About The
'Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking?'
Art Challenge
One cold night in January 35 artists from around the South Bay gathered at the historic La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes, California to take part in a unique challenge, to create a work of art based on a randomly selected title. The challenge was the brainchild of Bondo Wyszpolski - arts writer for Easy Reader and Peninsula Magazine.
Courtyard entry at La Venta Inn
Photo by Tony LaBruno
Bondo Wyszpolski -
“I wanted to see various local artists try their hand at something different, something they might not ordinarily do, and the title each artist received would, I hoped, push them along in that direction. A piece might be "successful" if somebody seeing it said: "Oh! I didn't know you did work like this" - referring to subject matter or style. I’m reminded of a quote by Karl Ove Knausgaard: "Art lives by transgressing boundaries, by going beyond what everyone has agreed to see and think." Would our selection of artists rise to the challenge and astonish us?”
Bondo framed.
Photo by Bernard Fallon
Each artist stepped up to spin the Wheel of Fortune and receive their title. They then spent the next three months laboring to create a work of art that reflected the theme of the title they received. The results of this unique challenge can be seen here on our gallery page.
Bernard Fallon, artist and MC for the evening -
"Hit ‘pause’ on what you are known for. Many of us experiment in the studio and express things that we don’t reveal to others. Of course gallery owners don’t want you to change your style because they are pushing your brand. This is an opportunity to show your work from the back office filing cabinet."
Dan Dempster takes his turn at the wheel.
Photo by Tony LaBruno
ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
La Venta Inn and New York Food Company
A live art unveiling and brunch will be held at the La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes later this year. The New York Food Company (“NYFC”), which manages the historic La Venta Inn, is hosting the event. For inquiries contact: https://www.newyorkfood.com
Jim Wharton, managing partner for NYFC -
“NYFC and La Venta Inn are proud to host the ‘Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking?’ Art Show Premier, along with our Brunch at the Inn. This will be the first time that the Inn is open to the general public in more than 40 years, and we hope you can join us.”
Palos Verdes Library District, Malaga Cove Branch
After the La Venta debut and brunch the artworks will relocate to the Malaga Cove Library for an extended show. Twenty five percent of proceeds from the sale of art goes to benefit the Palos Verdes Library District.
Eve Wittenmyer, Branch Manager Malaga Cove Library -
“The library is thrilled to be involved with such a unique and innovative art exhibit featuring an incredibly talented group of artists. This has been a very rewarding project to work on and we are proud to be able to support our local artists and provide our community with a wonderful experience. “
Peninsula Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Library will sponsor an opening reception at the Malaga Cove Library. The Peninsula Friends of the Library is a California 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and is the sole fundraising organization of the Palos Verdes Library District. This all-volunteer membership organization was founded by a group of devoted library supporters in 1961 to enhance the services and programs of our Peninsula libraries.
We are grateful to our sponsors without who’s support this unique art event would not have been possible. We would also like to thank all the artists who participated in the challenge. The results are truly magical.
ARTICLES AND USEFUL LINKS
Easy Reader New - January article by Bondo Wyszpolski
Palos Verdes Peninsula News - March article by Deborah Paul