The Valley Line: Artistic talents on display at area events
Several staff members and volunteers at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital who are also artists had an exciting afternoon on Thursday, Feb. 6, when they gathered to celebrate the installation of their work in the hospital’s cafeteria.
The artists were introduced to guests by Julie Shadpa, the hospital foundation’s associate director of development. Also welcoming everyone were Sue Wilder, immediate past chair of the foundation’s board of directors and Kenny Pawlek, chief operating officer.
The art will be shown for several months so the public as well as staff can enjoy the works. Cafeteria visitors will be treated to a feast for their eyes: photography, oil paintings, pencil and ink sketches, sculptures and beautifully crafted wooden treasure boxes.
Shadpa and Wilder head up the hospital’s Healing Arts Committee tasked with selecting the art created by local artists to be exhibited throughout the hospital.
Exhibiting artists at this show included Julie Anderson, Michelle Brahe, Claudia Conroy, Heather Harper, Tina Marie Ito, Barbara Jordan, David Klausmeier, Helen Noble, Catherine Pradt, Laurienne Singer, Steve Soriano, Vivienne Uytna and Jesus Veyna.
A disclaimer here: I’m delighted to say some of my work is represented as well!
Coming up on March 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., there is a reception for Cindy Purcel, a local artist who will be exhibiting her paintings in the main halls of the hospital.
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On Friday evening, Feb. 7, Verdugo Hills Art Assn. members and guests met at the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge for their monthly meeting.
Sue Peacock, president of the organization, welcomed all the attendees. First vice president Nikki Thomas then introduced Mary-Linn Hughes, the featured speaker for the evening.
Hughes, an award-winning artist, teaches photography at Glendale College, as well as Golden West College and East Los Angeles College.
At the meeting Hughes showed members fun ways to edit photos on smartphones and iPads using a free application called Snapseed. She showed how to edit photos into eye-catching images. People at the meeting dived right into using the app with enthusiasm.
That night, awards were also given to members who brought along framed photographs for judging and ribbon prizes were presented to the winners.