The awards event kicked off with a reception featuring Esprit World Jazz. Band members include “Bozz on bass,” Mark Simonian on piano, Brian Johnson on flute, and Bob Sullivan – Leader of The Way to Happiness Band – on drums.

Fine art was prominently displayed, including the work of Los Angeles Visual Artists (LAVA) and other local artists.

Gino Montesinos was the evening’s MC. Gino is a highly regarded actor whose credits include Bruce Almighty, Collateral, Cellular, The Spongebob Squarepants Movie, Dexter, 24, Y&R, NCIS: Los Angeles and many more. Gino has contributed to society by working towards the rehabilitation of criminals, educating youth on the importance of human rights, and in promoting literacy.

Award-winning vocalist and recording artist Gari Geiselman formally opened the event. She was last year’s recipient of the “Outstanding Young Artist Award.”

Founder of Artists for a Better world, Barbara Cordova Oliver, gave a talk on AFABW and the Art Festival. She then performed with the AFABW band for the evening which also included Byron Gore, Bob Sullivan, Steve Spataro and David Brooks. They performed an original song by Barbara, and one by Byron.

The first awardee of the evening was Dean Givens, receiving the Setting a Good Artistic example award. Presenting the award was Denise L. Cook, known as The Oracle, who has a wealth of experience as a published author, motivational speaker, singer & poet. Dean Givens earned his award for creating Icehouse Studios whose purpose is to support young musicians who wanted to record but could not afford to.

He has been organizing showcases here at Celebrity Center International for 10 years. Many of the artists who have appeared in these shows have gone on to remarkable success in the music industry.

Today he is teaching and sharing his skill to hundreds of young aspiring entertainers as he produces entertainment productions throughout Los Angeles.

He has dedicated his life to helping artists prepare for the entertainment industry.

Bayou Bennett, a performance artist and an award winning filmmaker with a Master of Fine Arts, presented a performance encompassing both video art and dance. Bayou has been featured in New York’s “WB11 News” and “So You Think you Can Dance.” She also hosted the Short Film Fest here today at the Art fest. Her unique dance piece was accompanied by guitarist, Jose Abella.

The Celebrity Centre International Host, Salvador Panalba, talked about Celebrity Centre International and its role in helping artists to achieve their career goals. A short video clip was shown from The Way to Happiness DVD – entitled “Flourish and Prosper.”

Taking the stage with an upbeat dance number was a dance company that has been together over 16 years, founded by Shirley Blaxon.

Shirley put together a production company under the name of Miss Shirley Entertainment, A New Beginning – Stir Up Your Gift. This is also the name of her Cable TV show.

Gari Geiselman returned to the stage to present this year’s Outstanding Young Artist Award to a band known as “Impakt.” Ranging from 12 to 16 years of age, they have a passion for music and helping other kids. They were a part of Teen Artist’s Benefit to raise money for the people of Haiti; they’ve been a part of After School All Stars promoting music in schools and were honored to help raise money for First Star Charity helping foster children get the funds for needed legal services in the foster system. Their music is positive, fun and creative, allowing them to reach kids all over the world. The members of their band are: Cory Goldberg, Noellia Goodwin, Dash Kackert, Jake Klorman, Jake Oatey and Oaysis Okubo. The band then performed a couple original songs.

Esperansa Luna was the next awardee and received the Outstanding Contribution as an Artist Award. Ms. Luna is the Founder of Los Angeles Visual Artists (LAVA). The award was presented by Jeff Harman, member and past president of the Renaissance Speakers. Esperansa invited many of the LAVA members on stage to be acknowledged after she received her award.

In 1991 Esperansa founded Los Angeles Visual Artists for the primary purpose of unifying visual, performing, and literary artists, and giving them a platform whereby they could exhibit their work, network, and contribute to their community. LAVA has had numerous group exhibitions in Los Angeles, and has received acknowledgements from The City of Los Angeles; Mayor Tom Bradley; Bienvenidos Children’s Center; The Pre-Grammy Committee of LA; Charlie Awards-Hollywood Arts Council – USAIR; And the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles.

Taking the stage next was Gabriela Dance Theatre – a vibrant dance company based in Los Angeles that gives choreographers and dancers the opportunity to debut and perform new works. Infusing ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop, they bring the rich and diverse culture of Los Angeles to audiences throughout the area.

George Alger, President of Artists for a Better World International, gave a brief talk about the group’s purpose of helping others by way of aesthetics.

Denise Cook returned to the stage to perform one of her inspirational songs.

The AFABW Humanitarian Award was given to two members of the Chalk4Peace Group – Founder, John Aaron, and group photographer Jerry Downs.

Presenting the award was Roberta Perry, who currently sits on Toastmasters International’s Board of Directors encompassing 116 countries. She is also the Board Secretary for The Earth Organization.

Jerry accepted the award for Chalk4Peace, a non-profit organization which promotes the arts and advocates for peace by coordinating assemblies of young artists of all ages to draw their vision of peace in public and private spaces with sidewalk chalk as a scheduled worldwide event.

Global Chalk4Peace artists have covered more than 50 miles of sidewalk with their messages of Peace.

Hollis Mahady performed an original song on piano. She is a singer songwriter from New York City who has toured the East coast with her band. She has played at West coast venues such as The Viper Room, The Roxy and The Whiskey A Go Go. Accompanying her on guitar was Steve Spataro. Steve teaches music at the UCLA Lab School and runs the Children’s Musical Theater Program and the Children’s Choral Program in Lennox through a non profit. He is also the vocal coach and arranger for a new LA all girl band called, “Firework.”

The final Award was for Lifetime Achievement Award which was presented to Albert Cleophus Willis by Jeannie Deva. Jeannie is a celebrity voice and performance coach and author, seen on the E! Entertainment and TV Guide Channels and endorsed by engineers and producers of Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, The Rolling Stones and many others.

Albert Cleophus was awarded for over 40 years of accomplishments, including being recognized as a notable innovative influence of artistic design. In the late seventies, he won two Gold Album Awards as a producer with Motown Records, and was responsible for such hits as “You Can´t Turn Me Off In The Middle Of Turning Me On” by High Energy.

Due to Cleophus’ innovations at Artmasters Studio, they became the nation’s leader in the manufacturing of hand paintings and accessories for the home furnishing industry and over the years Cleophus gained national and international recognition as the leading designer in this field.

After 26 years with Artmasters Studio, Cleophus worked as a freelance designer, fine artist, illustrator, and art publisher.

On permanent exhibition is an oil painting commissioned by Ray Charles in 1971 for the album cover design “Message From The People.” Mr. Charles donated the painting to the Kennedy Library, where it remained for several years. They in turn donated the art to The Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital in Los Angeles, CA where it presently remains in the main lobby.

In 1997, Cleophus was pleased to introduce the first of his Shadow Art, “We are the Custodians of our Culture,” a portrait of the legendary film Actor, Writer, and Director, John Huston. The three-dimensional mixed media wall sculpture was prominently featured at the John Huston Award Dinner and donated to the Artist Rights Foundation by the law offices of Michael B. Frankel and Peter Deyell of American Biograph Films and is on permanent exhibition at the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard.

The Grand finale of the event was Chicago FootworKINGz group featuring Chicago’s top footworkers. Some of their key credits include: MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, America’s Got Talent, Ellen Degeneres Really Big Show, and Madonna’s Sticky and Sweet World Tour. They have also had press coverage in the Chicago Tribune, NBC 5 News, and Rolling Stone Magazine and more.

Event Volunteers

Each AFABW Awards Event is the result of numerous volunteers whose efforts are the backbone of the event itself, and without whose help, the event could not occur.

Event Producer – Barbara Cordova Oliver
Video Producer/Director– George Alger
Talent Coordinator – Luba Meltzer
Talent Coordinator Assistant – Jose Abella
Event Director/Script Editor – David Bartlett
Awards Design – Allen Harris
Awardees & Presenters Director – George Alger
Awardees & Presenters Assistant – Jeff Harman
Awards Hostess – Petrina Sharp
Event Set Ups/Sound – Celebrity Centre Showcase Productions
Lights – Marty Buttwinick
Back Stage Manager – Joe Scoglio
Back Stage Assistant – Johnny Bracizewski
Front House Stage Manger – Larry Williams
Frames – Sherman Gallery
Photos – Huguette LeDuc
Video Cameras – Mike Rubio, PJ Severtson
Reception/Hosting – Yvonne Harrington, Jane Gall, Anthea Davies
Catering Provisions – Linda & Bob Neilson
Catering Set-ups -Jennifer Gill

The Fine Art Exhibition featured prominent artist, Gun Lanciai, as well as Clas Vallin.

Marcus Andree delivered a workshop to help attendees speak comfortably on stage with an audience.

Actor Terence Hines presented a seminar on how to succeed as a professional actor.

Nils Persson gave a seminar on the Theory of Music as well as a clinic on bass guitar.

Paul Maselli presided over a guitar and drums clinic.

Aleena Gibson gave a songwriting seminar.

Peter Anstrin give a seminar on how to write and publish books and was joined by Åsa Graaf who presented information on book marketing.

Viveca Twellmann delivered a caricature workshop.

Photographer Martin Ekwall presented a full day seminar about the aesthetics and communication of photography.

Thorstens Overgaards presented a 3-day photography seminar.

Felix Kunze presented photos and stories from his travels around the world while working for the Volunteer Minsters.

Mimmi Siegel worked with attendees on stage presence and Stephane Décor delivered a workshop which included breathing, scales and vocal techniques.

Veteran prima ballerina, Kjerstin Kartrud, presented a seminar on Professionalism.

Throughout the weekend kids had their own tent where they could paint, sculpture, sing, play, dance, run around and be kids.

Teens played live music during Saturday and Sunday, some who came from Hamburg, Stockholm, and Copenhagen.

Concert artists included Fredrik and Olov who performed their own songs; Nils Persson, Paul Maselli and Morten Lucas rocked the house; Mimmi Siegel, Aleena Gibson and Sören Pedersen sang Mustang Sally to enthusiastic crowd; and DJ Steffan Bering had the crowd dancing for hours.

For more information, visit Arts Festival Scandinavia.

“Mail Art” includes hand-decorated postcards, cards and/or envelopes that are sent through global postal services.

What does Mail Art look like? As the artist, you decide. Mail Art is essentially art using the postal service as the medium.

Founder of the Art Day holiday, Becky Mate says “Mail Art can be sent to anyone, and is all about opening your mailbox and finding a postcard from an artist. It is friendly, compact, instant joy.” Additionally, she encourages all to send their mail art to AFABW by July 12, 2011.

2011 AFABW Mail Art Participation Details:

0. This year’s Mail Art theme is “Celebrate Beauty!”

1. If you have not already done so, sign up in the AFABW Artists Directory and become part of the community. If your submission is selected for the 2011 AFABW “Call For Mail Art,” your profile will be featured as well as you art. (See examples in point 6 below).

2. Mail your mail art so it arrives by July 12, 2011 (allow time for postal service in your country or state), along with your email and regular address, to:

Randy Mate, Administrator
ARTISTS FOR A BETTER WORLD (AFABW) INTERNATIONAL
1134 E Lexington Dr, Apt 8
Glendale, CA 91206
USA

3. The Mail Art will be displayed at the annual Founder’s “Art and Chocolate” Art Day Celebration in Glendale, California, Home of Art Day, by international Art Day Founder and Artist for a Better World executive, Becky Mate.

4. A panel of art lovers will select the top Mail Art. The criteria will include aesthetics, colors, imagination and the theme of “Celebrate Artists.”

5. The top Mail Art will be featured at the 11th Annual Artists For A Better World Arts Festival in Hollywood, California in the fall of 2011. If you can attend the festival you’re in for a treat. If you cannot make it, your mail art will be your ambassador.

6. Additionally, the top Mail Art will be featured on the AFABW website. (Click here for the 2010 Mail Art Selections and the 2009 Mail Art Selections).

7. On August 12, 2011, knowing you’ve participated in a worldwide effort to celebrate artists, Have a Happy Art Day!

More ART DAY Information

For information on hosting your own Art Day Party in your area, click “ART DAY” and scroll to the bottom to receive an instant reference on “How to Throw an ART DAY Party!”

For any ART DAY questions, click “CONTACT” and address your email message to Art Day Founder, Becky Mate.

The event celebrated the group’s accomplishments over the past year. Additionally, volunteers who helped create the AFABW 10th annual AFABW Arts Festival in October of this year received award commendations. Additionally, associated groups who contributed to their communities also received AFABW award commendations.

The party, replete with decorations, holiday music and a buffet, was an opportunity for guests and AFABW members to enjoy the entertainment, appreciate the fine art on display, network and relax.

Jo Lauricella, professional speaker and MC for the evening, kicked the show off by introducing singer/songwriter, Johnny Ferro.

AFABW Founder, Barbara Cordova Oliver, gave a talk about AFABW achievements and the purpose of the evening’s event. She then performed Bright Lights, an original holiday song.

13-year-old World Champion Youth Tap Dancer, Robert Terry, known as Dr. Tapper, uplifted the audience with his spectacular dancing.

Celebrity Centre Kids On Stage for a Better World received a commendation award for their work in the community and performed several holiday tunes.

The noted Toastmaster group, The Renaissance Speakers, which has been based out of Celebrity Centre International since 1989, received a commendation for their effectiveness at training public speakers. AFABW member and top internet marketing specialist, Tracy Repchuk, presented the award.

Toastmaster, Glenn Broadus, talked about how taking part of Renaissance Speakers, and doing courses at CCI have greatly helped him in life.

AFABW President, George Alger, gave a talk on the International activities of AFABW and presented an award to Marcia Powell and the Church of Scientology Choir for their good work. The Choir, adorned in traditional caroling outfits, engaged the audience to sing Christmas carols.

Gary Allegretto, who received the AFABW 2010 Spirit of Youth Award, and who is a professional harmonica player and founder of Harmnoikids, performed with musician and professional illustrator, Ian Espinoza, to dazzle the audience with an uplifting performance.

Fine art was on display by Shamala Auset, and by Patrick Whelan – who is the recipient of the 2010 AFABW Lifetime Achievement Award.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped create the event:

Barbara Cordova Oliver: Event Producer
George Alger: Multi-Media Producer

Chris Barclay – Receptionist
David Bartlett – Director
Jennifer Gill – Promotion
Liz Harding – Director’s Assistant
Jazmine Harding – Stage Hand
Yvonne Harrington – Host
Jean Nichols – Food Coordinator
Petrina Sharp – Decorations
Dave Repchuk – Photography

Artists For A Better World International is dedicated to building a worldwide network of artists who share a vision of creating a better world through aesthetics and is open to artists and art enthusiasts of all religions, nationalities, creeds, races and cultures.

© CSCCI. All Rights Reserved. CELEBRITY CENTRE and Scientology are trademarks and service marks owned by Religious Technology Center and are used with its permission.

The theme for the campaign was “Celebrate Artists.”

AFABW President, George Alger said, “In addition to honoring artists, this Mail Art campaign was designed to raise awareness for the establishment of an international holiday for the arts, referred to as ‘ART DAY,’ which is celebrated on the second Friday in each August.”  (This year’s 12th annual Art Day was on August 13, 2010).

View the following video to enjoy the diversity of AFABW’s 2010 Mail Art selections.

Art Day Founder, Becky Mate, remarked “Thank you to all the global artists who sent in their extraordinary mail art this year.  I was awestruck by the talent and this year we decided to feature even more of the work.”

2010 AFABW SELECTED MAIL ARTISTS

Miles Baker – England

Ahmet Demir – Turkey

Ms. Bo Devon – Oregon, United States

Erik Kucera – Austria

Jacque Lynn Davis – Missouri, United States

Russell Manning – Texas, United States

Eibhlin (Eileen) Morey – New Hampshire, United States

Peter Omann – Denmark

Debra James Percival – Canada

Virginia Romero – California, United States

Oscar Salamanca – Columbia

Kathy Yaude – California, United States

Artists For A Better World International has a purpose to raise the awareness of worldwide artists about using their creative powers to benefit mankind by leading the way to a better world and by supporting like-minded public benefit organizations that advocate humanitarian benevolence.

The group cultivates international artistic participation by way of constructive, inspirational and creative projects as well as working hand-in-hand with other community advancement organizations.

AFABW activities include art and social betterment projects and/or events conceived to foster heightened awareness with and through art and artists, to help build a better world through aesthetics.

Add your artwork to the AFABW Artists Directory today!

The event acknowledges artists who are using their art to make a difference in society, and who contribute to social betterment programs.

In essence, AFABW, and the nature of the awards event itself, are about artists helping others by way of aesthetics.

Five award presentations were the foundation of the event amidst performances by a diversity of talented artists who uplifted the audience with a mood of inspiration. The Garden Pavilion was graced with the fine art of festival participants and the backdrop of the stage featured the work of a few of the award recipients.

Mark Romero performed an acoustic guitar set as part of the reception.

Kicking off the event itself was AFABW Founder, Barbara Cordova Oliver, and AFABW President, George Alger, who spoke about the group’s purpose and accomplishments over the last 10 years, including the production of AFABW compilation poetry and short story books, music CDs and other properties to recognize and feature global “better world” artists.

MCing the event was international speaker and motivator, TRACY REPCHUK, bestselling author of 31 Days to Millionaire Marketing Miracles, an award winning entrepreneur, writer, president and founder of the Canadian Federation of Poets, and the #1 Woman Speaker in the World for Internet Marketing.

Toastmaster and Citizens Commission on Human Rights Volunteer, JO LAURICELLA, presented the Outstanding Young artist award to GARI GEISELMAN – a 13 year old singer, Ford model and actress. Gari has already accomplished 275 performances at her young age and dedicates herself to performing benefits and charity concerts, including environmental fundraisers and performances at the Motion Picture and Television home, in Calabasas, CA. Among her favorite charities are Animal Rescue organizations, which are the recipients of her donated proceeds from her CD sales.

Young tap dancer, and another talented 13 year old, ROBERT TERRY got the performances off in high gear with an energetic dance performance. He has been tap dancing since he was 4 and is a champion dancer who will be representing the United States at the Tap World Finals in Riesa, Germany in December. He danced to Who’s Bad, a Michael Jackson medley, and Minneapolis Mix, a Prince medley

The CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY CHOIR, led by Director Marcia Powell, performed two songs. The choir has performed at numerous interfaith and local events at such places as the Anaheim Convention Center, the Paladium, Universal Amphitheater and Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for the LA County Christmas Music Festival, which has been broadcast on PBS TV to millions. They were also a featured choir on the Neil Diamond Christmas Special, which aired on HBO.

CARMELITA PITTMAN, a previous AFABW award recipient and founder of The Rose Breast Cancer Society presented the HUMANITARIAN AWARD to LISA BLUMENFELD. Lisa is a professional sports photographer who has covered such events such as the Olympic Games, NBA Playoffs and Finals, Major League Baseball World Series and Allstar games. Lisa also puts her photography to use through her non-profit organization called Project Goodlife formed after a trip to Tanzania and family safari where she visited some local orphanages and witnessed the plight and challenges faced by the children. She has had fundraisers featuring her images from Africa whereby all of the proceeds are being contributed to Project Goodlife.

MARSTON SMITH, outfitted in an armor vest, added a mesmerizing touch to the awards event with his electric cello performance. Witnessing Marston on stage has been described as Cirque du Soleil meets Led Zeppelin. He has performed all over the world for Google, NFL, PGA, Disney and he has opened for the B52’s and Michael Buble. His performance and his 20 CDs and DVDs are a tribute to his artistry and passion.

THE ARTISTS FOR A BETTER WORLD BAND includes a variety of musicians who come together for various events. The Awards event band featured Johnnie Ferro on guitar, Michelle Krell, on keyboards, Peter Kinne on Bass, Kate Torres on Violin, and AFABW Founder Barbara Cordova Oliver who performed a set of her original songs.

ERIC SHERMAN, award winning producer and director and consultant to Universal Studios, Columbia Pictures and Paramount presented the SPIRIT OF YOUTH AWARD to GARY ALLEGRETTO. Gary is a world-class harmonica player and recording artist, receiving multiple Grammy considerations. He started Harmonikids, a non-profit organization that provides music therapy to special needs children. Since 1985 Gary has been actively providing the therapeutic healing power of teaching music to kids with incredible physical and emotional challenges here in the US and worldwide. His missions have included those traumatized by such natural disasters as the tsunami in Indonesia, Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and the recent earthquake in Port Au Prince, Haiti. A representation of Gary’s accomplishments were featured by way of a heartwarming video of some of his outstanding work in Haiti with children who are not only earthquake survivors, but many who are also victims of child slavery.

THE ST. GENEVIEVE BOYS DANCE TEAM led by Coach DANIELLE BROWN excited the crowd with their tightly choreographed, high-energy performance. They are an award winning, competitive hip hop dance team from Panorama City.

ROBERTA PERRY is a Distinguished Toastmaster and co-founder of the Renaissance Speakers Toastmasters club at Celebrity Centre and is a business consultant in the Leisure Entertainment industry. She presented the SETTING A GOOD ARTISTIC EXAMPLE AWARD TO ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ-PENA. Alejandro has participated in numerous art exhibitions throughout the world. Over the course of his career, he has donated his artwork to diverse charity and scholarship programs to benefit groups such as: four Universities in Thailand; International Children’s Cancer Foundation; Mexican Red Cross; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; US Hispanic Dental Association; the Childrens Hospital of Las Californias, Tijuana, Mexico; Rotary International Foundation; Museum of Latin American Art and more.

AWARD WINNER GARI GEISELMAN returned to the stage to deliver an exceptional performance of the song “Anyway,” by Martina McBride.

This year’s presenter of the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD was JOE CASSINI, a former recipient of the award. Joe is an award winning Director and Choreographer who has worked with numerous celebrities that include Ann Margaret, Sunny and Cher, Raquel Welch, Tom Jones, Bobby Darren, Rudolph Nuria, and Florence Henderson to name a few. He has also worked on many well know TV shows. Though they are both from completely different fields of the arts, both Joe and this years winner, PATRICK WHELAN both believe that there is nothing that can’t be done to achieve one’s artistic dream. PATRICK has been active in the arts community since 1989. He is a 1991 honors graduate of the Laguna College of Art and Design. A passionate and devoted artist, Patrick began illustrating for magazines while a student and continued to expand his career with clients that included: Random House, Bantam-Doubleday-Dell, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, Tor Books, A&E Television and many others. Among Mr. Whelan’s hundreds of illustrations are a dozen Nancy Drew book covers. Additionally, his work is featured in volumes 3 and 13 of the Spectrum Book of Fantastic Art.

His exquisitely crafted original oils and limited edition prints are enjoyed in private collections across the United States and Europe. Whelan Galleries introduces a collector’s edition set of prints featuring art purchased by its most famous client – Michael Jackson. All of the net profit gets donated to the “Make A Wish Foundation” charity in honor of the entertainer’s own immense contributions to art and to culture, and also to help carry on the spirit of his efforts towards easing the pain and suffering of children from around the globe.

The evening concluded with a performance by international vocalist and recording artist JEANNIE DEVA, who is also a Vocal Coach endorsed by engineers and producers of the Rolling Stones, Elton John and Amy Winehouse. She left the audience with a message to think about as she sang “Proud,” written by Heather Small, with the refrain, “What have you done today to make your feel proud?”

Awardee, Gary Allegretto, summed up the purpose of the event by writing, “Thanks again for honoring me with the Artists For A Better World – Spirit of Youth Award. It is the first time an organization has recognized me with an award for my work. Decades of helping children through my music has given me joy, strength, direction, a sense of accomplishment, and a vehicle to make a difference. As we know, this is the true reward. However, by awarding artists for such endeavors you give them welcome encouragement and the opportunity to share their vision with others to inspire youth. I am proud to receive your gracious recognition.”

Attendee, Shantrel Matthews noted, “I loved the performers. It made me more aware of how people in the community are making a big difference around the world.”

Matt Tones was in attendance and remarked about the theme of the show: “Very diverse, very positive messages.”

Attendee, Bryan Dahl, concisely acknowledged the performances and art displays by stating, “Wonderful talent here today.”

Special thanks to the following for helping in the production of the 10th Annual AFABW Awards Event and Concert:

Barbara Cordova Oliver – Producer
George Alger – Awards Presentation Director
David Bartlett – Director

Allen Harris – Awards Design
Petrina Sharp – Awards Hostess

Artists Bookings and Displays: David Repchuk

Liz Harding – Stage Manager
Johnnie Ferro – Stage Manager Assistant
Larry Williams – Stage Assistant
Marty Buttwinick – Stage Assistant

Jasmine Harding – Talent Assistance

Yvonne Harrington – Reception and Hosting
Jane Gall – Reception and Hosting
Michelle Krell – Reception and Hosting
Lauren Perreau – Reception and Hosting

Chris Barclay – Food Set-Ups
Jennifer Gill – Food Set-Ups

Reinhard Schulte – Chief Videographer
PJ Severtson – Videogaphy
Ernesto Flores – Photography

Julien Mueley – Tech and set ups
Ken Hall –Tech and set ups

Promotional Video Sponsor – SkyworksMarketing.com

Artists For A Better World International has a purpose to raise the awareness of worldwide artists about using their creative powers to benefit mankind by leading the way to a better world and by supporting like-minded public benefit organizations that advocate humanitarian benevolence.

The group accomplishes its aims by cultivating international artistic participation in constructive, inspirational and creative projects as well as working hand-in-hand with other community advancement organizations.

AFABW activities include art and social betterment projects and/or events conceived to foster heightened awareness with and through art and artists, to help build a better world through aesthetics.

One of the artist coordinators, Dave Repchuk, remarked that “The diversity and professional standards of so much of the work is enchanting.”

Exhibitor, Carmelita Pittman said, “I’ve been a long-time supporter of Artists For A Better World and love the energy and enthusiasm over here at Celebrity Centre.”

The following video features a few of the fine artists along with some of their work.

2010 AFABW FINE ART EXHIBITORS

Karla Bartholomew

Paula Howard

Jean-Pierre Patie

Jarod Peutz

Carmelita Pittman

Dave Repchuk

Christy Rogers

Tim Sabatino

Patty Salas

Petrina Sharp

Peter Shoukry

Heather Straup

Queen Shamala Bessie Sykes

Judy Taussig

2010 AFABW AWARD RECIPIENTS

An important part of each year’s festival is the AFABW Awards Event which honors artists who are helping others in their community through aesthetics. Three of the five awardees for this year are fine artists and their work was also prominently on display.

Lisa Blumenfeld

Alejandro Martinez-Pena

Patrick Whelan

Visit the following link for more information about the event:
2010 Artists For A Better World 10th Annual Awards Event

Artists For A Better World International has a purpose to raise the awareness of global artists about using their creative powers to benefit mankind by leading the way to a better world and by supporting like-minded public benefit organizations that advocate humanitarian benevolence.

Says Jeannie, “When your breath control is well learned and natural, you don’t think about it when you sing. You are free to create your song with feeling and make your audience experience it.”

In today’s interactive workshop, Jeannie routinely engaged the audience with voice drills while bringing participants onstage to illustrate efficient and effective vocalization for the purpose of maximizing a singer’s vocal power in conjunction with the body.

The following video includes clips and photos from this afternoon’s workshop and her performance later this evening at the AFABW 10th annual Awards Event.

Workshop attendee Michael King noted, “It was amazing. She handled a lot of false information and gave excellent data on how to be a much better singer and performer. I want to work with her!”

Annie Brown reported, “I got more in your workshop that I have EVER gotten on the subject of voice. It was VERY helpful for me. I left with more certainty on my body and how it works, which was an area I didn’t have down and it was causing confusion for me. I am REALLY excited. My viewpoint is that you have mastered this area like L. Ron Hubbard did for the mind. And there is no one I would rather learn from than the Master. All the best and thank you for doing it!”

Artists For A Better World International is a network of global artists uniting to make a difference in society. By uplifting the culture through aesthetics, by raising the awareness of artists and others about the power the artist has in forwarding social betterment and by working with and supporting community service activities, AFABW and its members are making and inspiring positive changes in society.

Youth Showcase Host, Steve Spataro said, “I never cease to be blown away by the talent that is developed at such young ages. We have some phenomenal performers here.”

Today’s performers include:

CC Kids on Stage For A Better World
Summer Eguchi
Jamey Geston
Meeghan Henry
Faith Jefferies
Angelle Monet King
Lil Nay Nay
Takorah Ray
J Rose
Lauren Tavares

Artists For A Better World International (AFABW) is dedicated to building a worldwide network of artists who share a vision of creating a better world through aesthetics and is open to artists and art enthusiasts of all religions, nationalities, creeds, races and cultures.

The groups believes in a world where good morals are valued and favors art that inspires and helps make the world a better place. Furthermore, AFABW supports artistic and other social improvement programs that are making positive changes in society

Said Ian, “Figure drawing may be considered as one of the most challenging subjects that artists commonly encounter.” Furthermore, “Today’s workshop attracted newer and experienced artists to hone their skills and to generally have a good time with other artists.”

The workshop attendees used pencil and charcoal to represent the variety of models and poses.

Participant, Jennifer Gill said, “Ian is very insightful and encouraging. I not only polished up my drawing skills, I had a lot of fun.”

Artists For A Better World International (AFABW) is dedicated to building a worldwide network of artists who share a vision of creating a better world through aesthetics and is open to artists and art enthusiasts of all religions, nationalities, creeds, races and cultures.