Venice Arts celebrates 21 years!

Venice Paparazzi was on the scene at Venice Arts‘ 21st Anniversary Gala on Nov. 1, 2014. The Venice Arts’ mission is to ignite youths’ imagination, mentor their creativity, and expand their sense of possibility through high quality, accessible media–based arts education programs. Venice Arts also serves as a catalyst for people of all ages, living in low–income or underrepresented communities, to create and share personal and community stories through photography, film, and multi–media.

–

For more information, to donate or volunteer, visit www.venicearts.org

—–

Following insert from Venice Arts’ Associate Director | Gallery & Public Programs Director Elysa Voshell:

—

Our 21st Anniversary Gala celebrated a long history of transforming the lives of low-income youth in our community through free media arts education and mentoring. We were so excited to honor Tiffany Rochelle & Paul Hibler, as longtime supporters of Venice Arts and the Venice community, for their deep belief in the power of creativity and the many ways in which they support Venice Arts. We also honored artist-mentors Michael Jasorka and Michael Cersosimo, whose commitment to nurturing the creativity of our students over their many years of involvement here has been tremendous.

—

Center: Tiffany Rochelle & Paul Hibler

Kelly Layne with artist-mentor Michael Jasorka

—

The event featured our student-run photobooth, along with caricatures by our comics students, student photographs live screenprinted onto t-shirts by Junk Food Clothing Co., and music from the Santa Monica High School Jazz Combo.

Sponsored beer, wine, spirits and food from the best local restaurants kept everyone nourished and happy. We are especially grateful to Great Taste Catering serving as our catering sponsor, adeptly keeping the food and drinks flowing throughout the evening.

In addition to a program, including a series of three short films–two of which were shot and edited by Venice Arts alumna Jocelyn Ramirez, the event featured an exhibition and silent auction of work by student and professional photographers as well as goods and services donated by local businesses.

We are pleased that our Raise the Paddle met and exceeded our goal for raising funds for our Youth Opportunities Fund, which enables us to connect underserved local youth in our program with life-transforming creative opportunities that connect them to a sense of possibility for their lives and their communities. A transformative trip creating photographs and video while rafting through the Grand Canyon, two weeks in the mountains at a summer art academy, the chance to submit work for festivals and competitions—these are just a few of the opportunities that Venice Arts offers its talented, low-income students to extend their classroom learning into the real world and develop as young artists.

In this photo: Artist-mentor Michael Cersosimo and Jessie

—

View Venice Arts anniversary event photo highlights below!

Click here to view all event photos! Camera: 5D Mark II Lens: 50 mm 1.2. No flash. Photos by Venice Paparazzi. www.HireVP.com for your next event!

—

Santa Monica High School Jazz Combo.

Paul Hibler and Tiffany Rochelle – longtime supporters of Venice Arts

Center: Venice Arts’ Founder and Executive Director Lynn Warshafsky and Venice Neighborhood Council President/Venice Arts’ Boardmember Michael Newhouse