Cumulus Media presents
Focus on the Masters For the Love of Art Gala
Focus on the Masters Gala to benefit Arts Education
Saturday, August 25, 2018 ž 6 to 10 p.m.
Honoring John & Cherie Brant
Four Points by Sheraton ž 1050 Schooner Dr. ž Ventura
Focus on the Masters, together with Cumulus Media, presents For the Love of Art on Saturday, August 25, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Four Points by Sheraton in Ventura. The event will support Focus on the Masters’ community art enrichment, including their award-winning Learning to See Outreach that brings quality arts education to schools and community centers.
“We are soaring to new heights!” exclaims executive director Donna Granata. “Sharing our unique archive, with its valuable documentation of notable artists, with people of all ages contributes to a vibrant, culturally rich community.” Honored at the event will be longtime FOTM patrons John and Cherie Brant. Cherie is an accomplished writer, known for her informative books on the history of Ventura County. Cherie served for 15 years as the FOTM Board Secretary. Her volunteer efforts also included devoting her time and talent to special events, editing, and additional Board responsibilities. John recently retired from his career as a wealth management professional. Many know his creative side: photographer, juggler and unicyclist. Those talents have served him well as an active volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club. John and Cherie are deeply committed to our community, sharing their time, talents and resources, always ready to pitch in and lend a hand. Generous supporters of the Museum of Ventura County, active in Rotary, Toastmasters and the life of our community, John and Cherie Brant know that dedicated volunteers enable our community to thrive. Focus on the Masters is privileged to count them among their most valued patrons.
The Gala will reflect what FOTM is known for: bringing arts education and arts patrons together For the Love of Art. Gala attendees will have the opportunity to win an original painting by Gail Pidduck while enjoying wonderful music, food, wine and a live and silent auction.
Many artists and merchants from throughout the area have contributed works of art for the Live and Silent Auction. They include Elaine Unzicker, Gayel Childress, Beatrice Wood Studio, Hiroko Yoshimoto, Lynn Hanson, Frank Massarella, Bill Layman, Jo Ellen Lee, Robert G. Smith, Tim Hauf, Bob Privitt, Margaret Nielsen, the Estate of Bill McEwen, and Fox Fine Jewelry.
Guests at the event will also be tempted by FOTM’s ever-popular $20 Celebration Boxes, each one containing at least $25 in a variety of gift certificates, jewelry items, books, visits with artists and small art works. “I like to ask, ‘what’s in it for you?’” says volunteer Mary Galbraith. “Several boxes will contain items of much greater value and the buyer never knows the contents ‘til the box is opened. The mystery is very appealing.”
In addition to presenting programs for adults with mental illness and to the general public by way of the informative Artist Spotlight interviews, FOTM’s award-winning Learning To See program brings compelling lessons to students in area schools. Program director Aimee French explains: “These boys and girls are introduced to local artists and their work. They see how an understanding of art and the discipline involved in the creative process can help them not only in school but throughout life. The future of our planet depends on creative solutions applied to technology.”
“The arts must be incorporated into our daily lives – now more than ever.” comments Donna Granata. “Art actually builds empathy. When we see the world through another’s eyes, we can understand their challenges. An empathetic person – child or adult – will not accept the dehumanization of others. Without art, without empathy, we can easily become ignorant and cruel. Art is so much more than a pretty picture on a wall, so much more than a play or a novel or a song. Open the door to art and you open the door to a more just community.”
Tickets for the event and for the opportunity drawing for an original paining by Gail Pidduck are available on line at www.FocusOnTheMasters.com or by calling 805.653.2501.
Major sponsors of For the Love of Art include Cumulus Media, Four Points by Sheraton, Peterson Graphics, Ventura County Community Foundation, Richard and Yvette Franklin and Irv Hilf and Roxie Ray.