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