Thursday, May 28, 2015

Monrovia Fine Artist Painter Rouzanna Berberian Opens Thesis Exhibition at Cal State LA runs through May 30th 2015



Cal State L.A.
Department of Art

Fine Arts Gallery

https://www.facebook.com/fineartsgallerycsula
Tel. 323.343.4040

MA/MFA Thesis Exhibition
by Rouzanna Berberian (MFA),
Beatriz Jaramillo (MFA), 
Lauren Over (MFA),
Albert Vitela (MFA)
Stephanie Hibbard (MA)
May 14 - May 30, 2015

Opening Reception with MA and MFA Open Studios
May 16 @ 4 - 7pm

invitations by Rouzanna Berberian (MFA), Beatriz Jaramillo (MFA),  Lauren Over (MFA), Albert Vitela (MFA)
























Studio shots for Rouzanna Berberian's artist studio at Cal State Los Angeles, Califoria
Photos by Ginger Van Hook















Cal State L.A.
Department of Art

Fine Arts Gallery

https://www.facebook.com/fineartsgallerycsula
Tel. 323.343.4040

MA/MFA Thesis Exhibition
by Rouzanna Berberian (MFA),
Beatriz Jaramillo (MFA), 
Lauren Over (MFA),
Albert Vitela (MFA)
Stephanie Hibbard (MA)
May 14 - May 30, 2015

Opening Reception
with MA and MFA Open Studios
May 16 @ 4 - 7pm


Saturday, October 11, 2014

MONROVIA Celebrates the Arts! October 11 and 12 in Monrovia Library Park, California!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ART EVENTS/ ARTS EDITOR
CONTACTS:
Bill Beebe, Event Chair, (626) 232-4163, monroviafinearts@gmail.com
Lisa Barrios, Event Coordinator, (626) 256-4848, paintnplay2@aol.com

October 11 & 12, 2014:
“Celebrate the Arts” Two-Day Art Show in Library Park, Old Town Monrovia

“Celebrate the Arts” is a FREE community event Oct. 11 and 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., sponsored by The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, featuring dozens of local artists in beautiful Monrovia Library Park.

Featured Artist is Rick Kess www.designkrimestudios.com

Tribute Booth in Memory of Roz Newson, longtime MAFA Fine Artist who recently passed.

Fine Art Display, Sale, and Demonstrations in a variety of media

Student / Youth Art and Demonstrations:
Monrovia High School (MHS) Ceramics Sculpture thanks to Sal Perez, MHS Art Teacher
MHS Student Fine & Urban Art thanks to Katie Gundersen, MAFA Board, sponsored by Betsy Matz, MAFA Board 
Art Time, a new art studio in town.

Local Non-profit Groups: Monrovia Garden Club, Monrovia Rock Hounds, Monrovia Historic Preservation Group.

Friends of the Monrovia Public Library will conduct their Book Sale Event.

Entertainment:
Theatrical Performance: Story Chicks presents “A Gathering of Tales” written & performed by CE Jordan
Blues group Larry and Rhonda Jackson      •  Folk, Blue Grass and Country Duo the Locke Brothers
Contemporary Folk Writer and Singer Tim Tedrow with a tribute in memory of singing partner Terry Vreeland 
Wild Mountain Mystics performing music ranging from tender-hearted love songs to foot-stompin' folk blues

Silent Auction & Raffle to support the Arts in Monrovia and throughout the San Gabriel Valley

Our Mission: Enhance the lives of those within our community through interaction with the arts.
Increase the opportunities of our children through art education.



Friday, June 21, 2013

Join Monrovia Association of Fine Arts in honoring the 2013 "Renaissance Award" Winner Susan Hirsch with "Student Artist" awardees Robin Starkey and Bella Cabot as well as the Hearts in the Arts winner Rouzanna Berberian Tonight, Friday June 21, 2013.




Photo of Rouzanna Berberian, the "Hearts in the Arts" winner. Photo by Ginger Van Hook
Join Monrovia Association of Fine Arts in honoring the 2013 "Renaissance Award" Winner  Susan Hirsch with "Student Artist" awardees Robin Starkey and Bella Cabot as well as the Hearts in the Arts winner Rouzanna Berberian Tonight, Friday June 21, 2013.










 Monrovia Association of Fine Arts 418 S. Myrtle Ave Monrovia, CA 91016 (626) 256-4848

Penny Arroyo, Event Chair Contact arroyopenny@yahoo.com
Bill Beebe, President, MAFA Contact bbeebe@monroviafinearts.org
Ginger Van Hook, Press Liaison, MAFA gingervanhook@gmail.com

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts proudly presents their 13th annual fundraiser – “Acknowledge the Arts” on Friday June 21, 2013 from 7pm to 10 pm at the Double Tree by Hilton located at 924 West Huntington Drive,  Monrovia, CA.   Please join the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts as they acknowledge this year’s “Renaissance Award” winner Susan Hirsch (Director of MUSD’s Quest Academy), “Hearts in Arts” recipient Rouzanna Berberian (local artist and community volunteer) and “Student Artist” awardees Robin Starkey and Bella Cabot.  This is the first year that MAFA has its focus on the award presentations for those involved primarily in education.  

Here are portions of the nomination statement for Susan Hirsch: “I don't know anyone who is as passionate and supportive of arts as Susan.  She has done so much for the community through so many volunteer programs and has been great supporter of MAFA as long as I know.   Actually she was instrumental in starting the After School Art Program (ASAP).  She was the after school director when Scott Sallinger, then vice president of MAFA and Susan met to start the initial program - after school art classes at the Plymouth Elementary nearly 10 years ago. Susan wanted ALL students at the after school program in the entire district to participate in art classes, because she understood the importance of art education.  Her goal was accomplished with MAFA's support, of course.   She has been great promoter of MAFA during community events, meetings, etc.... such as the Friday Night Y Life.  She attended all the Square One meetings and had volunteered every Friday night during the summer for the last two years.  Susan always pushed for the ARTS.  For example, it was her idea to have “garage bands" play during the event, which gave them an opportunity to be exposed to a larger audience.  She brought people to introduce "Library Park youth" to different musical instruments, and asked MAFA's support for art classes.   Now that she is the director of Quest Academy working with severely at risk youth, I see her exposing students to arts as much as she can by enrolling them into special art program where students can take online art classes.  She has taken them to art museums and art schools such as the Art Center.  She also asked me if I can teach them art and managed to get a small grant from Boys and Girls Club in Monrovia which funded some classes last year.  Her passion and support for the arts makes her the perfect candidate for the Renaissance Award.”  

Rouzanna Berberian has been an active MAFA member for 10 years and currently holds a Board position.   She was involved in the After School Art Program from its beginning.  She was also involved in Friday Night Y Life by providing art projects for the youth who attend the event in the summer.  Rouzanna believes so much in the promotion of arts to the youth that her son and daughter are MAFA members as well and have become a big help to their Mother.  She truly has her heart in the arts!      

Bella Cabot, a Monrovia High Senior in Ms. Tiffany Parker's art class, is currently an Advance Placement student and her artwork has really developed and grown!  Robin Starkey, Monrovia High Senior works in all level in both ceramics and sculpture.  She has designed her own style of sculpting that separates her work from other students.   

Tickets are $40 per person in advance and are available on the MAFA web site at http://www.monroviafinearts.org/home_page.html - scroll down and purchase using PayPal.  You may also purchase your tickets at Paint 'n' Play Art Studio and Gallery located at 418 South Myrtle Avenue.  

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The 2012 Renaissance Award Recipient is Donna Baker and the Hearts in the Arts awards go to Betsy Matz for The Acknowledge the Arts 2012 Fundraiser for MAFA The Monrovia Association of FIne Arts. Photo Journal by Ginger Van Hook

Donna Baker is Monrovia Association of Fine Arts Renaissance Award Recipient! 2012
Photo by Ginger Van Hook©2012
Written by Ginger Van Hook, Press Liaison, MAFA

(Monrovia, California)
Monrovia Association of Fine Arts has announced this year’s award recipients for their Acknowledge the Arts 2012 fundraiser to be held on Saturday evening March 24, 2012 at the RESTAURANT DEVON 109 East Lemon Avenue Monrovia, 91016. The 2012 Renaissance Award Recipient is Donna Baker and the Hearts in the Arts awards go to Betsy Matz! Solana Feldthouse & Theresa Lipps are the featured Student Artist winners as well. Additionally, one of the most uniquely featured ideas to come out of this year’s event will be the special handmade clocks to be auctioned off as they invoke the theme “Take Time For Art”! The public is invited and encouraged to attend one of the most popularly celebrated events in Monrovia where consistently Monrovia Association of Fine Arts not only honors those who have made incredible contributions to their community in the arts, but additionally continue to inspire and support the development of local artists. The Renaissance Award is given every year to honor and recognize a special member of the community whose contributions to their fellow citizens leads to the cultural enrichment of the community as a whole. 




In an interview with the 2012 Renaissance winner, Donna Baker, she explained that her community is of utmost importance to her and that she can rarely say no to great ideas in particular those artistic values promoted by M.A.F.A., where she stated that President, Bill Beebe is a significant influence on her. Donna Baker started real estate in 2001, after a career as an administrative professional came to a sudden halt due the Internet bust, when she found herself jobless.  It was then that Donna was prompted to get her real estate license by a friend who saw her potential and fate created an opportunity for her to find her calling to be enormously successful at what she does. But it’s not just that Baker does her job, and does it well, it is more about what she does for her customers, her clients, her neighbors and her friends that has earned her the recognition of her community.  Donna Baker is an effective listener who gets involved and makes her special presence known that she is there to help.   Baker pays close attention and seeks out solutions where she knows she can be of support. Also known to flash her effervescent smile when talking about her family of community, Baker states that this is because she feels great joy to invest in the success of her community.  Since 2002, Ms. Baker has been the #1 agent in her office and in Monrovia. Donna attributes her success to her administrative background, along with her personality, professionalism, and ethics.  Specializing in architecturally significant properties, Donna presently serves as Director of Heritage Homes for Podley Properties in Monrovia.   When not selling homes, she is very involved in her community. Donna serves as Historic Preservation Commissioner in Monrovia, traveled to Thailand to work on the Jimmy Carter Work Project with Habitat for Humanity, and supports many community organizations. Donna has been on the Board of the Santa Anita Family YMCA for over seven years and served as President from 2008 through 2009. 

Ms. Baker received the coveted Iris Award as 2008 Citizen of the Year from the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce.  That same year she was recognized by the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills as the recipient of the Mary Wilcox Youth Advocacy & Community Leadership Award, an honor Donna cherished because of her friendship with Mary Wilcox while she was on the City Council.  In addition, Donna has always been a supporter of MAFA, a nonprofit group that encourages awareness of the arts.  In 2012, she is honored with the Renaissance Award from MAFA for her contributions to the community. Donna Baker may be contacted on her website: www.4SaleByDonna.com

M.A.F.A. is also pleased to announce The Hearts in the Arts award winner, Betsy Matz, the 2012 recipient for her generous contributions to the Village Art After School program. A woman of a great deal of enthusiasm for her responsibilities in MAFA, a professional artist dedicated to the success of those around her, Betsy Matz also engages her peers and her community members in challenging them all to find more ways to be creative and to inspire those around her.

Betsy Matz is the 2012 recipient of the Hearts in the Arts award
selected by Monrovia Association of Fine Arts 2012.
Photo courtesy of Bill Beebe, MAFA president.
Betsy Matz was drawn to the arts at an early age and attended high school at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy, graduating in 1998 with an emphasis in set design.  She was awarded a merit scholarship to the Disney-founded California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA and received her BFA in scenic painting and design from that school in 2002.  After a short stint as Art Department in the entertainment industry, during which she worked on several feature films, music videos, commercials and editorial photo shoots (including working for famed photographer David La Chapelle), she discovered her love of teaching. With two parents in the education field, Betsy had a natural ability to teach and relished the chance to help young artists realize their visions.  What started as a part time job teaching art classes in the Los Angeles area soon became a real career when she was offered a partnership with a local art studio and became a business owner.  For eight years Betsy taught 150-200 students each week in the fine art technique of drawing and painting. During that tenure she chaired local art events, curated student shows, organized charity art auctions and became heavily involved with the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts, a non profit local to Monrovia, CA-the location of her studio.  Although she chose to sell the studio business in 2009, moving on to other teaching opportunities and a corporate job, she continued her relationship with MAFA as a board member, volunteer and teacher in the MAFA sponsored Village After School Art Program for Monrovia Unified School District.  Betsy was the chair of the MAFA Summer Art Walks and Acknowledge the Arts night for several years, however she now devotes the majority of her MAFA hours to grant writing and organizing and teaching the Village program.  She is currently writing her Master's thesis in the Art Education program at Boston University and will be awarded an MA AE in May 2012. Through Boston University Betsy was awarded a grant to study painting in Tuscany, Italy during the summer of 2011where she spent two months living and painting in the company of her infant son and her mother. Professionally, Betsy spends part time as a designer for Mattel, Inc., the international toy company, and part time teaching at Life Pacific College, Mayflower Elementary and in the Village program.  Betsy has been married to Steve Matz for several years and they have one adorable, 18 month old son, Rider. 

********************
This year's theme for the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts Annual "Acknowledge the Arts" fundraising celebration is "Take Time for Art!" and to emphasize that idea, local artists created unique works of art out of old clocks. Adding a timely new twist to the theme, ten MAFA member artists modified, decorated, and deconstructed traditional brass alarm clocks into their own interpretations of this year's theme. The artist who originally came up with this concept, Steve McCarthy, said he was inspired to do so because these economic times require drastic measures to overcome and to “Take Time For Art” is to provide the richly needed nourishment that the arts can foster in a community. Together with Lisa Barrios, of Paint N Play, and volunteer MAFA artists, the clocks were distributed to be re-created. "The idea is to promote the concept that we all need to Take Time for Art…MAFA uses projects like this one to raise money for arts education in Monrovia schools, as well as elevating the profile of the arts in our community," added McCarthy. mccarthypix.com

Please join us in celebrating the generous accomplishments and inspiring leadership of Donna Baker, Betsy Matz, student featured artists Solana Feldthouse & Theresa Lipps on Saturday evening March 24th, 2012 at 7pm – 10pm by participating in all the exciting activities planned for this commemorative day. Bid on a unique clock and ‘Take Time For Art’ in your life! There will be the Fine Art Auction, organized by Rouzanna Berberian, in addition to lively music, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, hors d’oeurves, wine and spirits. All proceeds go to benefit art programs in local schools. Advance tickets may be purchased for $35 in advance or $50 at the door and may be purchased on the website through paypal. For more information please visit www.monroviafinearts.org.

The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts, otherwise known as MAFA, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the cultivation and support of the arts in children’s after school programs as well as educational awareness of the arts in the community at large. Regular MAFA affiliated venues displaying artwork of MAFA member artists include the following:

First City Credit Union Gallery located at 404 Huntington Drive, Monrovia, CA 91016
(Contact: Carol Curtis seeccgo@gmail.com)

Paint N’ Play Art Gallery, (in OLD TOWN MONROVIA) is located at 418 South Myrtle Avenue Monrovia, CA.
(Contact Lisa Barrios at paintnplay2@aol.com or call (626) 256-4845).

The two biggest fundraising events sponsored by MAFA are “Acknowledge the Arts”, held in the Spring and the “OCTOBER FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS” held at the Monrovia Library Park every year. MAFA also sponsor the SUMMER ART WALKS every year on Myrtle Avenue in Monrovia. The 2012 summer art walks are scheduled in June, July and August.

Bill Beebe, President, Monrovia Association of Fine Arts PO Box 92 Monrovia, CA 91017 (626-256-3124) www.monroviafinearts.org
“Enhance the lives of those within our community through interaction with the arts. Increase the opportunities of our children through art education.” The Monrovia Arts Festival Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For further information regarding this press release, please contact Ginger Van Hook Writer/Photographer at Email: gingervanhook@gmail.com  or visit www.gingervanhook.com       ## END.

Monday, October 3, 2011

“Monrovia Celebrates the Arts in M.A.F.A’s 48th Annual Juried Fine Arts Celebration happening October 8th & 9th!” Carol Curtis is honored as featured artist!

Monrovia, California—          

“Monrovia Celebrates the Arts in M.A.F.A’s 48th
Annual Juried Fine Arts Celebration happening October  8th & 9th!”
Carol Curtis is honored as featured artist!

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts presents its 48th Annual Juried Fine Arts Exhibition “Celebrate the Arts Festival” in Old Town Monrovia on this coming Saturday & Sunday, October 8th and 9th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at Monrovia Library Park, located at 321 South Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia, California. This year’s opening ceremony will include an introduction to the Marine Corp for the flag salute and Steve McCarthy will sing the Star Spangled Banner.
            Every year, an artist is recognized for their important contributions to their art field and this year, Carol Curtis has received that honor for her work in photography. Carol Curtis has been making fine art photographs for 20 years. She graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a degree in Fine Art – Photography in 1986. She participated in several group exhibits at UCR, won several grant awards and had work published in Photographer’s Forum magazine. Her portfolio, The Many Faces of Lisa, is part of the permanent collection at the California Museum of Photography. Most recently she has shown work in the Los Angeles County Fair and local MAFA events. To see some of Carol Curtis’ work, please visit her website www.carolcurtis.com or check out www.monroviafinearts.org

Events featured by MAFA artists throughout the weekend at the Celebrate the Arts Fine Arts Festival will include local and regional fine artists, who will display, sell and demonstrate their artwork such as painting, collage, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and sculpture.  There will be Hands-on art experiences for children, adults and family friendly activities available as well as Student Art Displays and a Silent Auction to benefit the MUSD. Also don’t forget to check out the Village Booth as well!
MAFA's art events not only promote local and regional artists, but also help support arts education in public and private schools.  In recent years, when budget cuts adversely affected schools, MAFA’s donations of more than $50,000 have supported art education in after-school and in-school programs.  MAFA has also funded schoolteachers through mini-grants in Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Duarte and Arcadia.  Other local organizations and non-profit organizations supported by MAFA are Foothill Unity Center, Boys and Girls club of Monrovia and the YMCA. The public is invited to celebrate the fine arts! This event is FREE and OPEN to the public.
Local art is featured in a number of MAFA supported venues such as the PAINT N PLAY ART GALLERY located at (418 South Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia) and FIRST CITY FINE ARTS GALLERY (404 East Huntington Drive, Monrovia)  as well as a number of additional supporting vendors who continue to create an inviting and nurturing environment for the artists and their arts. The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts is an all-volunteer organization with goals to enhance the lives of those within the community through interaction with the arts and to increase the opportunities of the children through art education. The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, please contact Lisa Barrios at 626-802-7873 Or visit www.monroviafinearts.org     



October 3, 2011   CONTACTS:     
Frank Zgonc, VP and Juried Art Coordinator;  Lisa Barrios, Paint N Play 626-802-7873
Bill Beebe, President, MAFA bbeebe@monroviafinearts.org
Ginger Van Hook, MAFA Press Liaison, enilde@sprintmail.com ;  info@monroviafinearts.org








Tuesday, June 14, 2011

MONROVIA ARTWALKS FOR THE SUMMER! June 25, July 30 & August 27th, 2011


ART EVENTS in Monrovia June 25, July 30, August 27, 2011
CONTACTS:
Cyndi Bolander, Art Walk Chair 626-589-3882, cybolander@gmail.com                                      
Lisa Barrios, Art Walk Chair 626-802-7873, paintnplay2@yahoo.com

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts

418 South Myrtle Ave • Monrovia, CA • 91016

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             www.monroviafinearts.org 

June 25, 2011 

 

SUMMER ART WALKS in OLD TOWN MONROVIA

*Art Walks are FREE community events sponsored by The Monrovia Arts Festival Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, featuring local artists held on the last Saturday of each month during the Summer in charming Old Town Monrovia: this year, on Saturdays June 25th, July 30st and August 27 th 2011 from 7:00 pm-10:00 p.m.

*Local artists will set up along the sidewalks of Old Town Monrovia’s historic Myrtle Avenue to show and sell drawings, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photography and hand-made glass and ceramic artworks. The 2011 Summer Art Walks will also feature live music, face painting, gallery receptions and JACK  FM 93.1 Street Team.

*Exclusive exhibit  at Paint-N-Play 2 Studio & Gallery featuring the ‘Los Angeles Windows Collection’ by photographer Stephen Coleman, with special live music by the Locke Brothers will be featured at the June 25th Art Walk.

*Art Walk Night is also FREE CERAMICS NIGHT at Paint-N-Play Art Studio and Gallery, 418 South Myrtle Ave. First 50 kids (age 12 and under) will be able to paint a ceramic piece in the Paint-n-Play studio for FREE! Sponsored by MAFA.

*Live art demonstrations include ceramics wheel throwing by Monrovia High School Ceramics, plein-air painting and clay sculpture. By popular demand, in artists Frank Zgonc and Heather Shaw will bring back the “Brush-Off” or “Swap-a-thon” which is a fun demonstration of two artists painting on each other’s canvases as a collaborative effort in the process of making artwork.

*Many Old Town Merchants will be holding sales and special events including the popular Traditional Music Gathering, at The Dollmaker Kattywompus, 412 South Myrtle.

            * Great event for families and art lovers of all ages, wonderful photo opportunities, heartwarming story of small town America summer fun!                                                                       

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

"ON GUARD!" Sergeant Sasha and Commander Pyro on Exhibition at First City Gallery. PhotoJournal by Ginger Van Hook

Ginger Van Hook celebrates her artwork by displaying her dogs Sasha and Pyro.
Ginger and Luke Van Hook adopted Sasha and Pyro from the local pound.
Sasha came first in 2007 and then Pyro was adopted in 2009.
Ginger credits the safety of their home to their crazy dogs
Sergeant Sasha and Commander Pyro.
Photo Courtesy of Carol Curtis
Sergeant Sasha and Commander Pyro are "ON GUARD!" all the time.
Dogs are some of the most beloved pets of all time, plus they provide unconditional love,
protective services, search and rescue services and
good old fashioned psychological counseling services for those who
wish to talk about their troubles to their dogs. Dogs are some of the best listeners!
Photo by Ginger Van Hook
Carol Curtis displays her artwork at the First City Gallery in Monrovia, California.
Carol Curtis is the featured artist
for the 2011 Celebrate the Arts Festival in October
held at Monrovia Library Park in Monrovia, California October 2011!



Carol Curtis Photography; Portraits of her beloved Horses.
Photo by Ginger Van Hook








 Sasha and Pyro. Photo by Ginger Van Hook©2011