New Arts Studio Opens on Live Oak

There is something awe-inspiring about dance and art – the undeniable fascination of people creating an ethereal world through imagination for the sake of feeling good and producing beauty. This ethereal world of dance and art is housed by institutions who want to preserve the arts in our communities that seem to be dwindling due to the budget crisis. The Los Angeles Unified School District plans to eliminate nearly 50% of the Art Teachers (dance, music-general/vocal, instrumental, theatre, visual arts), for the 2010-2011 school year; not to mention the art and dance clubs that are closing down because of the crisis. However, there are still those who wish to preserve the arts and create a safe place to watch it grow. The Arts Studio, founded by Milly and Frank in Arcadia, CA, is the type of establishment that plans to do just that.

Milly and Frank Yang, new studio owners, have combined their passion for art and dance to form the Arts studio where they hope to create a warm, friendly environment for the community to explore their talents. The Studio offers the Japanese Floral Arrangement Art of Ikenobo, Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Hip Hop, Ballet, Break Dance, Painting, Glass Blowing, Zumba Fitness, Latin Fitness, Ballroom Blast, Belly Dance, Ballet/Tap for kids, Yoga and more. Group classes and private lessons are offered for adults and children. “We want to create a safe and lively place for all the people who live in this community, and who have a passion to pursue their dreams. We want to contribute to the beauty of this area and keep the neighborhood healthy and happy,” Milly says.
April 18th marks the day of their much anticipated Art Showcase, a debut event of all the talented artists that will be teaching and demonstrating their craft. Roy Gould, Chris Hogan, Ruth Read, Frank Yang are a few of the artists that will attend this night.
Roderick Smith, one of the art instructors will be offering a two day course on the art of “travel sketching in watercolor”. This will be a two part program with a slide presentation of his five week watercolor journey to Alaska. The class includes an introduction to painting materials followed by a watercolor sketching day trip to the Arboretum. The workshop is designed to help individuals learn the techniques and means to enjoy watercolor sketching on their next travel adventure.
Christine Hogan, renowned artist and instructor, will be demonstrating floral paintings. In addition to her national claim, Chris has received recognition from foreign galleries. She has also exhibited at the Sen Memorial Gallery in Taiwan, and at the Shanghai Art Museum in Shanghai, China.

Roy Gould will be demonstrating how to use Max Oil paints for landscape painting. Roy began making beautiful landscape paintings from his slides and photographs taken while backpacking and mountain climbing in the High Sierras. Roy belongs to the Southern California Plein Air Painters Association (SOCALPAPA), in San Gabriel Fine Arts Assn., T.E.A.M., a national group of art instructors, and is a certified Master Instructor by Alexander Art. Roy is a teaching partner with Chartpak, makers of the environmentally friendly Grumbacher Max Oil (Water Mixable Oil Color) paints and brushes.
For those that have heard this brand for the first time, Grumbacher Max Oil (Water Mixable Oil Color) is a new type of paint that has no hazardous solvents, no harmful vapors or odors, and can be cleaned up with plain old water. Chris Hogan will demonstrate floral painting and will introduce her new class where she teaches students how to paint with only three colors plus white using Max Oil (WMOC). Roy Gould will be demonstrating and teaching landscape painting using Max Oil (WMOC).
Ruth Read, winner of numerous awards as well as self-taught painter and photographer, is one of the artists that will display her work for the showcase. Ruth is a dear friend of the studio owners and wants people to stop in and see this unique space. “I want people to take this opportunity to get together in this beautiful studio and talk one-on-one with the teachers. People may even want to sign up for these exciting workshops. Arcadia is now the artists place to be.”
So whether you are an artist, a dancer, or an enthusiast, come by and enjoy this free art show and festival showcasing a wide variety of creative expression, including an art gallery, artist demonstrations, children’s art workshops, entertainment, refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and more. Milly and Frank invite the whole community to come and take part in this free and exciting night. “This gives the community a chance to ask questions, know the teachers, socialize, and best of all it is free to the public!” Frank says.
Call for registration. Free Art Showcase April 18 from 1pm-4pm. Milly/Frank Arts Studio 120 E. Live Oak Ave Arcadia, Ca 91006 Tel: (626) 348-2008 Cell: (626) 673-0697 millyfrankstudio@yahoo.com www.ruthsartgallery.com/milly_frank_studio.htm

Written By Natalie Avakian

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