Had another article placement in the LA Weekly.

Read my article here "Google-izing the Venice Art Walk & Auctions."

This past Sunday (May 19th) marked the 34th annual Venice Art Walk & Auctions....and the 2nd time for the silent auction to be held at Google LA. There were new studios, new artists, and of course some longtime favorites. Google added a fresh, updated perspective attracting many younger art collectors.

Each year, the annual art walk brings thousands of community members together to celebrate Venice Family Clinic. Artists open their studios, and over 350 artists donate their work to ensure that neighbors in need have access to health care. Venice Art Walk & Auctions is the largest silent art auction in the area raising over $600,000 annually.

See image: Flyer designed by John Van Hammersveld.

The Venice Art Walk & Auctions was created to help raise funds for the Venice Family Clinic back in 1979. The clinic was founded by Phillip Rossman, MD, and co-founder Mayer B. Davidson, MD, in 1970 to offer residents in need a low cost health option. At the time, the clinic was struggling financially as it lived side by side with crack dealers and gangs. Now the gentrification of Venice, which many see as a direct response to Google has created a safer, more resilient Venice. Last year, Google reached out to the VAW art staff and offered to sponsor and host the silent auction and reception.

Local Joseph Hanson has attended several art walks in previous years and explained that one of the reasons he wanted to attend once more was to see the inside of Google. "What a great space...to see the artwork in such a cleaner, more cutting-edge environment put a completely different view on the work."

This was the first year Google would host the Family Fun Day, and kids and dogs were encouraged and allowed to enter the silent auction area as well as the Google Garden. Also since Google took over last year, a bar serving alcoholic beverages is a new addition. Yes, you do have to purchase, but as another local, Jude Edwards pointed out, "Well worth the price since you know it's going to a great cause."

Longtime resident Linda Levitz has been coming to the Venice Art Walk since her son was in elementary school - he’s now twenty-nine. A self-proclaimed hippie, Levitz loved the ambiance and relaxed setting of the Westminster School, but she was impressed with the new space. "Google was great…It was packed and I noticed many more young bidders than in previous years," said Levitz.

The Venice Family clinic has welcomed Google's sponsorship. Here's what the VAW team had to say, "We're stepping into a new era technologically, with the Google team overseeing our registration and silent auction checkout to create a better experience for our guests. We've created a new studio tour experience for our long-time supporters. Our Google-hosted silent auction is growing by leaps and bounds, with more than 350 local artists."

Artist Andy Moses has been donating his work to the silent auction for 10 years. "I donated a painting that I just finished," said Moses. "It is representative of my recent topographically based work, but I have pushed the paint process in some new directions where there is an incredible illusion of texture, but it's all an illusion."

Laney Kapgan, Venice Family Clinic Director of Development, navigated many challenges this year and helped to create a successful event. "We are so grateful and honored to have talented artists support Venice Family Clinic by opening their studios for Venice Art Walk, and we're always looking for ways to offer new, exciting experiences to our guests."

This year new artists from haleARTS S P A C E, Michael Hale and Marc Hemeon were invited to donate work for the auction. Kapgan explained, "By highlighting different legendary and up-and-coming artists each year, we can continue to build support for the many talented artists in our community.

Michael Hale, owner of haleARTS S P A C E in Santa Monica attended the event. "It was a wonderful event, cited Hale. "I was so thrilled to be part of it - from all of us at haleARTS pitching local artists that were accepted - to being a participating artist myself."

Hale took advantage of the slient auction as well. "There were some amazing works - we actually bid on three works and won the auction on one - a  gorgeous piece from a local artist. Ce la vie on the other two we were outbid on. That's the name of the game with auctions," laughed Hale.

Artist Paul Chikov opened his home and studio on the walk this year.

See image: Paul Chikov at his studo

Chikov's sculptures are also featured in the Google Garden. He is a longtime Venetian and was happy to particpate. 

Artist MX Farina also opened up his studio (East of Lincoln) this year and donated work to the silent auction.

Farina has been participating in the annual event for over ten years. "It's a great cause in this day and age where our health care system has its complex challenges," said Farina. "The Venice Family Clinic Art Walk started over thirty years ago and and really paved the way to buy affordable art work and visit studios while raising much needed funds. With all its rich history in art, I wish Venice could secure a public-run exhibition space and show off all the unique talent this area has produced. There is nowhere in this world like our Venice beach of America!"

See image: MX Farina  Aerosol paint on paper 12 by 15 inches

Sheridan Rawlins, Engineering Manager, Google Chrome and Community Affairs Lead, Google LA was very iinvolved in this year's event. Rawlins talked about his early interactions with Venice, "Eclectic may be cliché, but pretty much sums it up. I used to visit my brother-in-law several times a year before we moved here, and I remember him having his fortune told on the boardwalk in Venice that he would marry his current girlfriend of one month as long as she didn't meet the parents for four months. Well, he's happily married with my nephew on the way!"

Google is anything but a typical corporate entity. It has revealed itself to be a viable and supportive part of the community in Venice. When asked what the best thing about working for Google is, Rawlins replied, "...Flexibility in how you make an impact. Everyone is allowed and expected to choose, within reason, where they can best make a difference. This is both a luxury and a challenge that I haven't found anywhere else."

Google appears to be in alignment with the "Venice" spirit and unconventional outlook on life, but there will always be different points of view... old school versus new school. There are those that will always long for the old days. "I do miss hanging (my art) in the Westminster school...that was a great venue," recalled Larry Bell, a longtime participant and one of the star artists that was honored along with John Van Hammersveld in this year's walk.

Artist Laddie John Dill who has been involved with the Venice Art Walk from the start has had a studio since 1968. He has seen many changes in Venice. "People moved to Venice for the eccentricity," said Dill, "which doesn't really exist anymore. In a sense, the boardwalk has gone back to the "carny" feeling, which it originally had."

Dill put it simply, "Google is here...let's work with it."

FRIDAY May 24th, I'll be performing with my blues band, Kat and the Blues Hounds from 9:00 pm until 12:30 am at Sonny McLean's, located at 2615 Wilshire Blvd., in Santa Monica...Come on out and party with us!!! It's FREE!

Remember we are now playing every 4th Friday at Sonny McLean's!

Wait till you here these veteran blues players rock out with the classics. Enjoy a hoppin' night of classic blues plus west coast swing and of some of my original strong woman blues.

Kat and the Blues Hounds includes musicians Nick Henry, Jon Derienzo, Tim McKean and Mitch Montrose. All the photos are shot by Steve DePena.

Here's some info on the band:

Kathy Leonardo, a native New Yorker, relocated to Venice, CA in 1999. A strong singer with a versatile voice she performs all over the Los Angeles area in various bands that feature Jazz, Blues and Country.

For years she worked as an actress on TV shows such as Cosby as well as on the Broadway stage. Leonardo also traveled the country with national touring companies singing and dancing in original musicals and revivals such as "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off" with the renowned actor/singer and composer Anthony Newley and Nightingale by Charles Strouse (Annie, Bye Bye Birdie).

Lead guitarist, Nick Henry is also a music arranger. This blues veteran has played in many bands over the years, doing time with R&B Sax man Chuck Higgins, Lucky Wright, Guitar Shorty, Joe Houston, and the Coasters, just to name a few.

Tim McKean (Keyboards), grew up in rural Illinois, playing in rock and country bands at an early age. His music education included some formal training, as well as studying with folk and blues masters from Chicago and St. Louis, with the obligatory nights at the turntable, absorbing traditional jazz, British Isles folk music, Appalachian music and anything else he considered interesting.

Coming to Southern California in the late 1970's, Tim has performed with many LA and Orange County bands as well as a solo act, playing a diversity of styles- folk, blues, jazz, country, reggae, Tex-Mex,world, etc.

His playing reflects these diverse influences and brings a unique color to the ensemble.

Bass player, Jon DeRienzo has played with the Porterhouse Bob and Down to the Bone band in the early 90's.

Jon has also played with Nick Henry's BlueZone from '94 to '06 and The Hightoppers '06 to present.

Mitch Montrose (drummer), hails from the San Francisco Bay area, where he began drum instruction at the age of 11.

In his teens, Mitch studied with Forrest Elledge, and took an early interest in swing, and R&B. Mitch held the drum chair in the western-swing flavored Cornell Hurd Band at its inception, and the band continues to this day as Austin, Texas legends.

After a move to Southern California in the 90′s, Mitch took a keen interest in New Orleans second line drumming, and began studying with Chris Lacinak, a renown New Orleans drummer and educator.

At this time Mitch, along with Bob Johnson, formed the nucleus of what would become "Porterhouse Bob and Down to the Bone". 13 years later, Mitch continues to play with the Porterhouse band in between gigs with the Blue Hounds.

Be sure to LIKE our FB Page - Kat and the Blues Hounds https://www.facebook.com/KatandTheBluesHounds?fref=ts

What: Live Music
Where: Sonnys McLean's, 2615 Wilshire Blvd., in Santa Monica
When: 9:30 pm - 12:30 pm
Phone: 310 449-1811
Website: http://www.sonnymcleans.com/

RAW: Natural Born Artists hosted an innovative Hollywood event last Thursday May 2nd. The organization aims to provide independent artists with the tools and resources they need to "inspire and cultivate creativity."

The RAW show cohesively integrated a dance-party atmosphere with art, fashion, music, film, photography, and performance. The event showcased over 20 artists from all disciplines who displayed their work in the 10,000 square-foot creative space of Level 3 in Hollywood.

Artists and event-goers connected over performance art, live music and an interactive gallery throughout the night. A local DJ spun new takes on popular music as the runway-show showcased featured local RAW artists. Fashion and jewelry designers were at the forefront of the show and featured collaborations with make-up artists to provide a mystical ambiance.

A hair and make up station was conveniently set up for partiers to go all out in glitz and glam to fit in with the runway models eccentric style. The art gallery featured painters, photographers and jewelry designers including Nicolette Spears (see image) whose surreal and imaginative pieces reflect the human condition while paying special attention to texture and geometry.

RAW events are featured in 57 countries and their once a month showcases are not to be missed!

Check it out: http://www.rawartists.org/

Rockwell: Table & Stage has been a staple of Los Feliz since 1944 when it was originally opened as Sarno's Bakery. Sold to new owners in 2000 and named Vermont Restaurant, this restaurant underwent another transformation when a theatre group came into the picture and began performing a series called "For the Record," a revue-style show that pays tribute to the soundtracks and scenes of famous film directors. The Vermont soon expanded, due to ticket demands, transforming into the current Rockwell: Table & Stage.

The theatre group remained, now packing the 180 seater bar and restaurant every weekend. The food (and drink) is really good and very original. It's like a Broadway show in the middle of Los Feliz! Incredibly talented singer/dancer/actors...actually most of them were originally in NY on Broadway but moved here for the allure of TV and film careers. The "For the Record" show I saw was of Gary and Penny Marshall, featuring music from such films as "Beaches", "Big", "A League of Their Own" and "Pretty Woman." It's the closing night of this 7th in the series, with the next one, started April 18th, an homage to the Cohen Brothers, which should last a month. There's an air of excitement in the room!

We got seated at 7:00 pm, looking around the room. This is quite the funky retro space, with a stage that has a walkway, with a big keyboard painted on it. There is a bar and restaurant in the back, and this showroom in the front is spacious. Big stage, professional lighting and sound, a grand piano, bass and drums set up. There's a nice size bar, 4 -tops near the stage, premier "booths" against the wall. There's even a couch in the middle of one side of the room.

You can't help feeling like the hip crowd is going to show up, any minute now! Menu items sound really unique; drinks like: "Jim Got Down On His Knees." I've ordered spicy tuna tacos (which I've had before here, and made my mouth water coming over!) and my husband ordered Pan fried Mac and Cheese with broccolini. (It came, I tasted...yum!)

It's 7:18 and the crowd is coming in. The Rolling Stones "She's a Rainbow" is playing in the background at an enjoyable volume. They sat two friendly people at our table. An Aussie actor, and his manager...we got into a fun conversation...mostly about treasure hunting, interspersed with entertainment industry conversation. It turned out that the manager also manages one of the performers in the show, who is also the choreographer.

It's 8:15, and the place has really filled up.. The house lights are down, people are eating and drinking, and there's definitely a buzz in the room! The MC comes out, very charming and fun, getting a great response from the audience! And then it starts!

High intensity, fun right from the first moment! A wonderful and high energy band backs up 7 totally incredible singers/dancers/actors! Vignettes; fast moving , into a rockin version of "Pretty Woman," the actors walking and dancing up and down the extendedstage and throughout the audience.

The first half of the show, focusing mainly on "Pretty Woman," moved through different movies, like Tom Hanks' "Big." Therefore the keyboarded stage (a memorable part of the movie)...a fun experience, watching these guys clown around, accompanied by the fabulous band.

These performers are, each one, so talented, it's really like seeing a Broadway musical, up close and personal. Sometimes solo singing, sometimes duo, many times the lead singer is flanked (albeit all over the room) by background singers. I think anyone in the room is drawn in by the well produced, exciting musical theatre. The evening is filled with recognizable songs, arranged by the pianist......and played incredibly well by the band, made up of piano, bass, guitar, and drums.

Right before the intermission they bring a ringer up who starts off singing subtly and quickly becomes a contender for "The Voice"! His singing is the kind that will rip your heart out...The talent of these people is really over the top!

I'm certainly struck by what a great experience it must be to be a member of this troupe! A total workout; singing, dancing, acting..everyone working together, joy for the performing. It's a total experience, in which the audience can experience all the emotions of the performers.

After an intermission they moved into "A League of Their Own", about a girl baseball team, very funny. And then "Beaches" was the feature of the 2nd half of the show,well written to include the time line of the whole movie. As in the first half, the troupe worked their hearts out and delivered a spectacular show! The ringer lead the finale of the show in a spectacular version of "Joy To The World", surrounded by all the singers and the band funking out!

There are other nights of entertainment as well, at The Rockwell. At this point, after the show, a late night, 11 to 2 am, Friday hang with high energy rock/jazz band lead by Israeli transplant, pianist David Nathan. On = Wednesdays right now they're hosting actor/musician Jeff Goldblum's group, who has played around town in various hip clubs for many years.

This area of Los Feliz has developed into a hip hangout area for foodies, bookstores, movie houses, and artsy stuff. And for a very reasonable price, you can enjoy a terrific Broadway-like show, up close, in a hip environment, with good food and drink. Call the club for more information. 

Rockwell: Table and Stage, in Los Feliz, Los Angeles. Rockwell: Table & Stage. 1714 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027; (323) 669-1550; http://rockwell-la.com/

Stop by Skirball Cultural Center through September 1, 2013, on view now is "a smile, they said" a new, site-specific mural painted by Berlin-based artists Antje Schiffers and Thomas Sprenger. Admission is free.

The mural is part of a greater project, "Let Me Show You Around," which embodies a process of collaborative art that perfectly captures the welcoming spirit of the Skirball, an institution inspired by diversity and plural expression. For the project, Schiffers and Sprenger were in residence at the Skirball for two weeks. During their stay, they interviewed members of the Skirball community about ideas of welcome. As a result of these interactions, the artists created "a smile, they said," a large-scale mural covering the walls of the Ruby Gallery, one of the Skirball's most communal spaces.

In their interviews with the artists, the staff at the Skirball shared a diverse array of images ranging from waterfalls, unicorns, and penguins to patio chairs, fountains, micrography, and matzoh ball soup. Some participants spoke of paradisiacal landscapes, while others referred to American customs as well as rituals rooted in Jewish tradition. The artists then took these plural expressions and incorporated them into "a smile, they said," a blend of wall art, paintings on wood, and text. The result is a fascinating composite of more than eighty distinct voices unified into one.

"We see the mural as a sort of 'stage' for welcoming," say Schiffers and Sprenger, "so it's appropriate that it is set in the Ruby Gallery, which is an area for welcoming people to the Skirball. The greatest challenge was how to encompass all of the contributions, but also maintain enough distance that the final product would not be fragmented, but a comprehensive, inclusive whole."

To mark the opening of "a smile, they said," the Skirball will host a conversation with the artists following a screening of "Pantry" on Thursday, April 4, at 8:00 p.m. The film documents another collaborative project in which Antje Schiffers and Thomas Sprenger participated, together with the artist initiative myvillages.org. For the "Pantry" project, locavore-minded organizations and individuals worked together for a year to stock a pantry full of locally produced products for the Festival Über Lebenkunst in Berlin. Skirball Curator Doris Berger will moderate the discussion. A reception follows the program. ("Pantry," a film by myvillages.org and Martin König. Germany, 2012, 45 min. In English and German with English subtitles.)
About Antje Schiffers and Thomas Sprenger

See image: Acrylic painting on wood, 2013 © Antje Schiffers and Thomas Sprenger

Antje Schiffers and Thomas Sprenger are artists based in Berlin, Germany, who often utilize participatory working methods in community spaces such as museums, factories, large companies, farms, and schools. Antje Schiffers studied art at the Braunschweig University of Art and has been exhibiting in Germany and around the world since 2000. She has had solo exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the Secession Vienna, Museum of Contemporary Art Leipzig, and the Sprengel Museum Hannover. Thomas Sprenger studied economics and chemical engineering and had his own company in Berlin before joining Schiffers as a collaboration partner in 2004.

The Skirball Cultural Center is located at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049 (exit 405 Freeway at Skirball Ctr Dr). Parking is free. The Skirball is also accessible by Metro Rapid 761. Museum hours: Tuesday– Friday 12:00–5:00 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; closed Mondays and holidays. Admission to a smile is free to the public.

Admission to all other exhibitions: $10 General; $7 Seniors, Full-Time Students, and Children over 12; $5 Children 2–12. Exhibitions are always free to Skirball Members and Children under 2. Exhibitions are free to all visitors on Thursdays. For general information, the public may call (310) 440-4500 or visit www.skirball.org.