February 15th, 2020, New Works by Gus Harper

Artist Gus Harper has been creating art for over twenty years. He is excited to show his brand new series featuring 35 new works entitled “Black Series One.” The event will be held at Harper’s studio...a perfect place to celebrate his “Black series One” exhibition and exhibit his large artworks.

This is a follow up to a show that he exhibited several years ago in which all of the paintings were white Harper recalls, “They were displayed in a space with white furniture and even the food served that night was white. And all the guests came wearing all white. So now, years later, I’m finally having a follow up show. It’s called “Black Series One” will be the next progression to that show. This exhibition is about personal evolution.”

Gus is constantly busy painting commissions, working on new series and collaborating with other artists. However, through the years, he has learned to listen to his inner voice. An idea for a new series can come at any time. Harper continues,  “Often, I am working on a new piece and in the process a new series slowly develops. It seems that I already have another series in the works for the next show already”

Harper is known for his fantastic murals. He has painted over thirty murals all over the world, and created his largest to date last year in Malibu. In the early days of an upcoming project led the LA County Probation Department, Harper was commissioned to paint a 600-foot long wall. Harper was given a blank slate to create - an unusual, yet exciting and daunting opportunity for any artist. When asked if he drew out a sketch first, he replied. “No, I just let it flow.” Harper explained that he made a conscious choice to not pre-plan anything. “I wanted to just let the images come out of me. I saw some perplexed expressions on peoples faces when they asked me what I was going to paint, and I told him that I did not know yet. But luckily Harry had faith in me.” He added that allowing his creative flow to come out organically kept him from feeling restricted. You can view another mural on Pico (33rd Street) just off the 10 freeway.

The artist reception takes place at his studio on February 15, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Gus Harper’s Art Studio is located at 2900 Airport Ave. studio F, Santa Monica 90405 - the entrance is on the west side of the building). The exhibition will remain on view through February 19, 2020; Call for an appointment (310-699-9509) to stop in to see the exhibition. Find out more about the artist, and his upcoming events and exhibitions on his website http://gusharperart.com/

The Upper West Supports LLS with Oscar Watch Benefit Party!

Celebrate the 7th annual Oscars Watch Party and fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at The Upper West. The party with a purpose event takes place on February 9th, 2020 at the popular Westside restaurant.

The live broadcast of the Oscars will be projected on the wall of the private dining room. Arrive early (4:30 p.m.) to walk the red carpet, and take photos. Guests can partake in the Oscar winners prediction contest, and enjoy drinks and appetizers from The Upper West. A silent auction and opportunity drawing will also take place…and as usual, the Upper West contributes 25% of all Oscar night sales to LLS.

Guests attending the LLS Oscar Watch Benefit Party; Photo by Paiwei Wei

The Upper West consistently supports nonprofit organizations, and has hosted the Oscars Watch Party to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for the past six years. LLS is dedicated to funding research, finding cures and ensuring access to treatments for blood cancer patients. Since 1949, LLS has funded advancements in chemotherapies, stem cell transplants, targeted therapies and immunotherapies for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma that are saving thousands of lives today. LLS is currently involved with more than 300 active research projects.

Sara Fay has been volunteering her time to LLS for many years now, and said she is excited to once again participate in the event. “This year, I'm fundraising in honor of my good friend Bernard. Bernard is a truly inspirational person and he's defied the odds against acute myeloid leukemia, the type of leukemia that killed my father in 2011. Bernard has given the most to the LLS community: time, energy and inspiration; hundreds of thousands of dollars raised, clinical trial participation. He is our MVP and I'm proud to know him and fundraise in his honor.”

LLS Oscar Watch Benefit Party; Photo by Paiwei Wei

Chrystine Garner will be co-hosting the Oscars Party for the second year now with Sara Fay. Garner got involved with their Team in Training program back in 2008 to train for a marathon. Since then she’s done 2 marathons and countless triathlons raising thousands of dollars for the cause. “Aligning with the LLS has been one of the best things I’ve ever done and I’ll continue running, biking. and swimming for a world without cancer,” said Garner.

They are both currently training for triathlons to raise awareness and funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's important research and patient programs. Over the years, Chrystine and Sara have raised more than $100,000 for the cause.”

Make your reservations today, by calling - 310 586-1111; The Upper West is located at 3321 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica CA 90405; https://theupperwest.com/  https://www.lls.org/