Pick of the week is this Saturday, August 4th at Bergamot Station. There are several other events taking place at the arts center tonight so it’s a great time to come by and support a wonderful cause.

Artist, Julienne Johnson has invited the non profit, Safe Passage to hold a benefit this Saturday, at TAG Gallery.

Surrounded by the art of Julienne Johnson, Pam Douglas and Camey McGilvray, the benefit will also feature wine tasting and appetizers.

Safe Passage helps survivors of domestic abuse in many ways. First, they are encouraged to leave their abusers and then are given shelter. Later, they are offered job placement, makeovers, and a new permanent place to live.

Trish Steele was personally affected by domestic abuse and created the nonprofit  She found herself in an abusive relationship and was helped by caring people. This kindness shown to her, inspired her to “pay it forward” by helping other women who fell prey to the same circumstance.

See pix, board members of Safe Passage with the Artist, Julienne Johnson. From left to right, Susan Segenzer, Julienne Johnson, John Wurts and Trish Steele. Photo by Kelly Greene

Trish Steele met artist Julienne Johnson over six years ago at a charity event for Safe Passage. Julienne immediately was drawn to the cause and wanted to do something to help raise funds through her art.

Julienne’s original involvement has included holiday events, such as Tea Parties at friend’s homes, along with donations, and Christmas/Hanukkah gifts for children and their moms. She is still very active in spreading the word about this wonderful organization.

In fact, it was Julienne who initiated the idea to host a separate night to raise funds for Safe Passage. She approached the other two artists who are showing their work as part of the TAG Gallery exhibition. Camey McGilvray and Pam Douglas were more than pleased to get involved. Julienne says, “So while it started as something I wanted to do – it has become something the three of us are doing. The three of us are wall mates for our exhibitions by choice.”

Julienne has had the opportunity of working with foster kids for over eight years. She knows first hand the fear that they experience. She explains, “I have a heart for this, and it comes from personal experience. I know what it means when neighbors and friends pretends not to notice. I don’t want to be like that.”   

CODE PHRASE: Safe Passage Saves Lives.…email us at laartparty.com and you will automatically be entered into the raffle to win two tickets to this fabulous art party.

She adds, “This is the good that can come out of bad experiences. It can give us a heart bigger than we would have had without that experience. It leaves us grateful. Not for having had the bad/sad experience, but for having an opportunity to become something bigger than we could have been otherwise.”

The special benefit for Safe Passage will take place on August 4th, at TAG Gallery. Each of the artists will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their artwork to this very important cause. Johnson will also be donating boxes of note cards and envelopes to be used as a give away to each guest as they leave.

Remember this is a benefit to help the non profit Safe Passage. I want to encourage you to buy tickets, it a very important cause. Tickets are $35.00.  Tell your friends.  It will feature wine tasting and appetizers.

Call now to reserve your tickets 818 232-7476, Tickets are $35.00.

What: Safe Passage benefit, Saturday August 4th
Where: TAG Gallery, Bergamot Station, (D-5) 2525 Michigan Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404
When: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Phone: Order Tickets 818 232-7476
Website: http://www.taggallery.com http://www.safepassagelives.org/; http://www.juliennejohnson.com/