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Connoisseurs convene - Art, gourmet show to help foundation (Catalyst) |
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AV Press |
| Date Posted: |
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Oct 17, 07 - 4:29 PM |
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lroth@avpress.com |
| Where are you from? |
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Antelope Valley |
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AUCTION ARTWORK - Dave Mashore, program director for the Catalyst Foundation, sits among the artwork for auction this Saturday's Art & Gourmet Show to benefit the foundation's Creating a Healing Society prison program, at-risk youth programs and the new free health care program for the homeless, uninsured and poor.
BERNARD KANE Valley Press
Connoisseurs convene
Art, gourmet show to help foundation
This story appeared in the Antelope Valley Press on Wednesday, October 17, 2007.
By LIANE M. ROTH
Valley Press Staff Writer
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To lunch in Paris would take more than 24 hours in travel time, cost $2,600 for airfare and $46 for a simple meal with entrées like tender pork filet or marinated red mullet at Ladurée , a five-star restaurant.
The wine would cost extra, depending on what's in the cellar, and average about 49 euros ($70 American).
A luncheon Saturday in Agua Dulce will take about 45 minutes by car, costs $48 and offers a five-course meal with your choice of steak with red sauce or chicken with mushroom sauce and the trimmings at Le Chene French Cuisine.
Oh, and the wine is included.
"This is a great opportunity for area residents to enjoy a comfortable and casual event," Dave Mashore , program director of the Catalyst Foundation's Creating a Healing Society program, said of the foundation's third annual Art & Gourmet Show. The gala raises funds to support the many resources and services offered to area residents through the foundation, such as health education programs for at-risk youth, gang and violence prevention, and HIV and STD support and information.
The event will include a gourmet French meal prepared by the chefs at Le Chene, wine tasting, music, art exhibits, an opportunity raffle, and silent and live auctions of items donated by area and international artists. The French-inspired restaurant offers a garden setting, where guests will dine al fresco. Le Chene chef and owner Juan Alonso is contributing a selection of wines for the tasting as well as providing the unique setting for the fete.
Artistically minded guests will be pleased with the items in the silent and live auctions, Mashore said. "We will have original oil paintings, some acrylics and even some sculptures available," he said. "This is a rare opportunity for locals to get some great artwork and help a worthy cause."
Works by internationally known photographer Emerson Matabele will be up for bid, Mashore said, in a "beautiful large display."
Matabele lives within the communities of different parts of the world and works to capture the essence of the people through his photography. Each photograph is accompanied by an inspirational quote.
"His work is jaw-dropping," Mashore said. "He travels six to nine months a year for his photos. When people see his work, they say it is truly divinity inspired. We are privileged and honored to present his art at our show."
Area artists who have contributed to the fundraiser include Dennis Calaba , Kris Holladey , Glen Knowles , Joel Kolb , Sal Vasquez and Donna Weil. Also featured will be inspiring art donated by Artists Serving Humanity, a group of honor yard inmates at the California State Prison Los Angeles County in Lancaster.
Mashore and Catalyst Foundation founder Dr. Susan Lawrence coordinate 12-week sessions for 18 to 20 inmates at the Lancaster facility to address what drives self-destructive behavior.
The prison art guild is limited to inmates who have exhibited model behavior and some artistic talent, he said. The inmates must pay for any art supplies out of their own pockets. One way they raise funds to purchase supplies is through the auction.
"Ten percent of the sales from the auction goes back to the inmates for additional art supplies," Mashore said. "They also make the frames for their artwork themselves. One guy does sculpting. All the materials are paid for by the inmates."
Last year, Artists Serving Humanity raised $9,000 at the event, and the inmates were able to buy $900 worth of supplies, he said.
Mashore said art lovers of all kinds will find something they like amid the offerings. "Landscapes, still life, Tuscan-inspired art and florals are among the choices," he said. "Something for everyone - even sculptures."
"This is an important program for the inmates," Mashore said. "The primary criteria is they have to want to give to others through their efforts."
Key to helping the inmates do this work is Lucinda Thomas , the Arts in Corrections facilitator.
"She truly inspires the inmates, and her efforts are appreciated by everyone," Mashore said. "We couldn't have so much success in the program without her."
Jeweler Verrago & Felalis of Beverly Hills will return to the event with sparkling art for the body. "Last year, they sold $24,000," Mashore said. "People absolutely love their jewelry."
Chi-Lan Lieu , a self-proclaimed gadget geek and host of HGTV's "I Want That! Tech Toys," will be the returning auctioneer.
Several area businesses are donating items, including a hand-carved Thai sculpture of an elephant from The Thai Restaurant in Palmdale; certificates from Dry Clean Express of Lancaster; and a large basket of treats from The Whole Wheatery in Lancaster.
"We want people to be surprised when they get here," Mashore said. "We'll have plenty of opportunities for everyone to take home something wonderful, whether it's art, jewelry or other goodies."
Every year, the event includes an opportunity drawing, and entries are included in the $48 event ticket with additional entries available for $5. This year's prize will be a "winner's choice" custom painting done by members of Artists Serving Humanity and will be a wonderful addition to any art collection, Mashore said.
The Catalyst Foundation was founded in 1992 by oncologist Dr. Susan Lawrence and her husband, Sonny Bartz , who died in 1993 after battling AIDS. The nonprofit organization was the first specialized treatment center to provide support and care for area residents living with HIV and AIDS. The center is at 44758 Elm Ave., Lancaster.
All proceeds from the event benefit Catalyst's Creating a Healing Society prison program, at-risk youth programs and the foundation's new free health care program for the homeless, uninsured and poor.
The Art & Gourmet Show will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Le Chene, 12625 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets are $48 and are available at the door. Entrance to the Art, Jewelry and Sculpture Exhibition only is $10 and does not include an entry in the opportunity drawing.
For details, call (661) 948-8559 or visit www.creatingahealingsociety.org.
lroth@avpress.com |
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