 

The artist works on her paintings diligently. The next piece is always on her mind. Her art is inspired by her love of colors, nature and the victory over the struggles of life.

The painting entitled My House was inspired by the uncertainty of

everyday life.  As the artist put it, “It is a representation of what may feel chaotic in your life, you will experience the ups and downs. But in the end, you will find a place that you call home, a safe place.”

Come meet the artist Veronique Periano on August 26th, 2018. All are welcome to attend the opening reception for You got me floatin’ on from 4-7pm at the Upper West Restaurant located at 3321 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica 90404.

Visit these websites for additional info
http://www.theupperwest.com   http://www.veroniqueperianopaintings.com/

“CONNECTION” Opens at Castelli Art Space October 4, 2018

Castelli Art Space presents a solo exhibition entitled “CONNECTION” by Laura Letchinger, with Special Guest Piece by Piece. Opening October 4, 2018, the show will feature at least ten large mixed media works by the artist as well as a variety of sculptures and wall hangings by the mosaic arts nonprofit.

Raised in a small rural town outside Chicago during the 70’s and early 80’s, Letchinger wanted to be an artist from a young age and fondly recalled her first experience with art. “One of the first memories I have of mark making was when I was very little and came across piles of new white paper and sharpened pencils in my grandparents' attic,” said Letchinger. “I clearly remember drawing a single crisp line across the vast emptiness of the paper and for whatever reason, I was hooked.”

These days Letchinger paints on a daily basis, mainly working in acrylic mixed with graphite, charcoal, collage or pastel to create her large, urban-inspired pieces. Her paintings are collected internationally by individuals, designers, architects and developers.

Piece by Piece serves the residents of Skid Row and South Los Angeles, working with those living in supportive housing and individuals with very low income. In addition to providing free mosaic art workshops—with an emphasis on recycled materials, the program offers a sense of community and opportunities to earn much-needed supplemental income. Participants gain self-confidence, courage and an improved quality of life while giving back to their communities as they collaborate to create large-scale public art projects.

NEXT, acrylic and pastel on canvas, 60" x 96" x 1.5" diptych, 2018


Said Letchinger, “As I began planning the show, it became clear that I had a special opportunity to offer this remarkable nonprofit not only financial support (10% of any sales of my work) but also exposure to new audiences in a gallery setting to help increase their own sales and collector relationships. Program Director and professional mosaic artist Dawn Mendelson had the idea that one of my paintings be interpreted into mosaic for the show, a wonderful physical manifestation of energetic connection extending out of my studio and into this inspiring community.”

Meet artist Laura Letchinger and find out more about Piece by Piece at the opening reception on October 4, 2018, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Castelli Art Space, near Culver City. “CONNECTION” runs October 4 - 7. Castelli Art Space is located at 5428 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016; (310) 204-6830. https://www.castelliartspace.com/ http://www.lauraletchingerart.com
http://www.piecebypiece.org/

“Circular” Opens May 26th, 2018 at bG Gallery

Bg Gallery hosts an opening reception for a group show entitled “Circular” on Saturday, May 26^th. Presented by Gestalt Projects, the exhibit is curated by Airom, who manages to find new and inventive themes for exhibitions on a consistent basis.

Ray Ford with his work 

Artist Ray Ford will be exhibiting his original wood sculptures. At age 90, he said he still creates seven days a week. “I can’t stop, it’s a calling.” Ford will be exhibiting ten of his round wood sculptures as part of the “Circular” show. “I do a lot of work on the lathe so those pieces are circular, at least in one dimension.” Ford said one of his favorite things to do is create circular works on the lathe and then enhance them with intricate designs. “The most fun is to make the leaves after it is turned,” said the artist. These exquisite one-of-a-kind sculptures are what Ford is known for. In addition to being a talented wood carver, he has done quite a bit of drawing and painting in his lifetime, but wood carving remains his main focus. He has exhibited at Santa Monica Art Studios, Blue 7 Gallery, FAB Gallery, The Hängar and Ivan Gallery. Find out more about Ray Ford and his sculptures on his website at http://hrayford.com/

Artist Jill Stoll has one work in the group show. The title of the work is An Unhealthy Obsession with Geography (Canyon Valley).

 Jill Stoll An Unhealthy Obsession with Geography (Canyon Valley)

"Who said that art has to be square or rectangular? OM is asking the audience to reconsider their assumptions about art and what to expect from a gallery, one that is forward thinking and risk-taking,” said Stoll. http://jillstoll.com

Pamela Mower-Conner has participated in over five group shows at bG Gallery. The circular theme works well for Mower-Conner.




Pamela Mower-Conner, Vintage Circus, mixed media sphere, 8" diameter, 2016

“It is a perfect fit for my work on globes.” The artist has been painting on spheres since 2000. See http://www.pamelamower-conner.com/ for more info about the artist.

Maria Bouquet will be exhibiting a round LED light geometric sculpture. “The Light Art series is inspired on geometrical patterns found in nature. It is a series of dynamic and three-dimensional body of works that play with the view of the observer.” 

Maria Bouquet, Frequencies, Multicolor Led Light, thread & PVC 50cm diameter. Remote control RGB 15 Colors, 5 light sequences & graduations of color. 

Visit Bouquet’s website for additional info http://www.mariabouquet.com/

J. Renee Tanner will have one piece featured. She works in series of installations comprised of multiple pieces and parts that are adaptable and portable and responsive to a variety of temporary environments. These vintage compass cards were salvaged from an industrial environment now a contemporary studio space. The magnets facilitate archival protection and allow endless composition, exploration, and possibilities for taking these relics into the future. Find out more about the art of J. Renee Tanner on her website - http://www.jreneetanner.com/

 

J. Renee Tanner Magnetism, 2017, 20in. diam., Installation of vintage compass cards and gears attached to steel plate with magnets

Additional artists taking part in the exhibitions are: Steph Fonteyn, Mijal Zachs, Jordann Wine, Nick Douillard, Frank Venadas, Jessalin Beutler, Kerstin Lanette, John Grunwell, Nadine Prada, Nadine  Prada, Stanislav Belovski, Nela V Steric, Nela V Steric, Elise Mahan, Bibi Davidson, Nancy Larrew, Daggi Wallace, Gianfranco  Cioffi, J. Renee Tanner, Ingrid April, Perry Johnson, Ryan Leitner, Andreea Bianca Velcsov, Phyllis Gorsen, Alessandra Pierelli, Megan  R Curran, Rhiannon Valenti, Marcy Sperry, Mike Goldberg, Shizuko Greenblatt, Yumiko Nakatsubo, Isabela Muci, Spika, Sylvia  Schorn, Jenn Ashton, Tracy Cirves, Heather Beardsley, Rebecca Fox, Theresa Schlossberg, S.P Harper, Cherie Harte, Janelle W.  Anderson, Brian Huber, Heather Lowe, Imogene Drummond, Eva Asquith Wilson, Blair Martin Cahill, Helen Werner Cox, Ronit Kristal, Antigone Koutalieri, Paula Craioveanu, Donny Nie, Carragh Amos, Karin Swildens, and more.

“Circular” opens on Saturday, May 26^th, 2018 from 6-8pm and will run through June 10^th, 2018. bG Gallery is located at 3009 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica CA. http://bgartgalleries.com/

Start Your Art Collection at SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS, May 6th, 2018!

On Sunday, May 6th, SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS returns with an exceptional curated auction featuring art by legendary artists. One such work by Shepard Fairey has attracted the attention of many. The mural size artwork (8x14’) contains all the iconic imagery that Shepard is known for. From the obey symbol, airplanes, the peace dove…it features many of the recognizable symbols and images of the renowned street artist.

   Robert Berman Owner of SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS

“The key to this auction is it offers high quality at all price points. It does not have to be expensive to be high quality,” said Robert Berman, owner of SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS.

Berman has been a respected art dealer for the past forty years. He encourages collectors to come in (both new and seasoned) and speak with him or his staff…ask questions prior to the event. “At this auction the public will find everything from easy abstractions to the most sophisticated collectible rare and sort after works such as Bruce Conner, Robert Longo, and Ed Moses.”

Andy Warhol (1928-1987), Mao Tse Tung, 197; Silkscreen; Edition of 250; Signed in ball point pen and numbered via rubber stamp on verso; Sheet: 36 x 36 inches; Condition: waves in paper, discoloration on verso, small craquelure in regions; Estimate: $50,000/$60,000

Artworks by Andy Warhol are always a popular auction item. Art lovers can bid on one of Warhol’s most collected series of Chairman Mao (Mao Tse Tung, 1972). “It’s a beautiful print, said Berman. “It’s the kind of work that is both filled with irony humor and art history…It is the type of work that people collect, not only for America, but around the world.”

Two amazing Carlos Almaraz oil paintings are also up for auction (one directly from his monumental retrospective at LACMA). Almaraz is the most collected of the Chicano artists. Berman added that he sold a pastel at his last auction for a record price.

This auction took roughly six months to curate and features works by Francis Bacon, Carlos Almaraz, David Choe, Nicole Eisenman, Shepard Fairey, Philip Guston, Keith Haring, Robert Heinecken, David Hockney,  Craig Kaufman, Ed Moses, Patrick Nagel, Alex Prager, Ed Ruscha, Frank Stella, Ernest Trova, etc.

Francis Bacon, (1909-1992), Study for ; a Bullfight no. 1, 1971, Litho; graph on Arches; Signed in felt tip pen on recto, signature faded, numbered in pencil; Edition of 150; Published by the Musée du Grand Palais; Image: 50 x 45 inches; Sheet: 62.5 x 47; inches; Framed: 69 x 53 inches; Estimate: $60,000/$80,000
 
Berman said he was excited to share a work by one of the amazing artists of the twentieth century…Francis Bacon. “This artist’s paintings have sold for more than any other artists at auction, over $145 million dollars. He has made very few large (over-sized) hand pulled stoned lithographs, and we have one.” He continued, “Some of his work is too graphic for most people, but this 1971 lithograph (50 x 45 inches) is quite special… the gesture of a bull fighter playing off the force and movement of the bull is magnificent.”

Start your art collection now. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, on Sunday, May 6th at 1pm…SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS is the place to be. Stop in during business hours Tuesday through Saturday to view the full collection. There will be a late night preview on Saturday May 5th, 2018 until 8pm; Visit the online catalog on the website. Online (smauctions.com bidding is also available through Liveauctioneers.com

View a video showing works to be auctioned HERE. SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS is located at Bergamot, 2525 Michigan Ave, Suites A5 & B7, Santa Monica, CA 90404; http://www.smauctions.com/

April 22nd, The Upper West Celebrates the Art of Maureen Tepedino

Upper West presents “IMAGINATION," a solo exhibition by Maureen Tepedino. The opening reception takes place from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, April 22nd.

“I am very impressed with Upper West!” said Tepedino. “The food is delicious and varied, the service is excellent and it has a great clientele. The restaurant has a certain buzz which makes it feel exciting and interesting!” When Tepedino was first introduced to Upper West Restaurant she took notice of the ambiance and cuisine. “My favorite dish is the Sea Bass and the Corn Chowder!  Love, Love, Love!”

Tepedino continued, “I have enjoyed looking at the abstract art on the walls at Upper West which adds to the ambiance of the restaurant!" Although she has not attended any of the artist openings, she said she is looking forward to having her work exhibited at the Upper West.

Tepedino grew up in the Caribbean, where she was inspired to paint. Maureen's creativity was encouraged by her parents who recognized her talent from a very young age. “When I was 7 years old, I painted a picture of a man crossing over on a branch in a tree and my father thought it was a very good painting!  I can hear him saying to my Mom, ‘this little girl is talented’!  I still remember feeling very proud as my parents and my 6 sisters loved it and supported my creativity!”

Her paintings are sold nationally by interior designers, art consultants, architects and contractors for high-end residential and corporate projects. She also specializes in corporate art by creating original pieces designed for  commercial spaces.

Maureen Tepedino, Dancing Gyspy, acrylic on canvas 30” x 40”

Celebrate the art of Maureen Tepedino at the Upper West Restaurant, (3321 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica 90404). The artist reception is on Sunday, April 22 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  Find out more about the artist at http://www.designbymaureen.com/

http://www.theupperwest.com