November 5, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Drawing Attention

9:15am

by Melanie Camp

TV Producer Marta Evry filled her Venice garden with fantasy and fairy lights on  hosting an evening that celebrated the 6th Anniversary of the Venice Art Crawl (VAC) on Sunday night, August 13.

ATDesigned Andrea Tan orchestrated the entire event pulling together an evening of mystery and magic.While guests had been asked to dress in either circus vintage garb or cocktail attire for the Cirque Noir themed event, it was really a case of anything goes. As with most VAC events, art trumped all.

5. VAC 6th Anniversary
Katelyn Michele of the Cat Club cat rescue in Venice enjoying a drink. Dominic Coatney of Coatney Creative plays guest bartender at the bar he built especially for the party
11a. VAC 6th Anniversary
Poet James Berkowitz
13. VAC 6th Anniversary
11th Council District Field Deputy, Taylor Bazley with Kelly Layne, Chair of the VCC Chamber and Action Committee

Venice Chamber of Commerce (VCC) Executive Director Donna Lasman looked like a fairy queen in a cascading silver gown. Dominic Coatney of Coatney Creative also looked resplendent in an aqua evening dress fit for a mermaid princess. Coatney had lent his talents to the event, creating the color-changing bar that proved a popular spot. Poet James Berkowitz sported a black beatnik cap, and VCC president, George Francisco was overheard saying this was the only time anyone in Venice would ever catch him wearing a tie.

3. VAC 6th Anniversary
L-R: Producer Marta Evry, with Councilmember Mike Bonin, and Venice Chamber of Commerce President George Francisco

Councilmember Mike Bonin had turned up a little late, after 11th Council District Field Deputy, Taylor Bazley, had warned Bonin had better go home and change before the party. “The last event I’d been to I’d worn shorts. I think tonight’s party is the first time I’ve ever had to dress up to go out in Venice,” said Bonin.

4. VAC 6th Anniversary
Revelers enjoyed a BBQ feast followed by vegan ice cream
17. VAC 6th Anniversary
ATDesigns Andrea Tan’s couscous salad was a big hit

Revelers enjoyed a feast including ribs and corn on the cob from Baby Blues BBQ on Lincoln Blvd. The vegan ice-cream from Salt and Straw on Abbot Kinney as a big hit, as was Tan’s couscous salad.

8. VAC 6th Anniversary
Venice Neighborhood Council’s William Hawkins and Taylor Bazley in party mode

There was a ferocious battle during the evening’s silent auction. A gift pack donated by Hal’s Bar & Grill was highly sort after. Venice Neighborhood Council Community Officer William Hawkins loitered by the bidding table hoping to secure a pajama party with VAC President Sunny Bak.

16. VAC 6th Anniversary
It was a tough battle but ultimately Séan Donovan made the bid that won him the most coveted item of the evening, a pink corset by Donna Lorkowski
9. VAC 6th Anniversary
L-R: Artist Bobbi Bennet, with clinical sexologist Dr Marylou Naccarto, Actor Michael Gogin, and Pamela Angel

Perhaps the biggest battle of the night was between Séan Donovan and artist Bobbi Bennett. The two went to war over a pink corset donated by Donna Lorkowski. Each sneaking back to outbid the other throughout the night. In the end, Donovan penned the winning bid. Ultimately the VAC was victor, as bids for the corset went far above it’s retail value.

However, the man who dug the deepest was Bonin, honoring the VAC with a $2000 arts grant. His announcement shocked Bak bringing her close to tears. Bak has been with the VAC since it’s inception and has long been a champion of Venice art.

11. VAC 6th Anniversary
Venice Art Crawl President Sunny Bak with long time VAC Volunteer Pamela Angel who came dressed as the Bearded Lady

Bak told Yo! Venice after the event, “I’m so grateful to all the artists, sponsors, and the Venice community for keeping the spirit alive, I was so blown away by the city’s $2000 contribution that Councilman Mike Bonin presented to us. I was totally surprised. Buy more art is my motto!”

2. VAC 6th Anniversary
L-R: Venice local and real estate Consultant at Pantanella & Partners Karen La Cava, with Pamala Angel, Marta Evry, and Katelyn Michele
15. VAC 6th Anniversary
Musician Tony Selvage

Supported by the VCC the VAC works to foster and reinvigorate the creativity that has long been a part of Venice. Volunteer run, the non-profit organization relies heavily on community fundraising. For more information and details on upcoming events visit VeniceArtCrawl.com

 

Related Posts

10 Reasons Why Players Prefer to Use Crypto When iGaming in California

September 1, 2024

September 1, 2024

As online gaming continues to evolve, players are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies as their payment method of choice. In California,...

Is California Going to Legalize Gambling in 2024/2025?

June 5, 2024

June 5, 2024

The issue of gambling legalization in California has been a topic of debate for many years. As the largest state...

Los Angeles Experience Gifts for People Who Don’t Want More Clutter

May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

Just like you, most gift recipients in Los Angeles don’t want more stuff. The Los Angeles experience gifts on this...

California: Pioneering the Future of Online and Digital Payments

January 11, 2024

January 11, 2024

In the fast-paced digital economy of the 21st century, California has emerged as a powerhouse in the realm of online...

A Guide to the Current Gambling Situation in Canada

January 1, 2024

January 1, 2024

For centuries, gambling has woven itself into the fabric of human culture; in recent years–marking an era where evolution pervades...

Smart Strategies to Save Money in Your Entertainment Budget

December 30, 2023

December 30, 2023

Many individuals and families in today’s fast-paced world share a common goal: finding ways to save money. The entertainment budget...

California’s top sports teams.

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

California is known worldwide for a multitude of exciting things. They’re known for their incredible beaches, glorious sunshine, and fabulous...

Your Lucky Numbers: Six Tips Towards Lottery Success

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Have you ever wondered how people win money from the lottery? They may not always hit the jackpot, but they...

Five different ways to unwind.

October 1, 2023

October 1, 2023

Modern life is always busy and it can feel like your to-do list is never ending. When you’re not working,...

New Program Can Help Protect Southern California Homes in the Event of an Earthquake

May 13, 2023

May 13, 2023

Residents Have Until May 31 To Apply For Seismic Retrofit Grants By Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer for the California...

Venice Shorts: Tree Trimming Underway Thanks to the Vsa!

April 28, 2023

April 28, 2023

VSA Has Taken up the Task of Trimming Italian Stone Pine Trees. By Nick Antonicello Following the recent toppling of...

Venice Stakeholders Association’s Comments on Traci Park’s Broken Bridge Housing Promise

April 24, 2023

April 24, 2023

By Marc Ryavec I have been struggling with how to address the phenomenon that someone I and many others in...

Column: Tired OF Declinists? Some Enduring New California Positives

April 18, 2023

April 18, 2023

By Thomas D. Elias California has taken a beating lately, with (mostly Republican) governors of other states blasting many aspects...

Venice Shorts: The South Venice Blvd Encampment, Is It a Candidate for a City Cleanup?

April 14, 2023

April 14, 2023

One of the last of the large encampments closest to the beach, Venetians are hopeful help is on the way!...