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 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

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.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Click here to see full schedule.

For more information, click “CONTACT.”

AFABW Founder Barbara Cordova Oliver (visiting from Hollywood, CA) was a guest speaker. She opened with her song entitled “Mission of the Artist.” Then she gave a talk about events at Celebrity Centre International, in Hollywood, where the group is based, as well as AFABW projects.

Des Synott, Director of the Dublin chapter (pictured above with Jolanta Liadova), spoke about group projects in Ireland. He also read an inspirational poem.

The grand finale was a flamenco dance by Victor Madarasz and Lily Lorincz.

Attendees were then surveyed to find out how they wanted to participate.

Also performing at the after-event gathering was Anastasija Liadova.

Others that helped put on the event include Charmain Fitzgerald (who also had her art on display), Carol Hyland, Regina Doyle, Jessica Ryan, Paul Hallinan and Jolanta Liadova.

The Association presents a continuing opportunity of bridging the gap between American cinematic culture and the international film community, many of whom have already been a part of the Diversity Awards.

The MMPA, sponsors of the Diversity Awards, is comprised of individuals in the U.S. and international film communities, who share a common commitment to celebrating the diversity of ideas, stories, leadership, perspectives and talent throughout the various communication mediums.

As members arrived photos were taken of them on the red carpet, along with various celebrities. They were also interviewed by W-TV. This includes Carmelita Pittman, AFABW Founder Barbara Cordova Oliver, Yvonne Harrington, Teddy Chambers and Ana Paula and Thomas Ford.

Ana and Thomas also presented original Jimi Hendrix art work for a silent auction before the event. When the event began there was a stage auction of artwork, and Leon Hendrix (brother of Jimi and guests of Ana and Thomas) introduced one of his works.

Throughout the evening there were awards presented to a variety of film industry professionals, and celebrity performances.

Link to the Diversity Awards Event: thediversityawards.org

As guests arrived to the Garden Pavilion for the evenings festivities, improvisational pianist, JoJo Zawawi, greeted them with her aesthetic melodies.

Master of Ceremonies and comic, Richard Stewart, facilitated the evening’s award ceremonies, performances and special guests.

The Founder of Artists For A Better World, Barbara Cordova Oliver, discussed the reason for the group’s existence, which is to unite artists for the purpose of creating a better world through aesthetics. She also talked about the community activities of the group and the desire of members to improve conditions in their areas.

Jades Gourdreault: AFABW “Outstanding Young Artist”

Tracy Repchuk, bestselling author, poetry editor, international speaker and motivator, presented the first of the AFABW “Creating a Better World” awards of the evening. She presented the AFABW “Outstanding Young Artist” award to Jades Gourdreault.

Born in Montreal and educated on both coasts of the United States, Ms. Gourdreault joined the Kids On Stage For A Better World singing and dancing group at age 15, and became a strong performer and leader in the group. She helps other kids learn dances and improve their voices and choreographed the dance for the Miss Guatemala contest.

The host of Celebrity Centre International, Greg Labaqui, presented a brief overview of Celebrity Centre and its purpose in helping artists with their careers and personal lives.

The Garden Pavilion was filled with choral resplendence from the Church of Scientology Choir, led by Marcia Powell. The choir performed “Choose Something Like A Star,” with words by Robert Frost and music by Randall Thompson, as well as “Mission Of The Artist,” which was written by Barbara Cordova.

Dave Eddington: AFABW “Setting A Good Example Award”

Gilli Moon, past AFABW awardee herself, and Founder of the international songwriting network, SongsAlive!, presented the AFABW “Setting A Good Example Award” to Dave Eddington.

Mr. Eddington has been painting since he was a child and attended the Central School of Art in London. In addition to his success as a fine artist and teacher, he earned a Post Graduate diploma in Environmental Design and developed a new concept in art room space and furniture. He then began lecturing and touring, spreading new ideas to the art community in cities around the country.  He says “The dentist and space travel are reassuring, art should be questioning.”

Mr. Eddington’s focus now is a commitment to environmentally friendly building and image making and recently built a house in Venice, which became the first conventionally constructed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum home (highest certification level) in Southern California.

Long-time singer/songwriter and performer, Barbara Cordova, belted out her songs, “Say It” and “Highway Of Life” in Rock & Roll fashion, very ably accompanied by Guy Lindley and Bozz in addition to the band From Dust To Dawn, comprised of Keaton Prescott, Alden Sayre and Collin Levin.

Michael Cory Davis: AFABW “Humanitarian Artist” Award

Roberta Perry was the next award presenter. She is President of Roberta Perry & Associates a business development consulting firm specializing in leisure entertainment, sits on the Board of Directors for The Earth Organization, and Co-Founded the Renaissance Speakers Toastmasters Club at Celebrity Center. Ms Perry presented the AFABW “Humanitarian Artist” award to actor, filmmaker, and activist, Michael Cory Davis.

Mr. Davis has been involved in the fight to end modern day slavery since 2003 when he became a Goodwill Ambassador for the organization, Face to Face Bulgaria. Through that organization, Michael met a victim of trafficking, a 13-year old Bulgarian girl sold by her adoptive parents into prostitution. Michael wrote, directed and produced the award-winning film, Svetlana’s Journey, based on her story. In 2005, the film aired on Bulgaria’s national television station and in the U.S., it won the Hollywood Film Festival for Best Short Subject as well as the HD Film Festival for Best Short, Best Dramatic Short and runner-up for Best Director.

Michael’s second film, Cargo: Innocence Lost, is a documentary focusing on sex trafficking in the United States—both films have been used by more than one hundred national and international agencies, organizations, churches, and educational institutions. Michael has worked with legislators, royalty, celebrities, and corporations to create social awareness. He is the recipient of the prestigious People to People International (founded by Dwight Eisenhower) Make a Difference award and has been covered by various broadcast and print media outlets including on World News with Charles Gibson, CNN, NBC, ABC, KTLA, and Los Angeles Daily News, bringing light to the issue.

President of Artists For A Better World International, George Alger, presented the purpose of the evening’s awards, which is to honor artists for their work in “helping others.” Additionally, he encouraged the audience to include their own songs, stories, poetry and visual art in the AFABW Artists Directory at artistsforabetterworld.org.

Rhymecologist, J. Walker, graced the stage with a performance featuring the spoken word. Mr. Walker helps at-risk youth work through their problems by expressing themselves through rap or poetry as part of his Rhymecology program. He is also the celebrity “resident poet” on the Myers & Hartman show for Fox Sports Radio nationwide. Tonight he presented his poem dedicated to artists called “Uniqueness”.

Olivier Pojzman: AFABW “Social Betterment Award”

Carmelita Pittman, also a past AFABW awardee, and Founder of the Rose Breast Cancer Society, presented the AFABW Social Betterment Award to Olivier Pojzman.

After studying Art and Design in Paris, Mr. Pojzman moved from France to the United States and created a successful career as an advertising and celebrity photographer. During the past 15 years, he has traveled over 30 countries around the world.

Five years ago he founded IrisWork, a Fine Art photography concept based on landscape panoramic photography. His limited edition pieces range in size from 4 feet to 15 feet. 
 The immense size of his panoramic projects reflects works of art that is in his words represent, “the fusion of a painting and a photograph”.

Olivier’s Fine Art pieces have been displayed at some of Hollywood’s most exclusive hotels and exhibited at Southern California’s finest galleries, such as Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Palm Desert, Laguna Beach and Miami Beach, FL. Private collectors and interior designers acquire his large-scale panoramics for their clients, and the unique style, scale and possibilities for custom–made images, have made Olivier and his art a sensation in the world of high-end décor.

The award-winning, competitive, hip hop, dance group from the Saint Genevieve Boys Dance Team, in Panorama City, brought the evening’s audience to new heights with their spectacular dance medley and high-energy choreography. These boys knows how to dance!

Gilli Moon returned to the stage to showcase her talents as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, and pianist. She performed her song “Be,” as well as “Conversations With Me,” written by herself and Grammy award-winning songwriter, Pamela Phillips Oland.

Truong Buu Giam: AFABW “Outstanding Contribution As An Artist” Award

Freelance writer, local business owner and lecturer with Narconon Drug Education, Mick Coventry, presented the AFABW “Outstanding Contribution As An Artist” award to Truong Buu Giam.

Born on Christmas Eve, 1948, in the province of Bên Tre, South Vietnam, Truong Buu Giam became a well-known artist in his hometown and was admitted to the National Ecole Superieure of Fine Arts in Saigon, the first and foremost school of fine arts in South Vietnam.

His technique is reminiscent of the spirit of the Oriental art passed on for thousands of years along with a blending within the Western culture. He has won awards of excellence and his works have been in many international publications and have exhibited and been sold around the world. He has also contributed some of his works to raise funds to support South Vietnamese widows and orphans of the war. His paintings now soar spiritually above the corners of America and around the world.

Truong Buu Giam said, “Art is an international language, it doesn’t matter what race you are, where you come from, you have a feeling when you listen to a song, look at a painting, you have your emotion, only you know it in your soul, so art touches the heart and makes people feel.”

The Hip Hype Kids took over the stage with their own brand of stage magic with a choreographed Michael Jackson dance medley tribute. These students not only excel in their own studies, but they mentor other kids to help them succeed and have a better life through health and wellness.

Chris Dellorco: AFABW “Lifetime Achievement Award”

The evening’s final award was presented by Eric Sherman, producer, director and writer of film and television. He has had five books on filmmaking published and is a consultant to Universal Studios, Columbia Pictures, Paramount Pictures and the Mount Company, and is the winner of the prestigious Peabody Award. Mr. Sherman presented the AFABW Lifetime Achievement Award to Chris Dellorco.

Although completely self-taught, Mr. Dellorco’s art career has spanned all aspects of illustration while specializing in the film industry, children’s products and children’s books. A true renaissance man, along with a degree in Economics and a successful art career, he has also written and directed an award winning short film which received international recognition.

This led to a job with the Disney organization, and for the past 15 years he has been widely considered one of Disney’s top illustrators for print advertising, specializing in Home Video packaging. His covers range from the award winning “The Lion King,” to the recent “Lilo and Stich” and everything in between. He has illustrated numerous movie posters which include “Conan the Barbarian,” “Revenge of the Nerds,” “Coming to America,” “The Marrying Man,” “The Firm,” and many others.

He received the Silver Medal award at The Hollywood Reporter Key Art Awards Ceremony for the poster “Eating Raoul,” First Place for his work on “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” Second Place for “Snow White,” and Finalist for “Aladdin-Prince of Thieves”. His work has delighted audiences young and old from around the world and will continue to do so as his work is enjoyed through the generations.

The evening’s entertainment and awards were sublimely bolstered by the visual art that bejeweled the stage and entire venue.

Special thanks to the following for helping in the production of the 9th Annual AFABW Awards Event and Concert:

Barbara Cordova – Producer
George Alger – Awards Presentation Director
David Bartlett – Director
Yvonne Harrington – Award Nominations Liaison
Annette McCullough – Stage Mgr
Liz Harding – Deputy Stage Mgr
Jasmine Harding – Stage Mgr Assistant
Larry Williams – Stage Assistant
Petrina Sharp – Awards Hostess
Reinhard Schulte – Chief Videographer
Michael O’Brien – Videographer
Ernesto Flores – Photographer
Dee Barber – Event Host
Allen Harris – Awards Designer
Tim Yalda – Awards Framing
Jennifer Gill – Food

CC Showcase Productions (Lights, sound, set-ups):

Mike Jones
Ken Hall
Julien Mueley

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.

To make online payments for event tickets, click on Festival Donations.

One of our AFABW shows was featured at the event, which was pretty cool since there were only about a dozen or so shows from the entire year that were featured out of the countless programs that were produced. In essence, it was sort of like an unofficial “Honorable Mention” for our AFABW programming.

The featured AFABW video clip was from our “Art of Humor” show with guest comics Richard Stewart and Alberto Cabilan earlier this year. The talk show included Mr. Stewart’s and Mr. Cabilan’s insights on how humor can be used by anyone, young or old, towards improving circumstances and conditions in their environment.

The ongoing AFABW TV Shows feature artists, their work and performances and are themed on how artists use aesthetics to create a better world.

As a related note, the TV Station is currently in the midst of construction to improve its facilities, and is simultaneously upgrading equipment. The control room is getting new walls; a new door is being installed for more efficient access between the production areas; new cameras, teleprompters and related equipment are being set up; and the friendly, helpful staff are as great as ever.

Special thanks to our AFABW TV Production Crew, Claudia Daniloff, Petrina Sharp, and RG Kanning, as well as all of our awesome guest artists so far, and the many more to come!

If you are interested in volunteering as part of the productions, click “Contact Us” for details. Some of the jobs that are available include camera operation, lighting, audio engineering, set design, stage management, video editing and more! No worries if you aren’t a pro at this stuff as basic training is provided. The main criteria needed and wanted is simply folks who like to have fun and are easy to work with – with a greater emphasis on “Like to have fun!”