One of Pastimes for a Lifetime‘s favorite places to exhibit Student Art Showcases is the lovely M Street Coffee and Gallery in Sherman Oaks.
Given the current times, we were a little timid about arranging a Showcase and Gallery Opening this year. Linda Wehrli, Founder/Instructor of Pastimes, had the brilliant idea of hosting a Virtual Student Art Showcase with a Gallery Opening Party on Zoom! Students and guests would be able to view the show and attend the gallery opening party from the comfort of their homes.
When Linda presented her idea to Andrea Vavra, Owner of M Street Coffee and Gallery, she was enthusiastically on board. Plans began to take shape and the showdate of August 23 – September 13, 2020 was set.
Invitations to Pastimes’ students ready to show their work were sent out. Fourteen confirmed. Woot!
Student exhibitors safely delivered their beautifully framed artwork to the studio between August 18-22, 2020. Artwork was carefully wrapped and placed in shipping tubs. I had the pleasure of creating the ID tags and Certificate of Merit for the exhibitors.
On Sunday, August 23, 2020 at 6 PM sharp, Linda and her husband, Barry Michael Wehrli, installed the student artwork across the two main gallery walls.
The Zoom Gallery Opening Party commenced at 7 PM with students and guests logging in locally and as far as Riverdale, New York. I enjoyed logging in from Rome, New York, myself.
After a brief introduction of new and current students, Barry graciously took the iPad for a stroll around the gallery, panning across the exhibit followed by closeups of the individual works of art for Zoom guests to enjoy. Fun!
Students and guests were able to view the Virtual Gallery from the comfort of home. For our readers, we’re pleased to share these photos from the exhibit. But first, allow me introduce the artists:
Tweens & Teens
Adults and Seniors
And now, on with the show! [Click on the name tags above for mediums used.]
Animals
Architecture
Florals & Scenery
Portrait & Body Study
Still Life
Although we all missed M Street Coffee’s delish coffee, tea, and healthy treats, the camaraderie among online guests with students chatting jovially and complimenting each other on their artwork, was a treat.
The Show runs from Sunday, August 23 – Sunday, September 13, 2020. Online viewing from M Street Coffee pending. Until the links are available, please enjoy the show from our blog. Feel free to check back in a few days.
Art can be very healing and uplifting. We hope this show lifts your spirits. More Virtual Student Art Showcases are in the works. Stay tuned!
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Did you enjoy the blog? If so, you’re welcome to share with your peeps and on your social media. Comments are greatly appreciated.
School is open Tuesday – Saturday year-round, except major holidays.
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I’ve been committed to continuing lifelong learning and inspiring creative thinking through art and music since 1989. I’d love to meet you! You’re welcome to chat with me on Zoom or stop by the studio. Just shoot me an email at Linda@pastimesinc.com and I’ll be glad to set up a mutually convenient time.
Wonderful! I always enjoy Pastimes students’ work. The art is a joy to behold. Kudos to all, especially their teacher!
Thank you, dear Judy. Always a pleasure to hear from you. So glad you enjoyed the showcase.
Amazing how Mrs. Wehrli has used her ingenuity and enterprise to maintain her art school during the COVID Crisis. I commend her for that.
Thank you for the kind words of support. They mean a lot to me.
Beautiful gallery! 🙂 Thanks for sharing it online so those far away from you can still enjoy the great work.
Thank you dear Estela. So glad you enjoyed. 😀
I loved the range of talent on display, and nostalgically the slanted perspective on the spire of the Chrysler building struck a sentimental chord in my heart. Kudos to the artists and their bravura teacher!
So glad you enjoyed! Thank you for the kind words.