On the Town: Altrusa International holds installation dinner; “Mod Pop,” GCC’s annual student art show

At a recent evening at L.A.’s Taix French restaurant, the atmosphere was anything but French. An Africa safari motif graced the tables at the installation dinner of Altrusa International of Glendale.

More than a dozen female members and one male member came out to recognize and celebrate the organization’s new board. Incoming President Julie Vagts has made several photographic safaris to Africa; hence, the decorations of black-and-white stripped table runners and wooden statues of African tribesmen.

Club members and guests were welcomed by Immediate Past President Donnalee Monninger, who reminded her audience that “an Altrusan never says, ‘no.’” Neither did Installing Officer Mary Ann Foushee, who made the trip south as past president of the Oxnard Club.

Members of the 2014-2015 board of directors received leopard-print scarves as each was sworn in. Besides Vagts’ installation as president, Rose Tharp was named vice president, Roberta Hagopain was dubbed secretary and Barbara Crawford was installed as treasurer. Directors are Ingrid Grewer, Yvette Guerrero and Pat Zayas. Monninger fills out the board.

Also recognized as the only male member present was Tharp’s husband, the ever-jovial Bill Tharp.

This small but mighty group’s activities leave some other organizations in the dust. Its annual “A Day at the Races” at Santa Anita Park in October is the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

This year represents the club’s 10th annual visit to Santa Anita and 60th anniversary in Glendale.

Some of those funds raised go to student scholarships. Thanksgiving marks the donation of gifts to service veterans. Working through the Salvation Army, club members also donate to “Backpacks for Children,” “School on Wheels” and the homeless. Once a month, members serve lunch to the blind.

Another share of funds is earmarked for mothers of newborn babies at Glendale Memorial Hospital. Club members prepare and deliver gift bags full of “going home” supplies to the mothers who otherwise couldn’t afford them.

Glendale Altrusians also work closely with clients of the Campbell Center, formerly known as the Glendale Assn. of the Retarded.

Altrusa’s summer social will be held on Aug. 19.

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Dozens of art lovers — young and mature — gathered in the art gallery at Glendale Community College to view two animation pieces via a TV monitor and 127 art works on display at the “Mod Pop” annual student art show. Last Thursday, a reception and awards presentation was held to honor outstanding student artists.

Several “People’s Choice” awards were given to artists voted for by some 250 students, faculty members and staff since the beginning of the show in mid-May.

The #1 “People’s Choice” Award went to Michael Namir, who studies studio arts at the college. He won $100 for his work titled “Temptation,” a 36-inch-by-24-inch oil and collage representing Adam in the Garden of Eden. The piece is selling for $500.

Scholarships were then awarded to student artists including Aryx Mijangos, who is also a student worker at the gallery. Mijangos plans on becoming a graphic artist. This is the first semester she has created prints. Her 8-inch-by-10-inch print/ink depicting the Hindu God “Ganesh” was marked “Not for Sale.”

“I have a hard time parting with my things,” the artist said.

The free show runs through June 3.

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Today’s high school graduates don’t rely on quick photos on the run during graduation. They plan a photo shoot as carefully as the best professional photographer. Right before their recent graduation ceremonies at Universal’s Globe Theatre, about 30 soon-to-be graduates gathered at the Brand Library, just in front of the art galleries.

With the library’s exotic Moorish architecture in the background, would-be pros posed their subjects. Looking especially fetching in a group photo was couple Andrea Ramirez, 18, and Carlo Maquiddang, 18. Joining them was couple, Hratch Yacoubian, 17, and Anna Shakhmuradyan.

No selfies for this bunch. They went strictly first class.

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RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.