Patch Blog: ArtBreak in Altadena

You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who has a pulse in Altadena who does not know how budget cuts over the years have affected PUSD schools.  Of some of the largest cuts we have seen are to the extracurricular programs, including the arts.

 A little known non-profit organization located right here in Altadena is attempting to not only supplement but to make a difference in the lives of children in the PUSD public schools.  Founded in 2003, The Altadena Arts Council (TAAC) develops, promotes, and supports arts programs in the greater Pasadena area with a major focus on public school children.  Among some of its more notable events are the No Boundaries 6 Exhibit art show and (which was recently held at Altadena’s Main Public Library).  This Friday, another popular TAAC event will begin a weeklong stint at “The Temporary Gallery” which is located at the Websters’ complex in a currently vacant store owned and generously loaned by the Webster family at 2460 N. Lake Ave., Altadena. 

 ArtBreak is a weeklong visual arts event that celebrates the talent and creativity of Altadena and Pasadena area children and youth, and according to Mary Ann Stevenson, TAAC Executive Director, “provides a venue to highlight the important role that the arts can play in transforming their attitudes and appreciation of their talents and abilities”. TAAC and ArtBreak had a major presence during Altadena Old Fashioned Days where, beginning in 2004, they provided art activities and performances all day on the front lawn of Eliot Middle School, unfortunately now just a memory.  But ArtBreak continues its presence in our community.  This year’s event features outstanding artwork created by grade-school children who attend PUSD schools and Odyssey Charter School, located in Altadena.  The free event kicks off with an opening reception Friday night, June 17th at 6:00 p.m.  Not only will you be able to enjoy snacks and refreshments but you will be delightfully entertained by several local performers.  The schedule of performers and speakers are as follows:

6:00 – 6:45 p.m.: Eliot Middle School Jazz Ensemble, directed by PUSD’s Music                   Specialist

6:50 – 7:00 p.m.:   Greetings/Introduction by Mary Ann Stevenson, TAAC Executive Director          

7:00 – 7:15 p.m.:   Folklorico Sol y Luna youth dance group, which will feature PUSD             students, directed by Gabriela de Leon

7:20 – 7:25 p.m.:   Classical Music Piece by Quinn and Evan Battick and Alena N.                 DeVaughn

7:30 – 7:40 p.m.: Recognition Awards presented by Gene Stevenson, TAAC Program director and Tanganica Turner, Field Representative for Assemblyman Portantino                                            

7:45 – 8:00 p.m.: Alkebu-Lan Youth Dancers and Singers, expressing African American culture through dance and song, directed by Nigerian storyteller and performer Onoche Chukwurah                                

8:05 – 8:20 p.m.: Mayseo the Illusionist

9:00 p.m.:             End of Reception and Viewing

 While you are enjoying all of the performers you can browse the most important features of the night, the artwork.  The intriguing artwork by elementary, middle, and high school students alike will include, among others, painting, photography, charcoal, pastel, and stained glass. 

 The gallery will be open all week in the afternoons until Friday the 24th with the following workshops offered: 

Saturday, June 18 – Gallery Hours:  3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Art Workshop: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Mayseo (William Mays), master illusionist and magician, will teach the kids about The Art of Magic

Sunday, June 19 – Gallery Hours: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.  

Art Workshop:  2:00 – 3:30p.m. – Robert Hilton, skilled at creating instruments out of unusual items, will inspire the kids in Creating Percussion Instruments

Monday, June 20 – Gallery Hours:  3:00 – 7:00 p.m. 

Art Workshop:  3:00 – 4:30p.m. – Cheryl Williams, Wall Hangings/Found Objects

Tuesday, June 21 – Gallery Hours:  3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Art Workshop:  3:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Cheryl Williams, String Drawing and Doll Making

Wednesday, June 22 – Gallery Hours:  3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Art Workshop:  3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Aldonia Bailey, local activist artist whose art is culturally influenced, helping children experience theirs through Culture Fan Making

Thursday, June 23 – Gallery Hours:  3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Art Workshop:  3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Chantrese Wright, Dancers Are Us

Friday, June 24 – Gallery Hours:  3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Art Workshop:  3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Aldonia Bailey, Water Colors

 Please consider coming out to ArtBreak and enjoy and support our kids, their art, and TAAC.  Everyone is welcome to drop in during Gallery hours, children up to age 8 are respectfully requested to be accompanied by an adult.  ArtBreak and TAAC welcomes donations of art supplies (which would happily be picked up) and if you would like to volunteer for ArtBreak, have any questions or donations, please contact TAAC Executive Director Mary Ann Stevenson at (626) 797-5798.