Andrea McClain and Linda Wehrli

Andrea McClain, owner of M Street Coffee in Sherman Oaks, graciously hosts an annual Student Piano Gig for Pastimes for a Lifetime, Inc..  Families gather on couches with their cappuccinos and teas to enjoy an afternoon of beautiful piano music.  Her warm and caring personality ensures for a wonderful and memorable experience for my students and guests. They can’t wait for the next concert!

To honor Andrea’s dedication as a business woman and supporter of the arts, it is my pleasure to present this interview.

Linda:  When did you open the M Street Coffee?

Andrea:  M Street Coffee opened in January of 2008, so we just celebrated our 4^th birthday!  Every year is such a milestone and it feels wonderful heading into our 5^th year of business.  I originally opened M Street with a business partner and was able to take over full ownership within the first year.  It has been the most rewarding experience of my life.

Linda:  What was your original vision for the place?

Andrea:  The original vision for M Street Coffee was to create a community space where locals could gather over an amazing cup of coffee.  The idea for the gallery was definitely part of the original vision.  I really love the idea of transforming the space each month by featuring new local artists.  I am a musician too, so having M Street function as a performing art space has been great fun.

Linda:  What types of artwork do you feature and why?

Andrea:  I like to feature a wide variety of artwork at M Street in order to keep the shop fresh & inspired.  We’ve had mosaics, photography, crochet, pencil, mixed media, you name it.  It’s always interesting to see what kind of response the artwork evokes.  I’ve really enjoyed providing an outlet for local artists to connect with their community.

Linda:  What types of performances do you host?

Andrea:  We host a variety of events like poetry reading & acoustic music.  Every 3^rd Thursday of the month we hold an event called The Spoken Poem, which is an open mic night for poets and musicians to perform in a supportive and creative environment.  We update our website with the various happenings at www.mstreetcoffee.com.

Linda:  Do you host private events such as birthday parties?

Andrea:  The space is available after hours for private events including filming, business meetings… and even piano recitals!  We recently hosted a fundraiser for one of our customers who is in India helping with a children’s program.  And my personal fave – a successful marriage proposal!

Linda:  What beverages and products are offered at M Street?

Andrea:  We have a secret organic blend of locally roasted coffee that provides the foundation of our coffee and espresso menu – I believe this is the real highlight in our drink lineup.  We also feature an impressive list of loose-leaf teas, and whip up some pretty terrific smoothies. M Street’s baked goods are made from some of the best local bakeries – our vegan and gluten-free goodies are very popular along with our organic berry pop tarts!

Linda:  What are your future plans for M Street? 

Andrea:  It is my goal to keep M Street Coffee growing, evolving and thriving.  As we grow and expand, the key will always be creating an amazing and unique experience, providing the best product, and growing and nurturing our relationships. I truly feel that there is endless potential in this neighborhood coffee shop, and I can’t wait to see how far we can take it!

As a piano teacher for over 25 years, I feel it is important that students are given the opportunity to perform at public venues to build their esteem and confidence as well as their portfolio and resume.

If your business would like to support the arts by hosting a Student Piano Gig for a special function or charity event, you are welcome to reach Linda Wehrli at Linda@pastimesinc.com or 818-766-0614.

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Mrs. Genise Carr, owner of Rock Art by Bella Faccia, has been hand painting her Cobblestone Tea Light Holders since September 2010.

Using the acrylic painting techniques learned at Linda Wehrli’s Pastimes For A Lifetime, Inc., Genise hand paints and individually signs her designs. Some are adorned with Swarovski® stones.

Genise’s husband, Rob helps prep the cobblestones by sanding the painting area and cutting the tea light sockets.  It’s a genuine “mom and pop” operation.

Images include a variety of animals, pets, scenery, children’s story themes, portraits and religious icons.  Commissions for custom images welcome.  Genise can be contacted at 818-974-5944 or by email at rockartbygenise@gmail.com

Her website is in the works.

Rock Art by Bella Faccia can be purchased at:

• Rocks & Runes, Burbank
  http://www.rocksandrunes.com/
• Zamba Boutique, Burbank
  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zamba/
• Bardwells Florists, Sun Valley
  http://www.bardwellsflorist.com/
• Sparkle & Shine Pet Groomers, Sunland
  https://www.facebook.com/sparkleandshinepetgrooming

Genise completed courses in drawing, color theory and techniques with Linda Wehrli at Pastimes For A Lifetime, Inc., from January 2002 until August 2004 when she began home-schooling her son full time.

“My experience at Pastimes For A Lifetime has been such an inspiration to me. Linda is a wonderful teacher and because of her kindness, patience, teaching technique, and encouragement, my dream to paint and have others enjoy my work has come true and all thanks to Linda/Pastimes For A Lifetime!” ~Genise Carr

Information on art classes can be found online at www.pastimesinc.com and facebook.com/PastimesInc.

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The information-rich Fan Page also provides updates on current art exhibits, concerts, lectures and other educational venues and events as well as historical tidbits and links to current websites and Facebook pages of seminal artists and pianists.

Here are what some of the fans have to say about Pastimes’ Facebook Fan page:

“This facebook page is great. Love to see everyone’s work ! Lots of talent. I check it out a couple of times a week!” ~ D.A.

“I like that you post the work of your students — both a shot of the work being held by the student and then the work in close up, so I can take a good look at it. I’m always really impressed with the quality. I have to say I also like your (almost?) daily “this day in history” paragraphs. I find them interesting and even useful sometimes. I just like history. I think you have a great Facebook page.” ~ A.B.

“Pastimes for a Lifetime is part of my life as I took my children Gabby and Alec to art classes there every week for approximately ten years. Now that they are grown up and we have moved to Canada, the Pastimes for a Lifetime Facebook page is my link to these wonderful years. The photos of students smiling in front of their works of art are a sweet reminder of the sense of accomplishment my own children felt and how proud I was of their achievements. Every day when I go into my Facebook account I look forward to reading about anniversaries of artists, little-known information on musicians and writers on Pastimes for a Lifetime and it brings much joy to this lover of the arts. Thanks, Linda!”  D.K.

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Linda Wehrli, Luis Castañeda & Dr. Victor Helo

September marks the first anniversary of Pastimes for a Lifetime’s solo student art shows hosted by Dr. Victor Helo at his Total Wellness Center, Studio City.

Since September 2010, six selected students have had the honor of displaying their top paintings in the lobby of Dr. Helo’s office.  They also received mention in the Studio City Lifestyle magazine.

Exhibitors were Sasha Shapiro, Emma Rosloff, Liana Lis, Maya Krueger, Briana Begelfer and Luis Castañeda.  Next up will be Dennis Yadryshnikov.

It all began at the 2010 Mother’s Day Art Show hosted by the Rotary Club of Studio City/Sherman Oaks.  Dr. Helo visited Pastimes for a Lifetime’s booth and was taken with the student artwork on exhibit.  As the president of the Rotary Club, he believes in “Service Above Self”.  Dr. Helo expressed a deep interest in helping these students achieve their goals with their art.

Linda Wehrli, instructor and owner of Pastimes For A Lifetime, Inc., inquired if Dr. Helo might consider hosting an ongoing solo student exhibit at his clinic.  The students would be invited to sell their work, receive commissions or simply provide comfort to the patients while they wait in the lobby.  The shows would also build students’ self-esteem.

“Supporting and encouraging student artists keeps our culture alive in the future,” says Linda Wehrli.

The student gallery can be viewed during office hours at the Total Wellness Center, 12103 Ventura Place, Studio City, CA  91604.  Call 818.487.9100 for office hours.

Past exhibits can be viewed online at http://www.pastimesinc.com/student_gallery.htm.

If you would like to host a student art showcase at your place of business, contact Linda at http://www.pastimesinc.com/contact.htm or click on “Host An Event” on the Blog.

More information on Dr. Victor Helo and his practice can be found at http://www.thetotalwellness.com.

Visit http://pastimesinc.com/instructor.htm for more information on Linda Wehrli.

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Arcadia Fine Arts Gallery was founded in 1998 with the goal of showcasing contemporary, representational artwork.  They continue to preserve that tradition, today.

The beautiful painting shown above, “Collecting Apples” Oil, Gold and Silver leaf on Canvas, 24″ x 44″ is by one of the artists they represent, Brad Reuben Kunkle.

I first learned of Arcadia Fine Arts Gallery several years ago at the annual Los Angeles Art Show. The gallery’s booth had featured works by artist Francis Livingston.  I was smitten and had to check out their website.  I was not disappointed.  The caliber of artists Arcadia Fine Arts represents and the haunting beauty of their work distinguishes their gallery above the rest.

It is an honor to feature an interview with Steve Diamant, President of Arcadia Fine Arts Gallery, in Pastimes For A Lifetime’s inaugural launch of its blog.

Q. How did Arcadia Fine Arts come about?

While I initially did not know what I was going to name the gallery, the one thing I DID KNOW is that I was not going to name it after myself as it appears most gallery owners do.  I always knew that the gallery was NOT ABOUT THE OWNER, but rather about the works being shown.

Q. How did it acquire the name “Arcadia”?

I eventually called it Arcadia Gallery because in Greek Mythology, Arcadia was a place that that the ancient Greeks traveled to for beauty, art and poetry.  I wanted the gallery to be that kind of destination.

Q. Are the gallery owners also fine artists, or have degrees in the arts?

I do not have a degree in the arts, but rather degrees in advertising and psychology.  I am lucky enough to be able to do what I love.  I have always had a love of painting and opening a gallery was always something I wanted to do.

Q. How long have you been with Arcadia? Had you owned or worked for galleries before coming to Arcadia?

I worked for another gallery for 14 years before opening Arcadia in 2001.  I learned a lot at the other gallery about what to do, but just as importantly, I learned what NOT to do in terms of relationships and dealing with artists and collectors.

Q. Does Arcadia seek out the artists they represent or do artists apply to your gallery? What is the ratio of one to the other?

The truth is that we receive a substantially larger number of submissions from painters around the world than artists that we pursue.  And while many of the artists who submit works are very talented, they are either not in keeping with what we show or too similar in nature to works that we already present at the gallery.  The goal is to show, within the realm of realism, artists who are extraordinarily skilled, but also have a unique, individual style and are very different from any other artist we already represent.

Q. I understand Arcadia showcases contemporary, representational artwork. What criteria does your gallery use when interviewing artists for gallery representation?

We don’t really “interview the artist” as much “interview the work.”

There are three criteria that we use when reviewing works:
a) Does the artist display a high level of skill in the works?  And while skill is important, it is only “half the battle.”  There are plenty of highly skilled painters whose works are “lifeless” and have “nothing to say.”

b) Does the artist have “a signature style?”  When we look at the works, while seeing “influences” is certainly ok, if the works are too “derivative” of another painter’s style or the artist’s teachers, then we are not interested.  When I look across the room, do I know it’s a specific artist’s works? THAT’S what I look for.

c) Is the work different from anything else we have at the gallery?  I never want one artist “encroaching” on anothers “territory.”  We may have 5 still life painters in our roster, but stylistically, each is VERY different from the other.
That’s VERY important!

Q. On the business side, I see that your Gallery promotes its artists with social networking in addition to your beautiful website. Arcadia can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and You Tube and RSS. How is that working for you and your artists?

All of the media are working tremendously well for us….part of what we do is to “create buzz” for our painters, and these media certainly do that!

Q. What are the benefits and limitations of having gallery representation? One of my art students had asked me, “How does a gallery contract with an artist?” Is there a standard industry contract? Does it limit the artist’s ability to create and sell new work on his or her own?

Hopefully the gallery can expose an artist’s works on a much greater level to a larger amount of people.  Most artists do not realize how much work the gallery actually does and the smart ones say “Let me stick to painting, which is what I do best and you guys do everything else.”

In addition, there is no “standard contract”, but I always recommend that any artist speak to to other painters that are represented by the gallery and see what they have to say.

If anything, a gallery should be able to help an artist increase their output by taking all of the time the artist spent doing anything OTHER THAN PAINTING and being able to spend that time on creating new works.

Q. In the You Tube interview by Arcadia, artist Daniel Sprick mentions he doesn’t consciously try to paint trendy subject matter, but instead conveys the feel of the time with color, lighting, and his distinct point of view. What advice can you give to my art students who wish to eventually sell their artwork professionally or obtain commissions?

PAINT WHAT YOU WANT TO PAINT AND NOT WHAT YOU THINK OTHER PEOPLE WANT TO SEE FROM YOU!!!!!! and earn and master your craft…learn how to masterfully paint and draw an apple BEFORE you blow the damned apple up in your paintings..by that I mean if you are going to become an abstract painter, you should know how to draw well first. And just as important, be yourself on the canvas..it’s fine to be influenced by other painters and styles, but when I look at your canvases, I want to know it’s yours and nobody else’s work!

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It has been a pleasure and a privilege to host this interview with Steve Diamant, President of Arcadia Fine Arts Gallery.  I hope my art students will find it informative in their endeavors.

I encourage my students and fellow art-lovers to browse Arcadia Fine Arts online gallery and follow their Facebook page for inspirational posts.

© Linda Wehrli

It is a pleasure and privilege to interview this accomplished musician, composer, arranger, teacher, publisher, and ….. husband.

My students know Barry as the co-author and publisher of their piano books and materials.

This article introduces readers to some of Barry’s current projects as an arranger and composer, and his philosophies about music and the arts.

Q.  Aside from teaching and publishing, what other projects are you working on at the home studio?

I continue to arrange and produce for poet/songwriter, Barry Wise and singer/songwriter, Deedee O’Malley.  I am looking forward to doing more of this kind of work in the near future.

Q.  What compositions have you composed over the years?  What musical styles do you like to compose in?

This past decade, I have been composing expressive character pieces for solo piano.  I am inspired by Chopin, Beethoven and Mendelssohn as well as Cat Stevens, Chick Corea and Billy Childs among many others.

Q.  What are your goals as a composer, today?

To continue composing my collection of Preludes, eventually publishing and recording them.

Q.  What event first sparked your interest in the piano?

I don’t recall a specific event.  My parents noticed my noodling on the piano when I was a toddler.  Both of my parents had played piano, so there was a musical influence in the house.  When I was 8 years old, friends of the family referred my parents to Mrs. Dolores Rhoads of Musonia School of Music in North Hollywood.  She nurtured my interest and guided me through my first seven years of piano training.

Q.  What is your viewpoint of music as it relates to your students, our community and culture as a whole?

I see music as vital to our culture.  I have seen instances where music has revived someone’s inner sense of self worth.

Music is one of the best vehicles for human creativity because it can be created newly each time it is played.  A piece can be performed differently and thus perceived by the audience differently, each time.  As a performing art, music is temporal, like dance.  A piece can only be perceived in its entirety through an elapsed period of time.  It requires that you be with it for a while.

Thank you Barry for your gracious time for this interview and contribution to this article.  We look forward to updates on your projects and compositions.

© Linda Wehrli

As an art teacher, I have been asked, “What is Art?” many times over the years.  After giving this much thought, I created the following essay in hopes of broadening the definition and experience of art.

When a project is taken to a level far beyond the average expectations, it ceases to exist as just a project.  The excellence in workmanship, intellect and problem-solving skills create awe and inspiration, just as beautiful paintings or sculptures do.  A project could, therefore be considered a “work of art” if it achieves a high level or degree of excellence.

Art on a philosophical level could be the ability to inspire others and improve conditions in our culture and environment, at large.  It is up to the viewer to discover that excellence and experience it, personally, as a work of art.  One’s daily routine might be turned into an art experience.  Try changing your perceptions and viewpoint with the motive of looking for excellence in the basic things you come across during your day.

Take a moment each day to look around your home, car or office and notice the quality of your environment and the excellence of the people and/or products with which you come in contact.

Art doesn’t exist solely on canvases or in clay or stone in galleries and museums.  It exists with us, daily.  Out daily routine can be turned into an art experience by looking for or creating our own excellence in the ordinary.  It is up to us to find or create the excellence, and the art in our lives.

Photo courtesy of A Sweet Design.

© Linda Wehrli

Did you know….. Pastimes For A Lifetime has a fully stocked Student Store on the premises!  The latest in paints, brushes, tools and art materials are researched regularly for the best quality and price.  The store is open to students and the general public.

The featured product is the line of Royal & Langnickel® Soft Grip Golden Taklon Brushes.

Designed with comfort in mind, these economical brushes are comfortable to the hand as well as the budget.  Durable synthetic Golden Taklon bristles work well with acrylics, watercolors and water-soluble oils.  The handles are made of thick acrylic with an easy-to-hold soft rubber grip.

Golden Taklon bristles were originally developed by DuPont to mimic the handling characteristics of natural sable.  These soft, smooth filaments provide a “green”, vegan and allergy-free alternative to animal hair brushes.

Today, Taklon is made in several sizes ranging from 0.08mm to .15mm, which mimic sable, to .20mm, which mimic boar bristle.  The diameter affects the stiffness or softness of the brush. Diameter variation in the Taklon fibers creates more space between the filaments, allowing the brush to carry more liquid.

This line of brushes is produced by Royal Brush Manufacturing, Great Britain.  They are a highly-respected company that has been making brushes for decades.

Pastimes’s student store now carries the Royal & Langnickel® line of Soft Grip Golden Taklon brushes.  They retail for $2.99.  They are a great addition to a professional or student artist’s brush collection.  Stop by and check them out.

© Linda Wehrli