How to use this Page

Last week's opening reception for Viewpoints: Orange County All Media 2014 was such a success, and we couldn't have done it without our talented participating artists, wonderful volunteers and YOU, our loyal fans! The house was packed! Special thanks to Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts (TACFA) and Enderle Center for helping to sponsor our 7th annual showing of amateur and professional artists.

Viewpoints is up for another week, so hurry in! PLUS we'll be joined by 12 of the participating artists on Saturday, May 10th for special painting demos!

Here's just a taste of what the artist reception & awards ceremony was like:

Ian Montelongo discusses his painting techniques with our friend Jeff

What a crowd!

Steve takes in Lore Hold's prize winning painting

Fellow artists Pamela Panattoni, Max Ollendorff and Jim Wodark meet and mingle

Shelby Montelongo with her trusty camera

Art discussions among artists Ian Montelongo, Lisa Mozzini-McDill, Rita Pacheco and Michael Ward

Honorable Mention winner Kim VanDerHoek with her daughter, Lily, TACFA President Bonnie Atzeff and Chemers Gallery owner Karen Raab

Bonnie Atzeff introduces TACFA

The ever-lovely Rita Chemers

Karen Raab and Rita Chemers with artist Max Ollendorff

Karen Raab and Bonnie Atzeff with 1st Place Professional Winner Michael Ward

Pastel artist & Enderle Center Choice winner Dori Dewberry making new friends with Dick and Marg

Add a Comment

Setting up with mom we discovered that Lotus Moments Event Center had tons to offer. We knew the space was fantastic, but had no idea Renatta had an basement full of items to help decorate. She was so willing to help and let us use whatever we needed.

Many people showed up to share in the night. I enjoyed every single conversation I had, and saw some old friends from long ago come in support. I was above cloud nine! But leading up to it I was nervous.

My mom was a huge help that day, cutting cheese, helping arrange everything, and setting up the food table. We got the sound working, put on my play list, and gathered some items to make it all feel complete.

As I was walking around helping, I realized why I was so nervous. The music finally told me. I felt very exposed. Not only was my work on the walls...my originals...but the music playing was the same music I listen to as I work. In the privacy of my studio.

In the past when I have shared the music I have gotten some negative or "not so sure" responses. With all of this combined I was a wreck inside. How was I to speak? How do I explain where everything comes from? What if they find this weird? Or what if they get turned off? What if...what if...what if.

After a brief pep talk with my mom, and people starting to come in the door...thankfully I just couldn't think about it anymore. I was too happy to see friends and family. To have them there first really put me at ease.

Then the first sale happened. O.M.G! And they were ladies I did not know. How exciting and nerve wrecking all at once. But God was in control. Oh how happy I was to know He was in control! After that..before I could turn around the business aspect just took off. I was floored!

As my brother in law put it best "The people want more". I had no IDEA that there was such an interest in purchasing my originals. I sell stickers, postcards, prints, and the like. What seems forever I have felt this is where my work belonged. I didn't know

Display Comments Add a Comment