At Step Up on Second, art heals. Member- artists paint vibrant landscapes with broad, colorful strokes. Writers create deeply stirring poetry. One member composes operas, his eloquent hands passionately conducting the next few new phrases before transcribing it all on paper. As one member’s symptoms of depression take hold, she paints a serene creek with overarching trees and she says she feels better. The paintings, music, and poems of Step Up's member-artists tell the true story of the ups and downs of their personal journey. “Do you know what the good thing about art is?” said one Step Up member- artist. “It helps me learn to be alone but not lonely.” The Creative Arts Therapy program at Step Up on Second helps member- artists channel thoughts and emotions, guides self-expression and discovery, and fosters progress towards recovery from mental illness. Please visit www.stepuponsecond. org and follow Step Up on Second on Facebook and Twitter.
Art Wall Archive
“Put your faith in action!” will be the theme of July’s exhibit on the Forbes Hall Art Wall.
This month's Art Wall will showcase works from our own UUCCSM Lifespan Religious Education students.
Evelyn Meyer is a “trained naif” who remembers colors of tropical fruits sold by a New York street vendor, the toothpaste-gel blue of an Alaskan iceberg, the orangepurple sunsets over the mountains of Mexico. When the color palette in her mind’s eye doesn’t offer her the right blend, she invents a new color to fit into paintings full of pattern and detail, often peopled by angels or mythical figures.
Windows and Watercolors: Light, Color, and Improvisation
In December we will have the Art Wall in Forbes Hall for a group show. I’m asking you to think about your submissions and let me know so that we can plan ahead.
Thanks.
— Diana Spears
Allison S. Foster is an artist who enjoys working in acrylic, pastel, charcoal, ink, and also three-dimensional construction. Allison began studying the fine arts in 2004 at West Los Angeles College. She has also modeled for photographers and life-drawing classes, enjoys design and desktop work, and will accept artistic commissions.
Dorothy Anderson is the April Artist
Dorothy’s use of color is strong as her palette plays saturated color with dark and light as well as being sensitive to warm and cool colors. The color moves as line and shape. The repetition of color and line takes on a rhythm of its own. Line can encompass a figure as in stained glass figures, or it may fracture and bounce off an object, creating a moving space. Cubism and Expressionism has been an influence on her work. Her use of figures shows personal facets a n d u n i q u e insights in psychological and spiritual observations.
March artists: Sam Arno and Jan Govaerts
Sam Arno is a former art director and creative director in Los Angeles ad agencies and is now a painter in The Loft Studios in downtown San Pedro. As a graphic designer he has received awards for packaging, outdoor billboards, and magazine advertising.
February Art Wall: Lori Escalera
A native Los Angeleno, Lori Escalera has centered her artistic career in Southern California. Her artistic interests are representational and revolve around the study of the figure, still life, and landscape, primarily executed in oil paint. Her work takes on an energy and vibrancy that refreshes the spirit and enlivens the imagination. She creates with an attention to quality and uses dramatic color energetically to express her feelings about beauty and her world.