This past Saturday (March 18, 2017), Venice Arts held its annual speakeasy fundraiser at the Townhouse in Venice. The event brought out many locals and supporters filled with community spirit.

See image: (from left to right) Mike Newhouse, Lynn Warshafsky, and George Francisco, photo by Kathy Leonardo

The evening was officially hosted by Ruthie Seroussi & Mike Newhouse, Brandell Davis, Venice Arts, The Del Monte Speakeasy. If you’ve never been to the Del Monte Speakeasy, located just below the Townhouse, be sure to check it out. It has a rich history dating back to the prohibition days. 

Venice Arts is entering its 25th year, which is an amazing feat for any nonprofit. It offers a variety of transformative programs for low-income youth. Classes provided include photography, filmmaking, and multimedia, which ultimately end with a gallery exhibition or screening of a completed documentary created by the students. Art mentoring has been key to the success of this organization. Venice Arts serves 60% of local children and teens, and draws about 40% of new students from surrounding areas as far as Norwalk.

See image: Lynn Warshafskyf, photo by Richard Bilow

Founder Lynn Warshafsky stressed the importance of the community’s continued commitment to the organization during this political climate. Setting a great example, she revealed that she will be doubling her own donation to the nonprofit this year.

The food, as always, was bountiful…featuring tasty cuisine from Larry’s, Simmzy’s, Venice Whaler, and Whole Foods Markets. Whiskey tasting was also a big part of the event. The silent auction and raffle featuring photos by Venice Arts’ students, as well as goods and services from local businesses including Fork in the Road, Pitfire Pizza, ProSup Shop, Spa Sophia, Superba, Turning Point Pilates, and Wallflower. 

Venice Arts recently moved to a new location. Elysa Voshell, Associate Director, Gallery & Public Programs Director filled me in on all the details. “Earlier this year, Venice Arts moved to a beautiful, new two-building campus that doubles our size, which will allow us to expand our award-winning Art Mentoring & Education programs—including reaching the more than 150 low-income youth we currently turn away. We are grateful for the support of our community in helping us reach this point, and ask for their continued support as we expand to make a deep and lasting impact on even more of Los Angeles’ low-income young people through the arts.”

See image: Attendees bidding on artwork created by Venice Arts students

If you did not make the fundraiser, there is still time to make a chritable donation. Venice Arts is a wonderufl nonprofit that is truly making a difference in many young lives. For additional info about this fantastic organization, visit http://www.venicearts.org/