Art Day falls on the 2nd Friday of each August.

Art Day 2012 will be on August 10.

“Mail art” includes all types of unique creations represented on hand-decorated postcards, cards and/or envelopes.

Stay tuned for details in January!

All are welcome and attendees will learn more about opportunities to use their talents in upcoming events and projects.

WHEN: Saturday, December 17th, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
WHERE: Celebrity Centre International – Room 406

5930 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028

Reception: 6:30 – 7:00PM
Event: 7:00 – 8PM
Networking: 8:00 – (around) 9PM

• Pot Luck dinner
• Poetry, Music, Entertainment
• Art Displays
• Networking
• Commendations for those who contributed to AFABW in 2011
• Opportunities to use your talents in upcoming events and projects

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

1) As an attendee at the festival, you can participate in any of the workshops, seminars or performance events.

2) As an artist, you can display your work or perform at the festival. However, there are limited slots for art displays: Click Festival Guidelines for Visual Art Exhibit to reserve your space. For performing artist opportunities click “CONTACT” to make your interest known as soon as possible.

3) Finally, if you would like to help create the festival, your volunteer support will be greatly appreciated! Just click “CONTACT” for more information.

Click here for the AFABW 2011 Arts Festival Schedule.

The ideal project would make some sort of an uplifting statement that clarifies, enlightens or brings understanding to some area of life.

This effect can be created through humor, visual storytelling or characters. Please keep all films G rated.

The selected films will be presented in the Celebrity Centre International Theatre, at 5930 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, CA, as part the AFABW Arts Festival, at 4:00pm on October 8th, 2011. There is no cost for submissions. There is a $5.00 donation to attend the viewing of the selections for the AFABW 2011 Short Film Festival.

DEADLINE: Sept 15th, 2011

LENGTH: Films can be up to 20 minutes long to be considered
for selection into the AFABW 2011 Short Film Festival.

SHORT FILM AWARD: Five minutes or less qualifies for the
“Best Short Film Award,” which will go to a movie that best
demonstrates the concept of making a better world.

HOSTED BY: Indie Film Producers, Bayou Bennett and Daniel Lir.

Please click “CONTACT” to submit your video link and include the following information:

NAME
ADDRESS
EMAIL
PHONE
MOVIE TITLE
COMMENTS (Optional)

Video creators retain full rights to their productions.

We look forward to seeing your short film!

Please click “CONTACT” to submit your video link with the above contact information.

EVENTS SCHEDULE: OCTOBER 8, 2011

at Celebrity Centre International, 5930 Franklin Ave. LA, CA 90028

(Corner of Bronson and Franklin)

11am to 10pm – ART DISPLAYS: FREE
Click for Art Display Guidelines and Donations for Exhibiting Artists. View the Fine Art Display in the Pavilion Area, FREE
Noon to 5pm – KIDS CREATIVE CORNER: FREE
Art Activities for Kids In the Pavilion Area, FREE
Noon to 5pm – LIFE DRAWING: $10.00
Draw Live Models, Hosted by Professional Artist, Ian Espinosa. In the Pavilion Area, $10.00
Noon to 3:00pm – SONGWRITERS & PERFORMERS SHOWCASE / OPEN MIC: $5.00
Enjoy a Variety of Talented Performers. Produced by Award-Winning Songwriter, Harriet Schock. In the Pavilion, $5.00
Noon to 3:00pm – VOCAL BREAKTHROUGHS WORKSHOP: $20.00
For Singers and Singing Actors With All Levels of Experience and All Styles. With Celebrity Vocal Coach, Jeannie Deva. In the Theatre, $20.00
4:00 to 6:30pm – SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: $5.00
See a variety of entertaining independent films. Hosted by Indie Film Producer, Bayou Bennett. In the Theatre, $5.00
7:30 to 10:00pm – AWARDS EVENT & CONCERT: $10.00
An Event Acknowledging Top Artists Who Are Changing Conditions In The World For The Better. Produced by AFABW Founder, Barbara Cordova Oliver. In the Pavilion, $10.00

More Information

For more information, click “CONTACT.”

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.

All are welcome and attendees will learn more about opportunities to use their talents in upcoming events and projects.

WHEN: Saturday, December 11th, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE: Celebrity Centre International – In the Theatre

5930 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028

Reception: 7 – 7:30PM
Event: 7:30 – 9PM
Networking: 9 – 10PM

• Pot Luck dinner
• Entertainment
• Art Displays
• Networking
• Commendations for those who contributed to AFABW in 2010
• Opportunities to use your talents in upcoming events and projects