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City Hearts Choose! — A Fun Afternoon in the Canyon
PHOTOS BY KATIE DALSEMER © A beautifully refurbished barn at the home of Felice Willat and Ed O’Neill was a stunning backdrop for photos up for auction. City Hearts founder, Sherry Jason (L) was thrilled for Emma and Wayne Wilkens who won the grand prize in the raffle – a three-night stay at Mother’s Garden in Tarragona, Spain. In between songs DJ Nic Harcourt who just debuted his new morning music show on KCSN leapt into action on this vintage tractor. John Sandoval who overcame his troubled youth thanks to City Hearts classes years ago visited with Felice Willat and Ed O’Neill who shared their beautiful Topanga property for the event. This table must have had some kind of magic to win two out of the three raffle prizes. (L) Sue and Martin Schmitt won Rock ‘n’ Roll photo books by Robert Graham and (R) James and Rebecca Catterall won the event signature photo of a City Hearts student.
The Old Stagecoach Ranch was the exquisite setting for City Hearts: Kids Say Yes to the Arts’ First Annual CHOOSE! event on October 20, featuring Photography, Food and Three Chefs. The weather was perfect for the afternoon gathering after a morning of much-needed drizzle.
Taking center stage was the wonderful barn, which held the exhibit of 38 photographs displayed anonymously. Among the photographers were Topangans Felice Willat, Robin Becker, James Chressanthis, Katie Dalsemer (City Hearts Photography Instructor extraordinaire), former Topangan Annabel Clark, and other internationally recognized photographers, along with the works of 15 City Hearts “Artists of the Future.”
Delicious food was hosted by Larry Cohn of the Canyon Bistro, Jeff Kramer’s staff from Topanga Catering, and Sam Elias of Sam’s By the Beach.
Guests bid on their favorite pieces and at 5 o’clock, the photographers’ names were revealed. Bidders were surprised and enthusiastic about their purchases. Nic Harcourt, from KCSN, spun the music and photographer Jane Kerr flew in from Atlanta just for the day to attend the great goings-on.
As City Hearts was founded by Topangans, and the office resides in Pine Tree Circle, it was truly rewarding and fun to have the event in the Canyon and see friends and neighbors. From the Raffle, Martin and Sue Schmitt won two books of historical photographs of Bill Grahams’s Rock ‘n’ Roll days; Rebecca and James Catterall won the event signature photo; and Emma and Wayne Wilkens won the Grand Prize of a three -night stay at Mother’s Garden in Tarragona, Spain.
City Hearts thanks Jane Donaldson, who took her brilliant idea and worked tirelessly to bring each and every aspect to reality and fruition; Robin Becker for her talents, creativity and generosity; Julie Howell for helping Robin with the framing; and Felice Willat and Ed O’Neill for sharing their amazing property and being so kind and generous. City Hearts Photography Instructors, Brian Nieman and Raul Vega, were instrumental in bringing the idea to life.
City Hearts International Spokesperson, Max Adler, greeted the guests, saying, “What a blast! Thank you! Beautiful location, what a venue! The food and drink were top-notch, the view unbeatable. The Skype session with supporters in five European countries and New York was a big hit. Everyone I met was awesome! Great work, City Hearts!”
City Hearts is selling a limited- edition 2013 Calendar of 12 images selected by Julian Cox, Chief Curator of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
This beautiful calendar is being sold for $28, but Topangans who stop by the City Hearts office (suite #204 at Pine Tree Circle) may purchase the calendar for the special price of $20.
Come on in and say hi and learn about the wonderful work of City Hearts. www.cityhearts.org, (310) 455-2898. n
