This year, Tasha Garfield and Karen Baughman, backed by volunteers of the Redondo Beach Art Group (RBAG), for the first time will hold the annual Power of Art cultural festival over two weekends – Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 21-23. Now in its sixth year, the popular event will take place at the AES Power Plant and will include art exhibits, art workshops, dance, music, poetry readings, and a “wearable-art” fashion show.
The festival kicks off with an adults-only reception Friday evening, Oct. 14, from 6-10 p.m. A silent auction, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., will offer up, among other things, a Wyland Lithograph raffle and music by the Chris Ho Band. Wine for purchase and hors d’oeuvres will be served throughout the evening. Another, similar reception will be held the following Friday, Oct. 21,
“We have added a second reception night, with wine, music, a raffle for a Bob Mackie Cloisonné, and a wearable-art fashion show,” said Garfield, RBAG President and Power of Art Co-Chair. “It should be as much fun as the opening reception.”
Garfield and Karen Baughman, co-founder of RBAG, pooled their resources and decided to co-chair this year’s Power of Art celebration. They, along with many other artists and volunteers, have worked tirelessly for the past year to ensure that this year’s festival not only met but also surpassed, what the South Bay has come to expect from this annual event.
“I believe it does take a village,” Garfield noted. “Everyone in RBAG pitched in. Even in this economy, I found many businesses and people generous to the art experience. And donations are welcome.”
Baughman added: “Being held again at the Power Plant has an immediate attraction to the general public. Not only do people want to attend Power of Art, but people want to see the Power Plant. I believe we will have more people attend this year than anytime in the past.”
RBAG member Stefani Conniff said she was excited about the event’s thematic aspect. “Since the show runs for two weekends,” said Conniff, “we created four different theme days. We also have many musical acts and of course, the art workshops, led by Hands On Art or RBAG member, John LaRock. I love bringing a fun, social day to the community to enjoy.”
The festival’s largest gallery exhibit at Power of Art this year is entitled, “Meet Me at the Power Plant.” This exhibit consists of about 70 works of art created by RBAG member artists. They were asked to submit one piece of art that truly reflected their motivations and passion behind their work – something which would allow the community to see, “meet,” and learn who they are as a person and an artist.
The “Guest House” exhibit is a new and somewhat unusual concept the festival. On display will be works by about a dozen artists from around the country for this special gallery. Committee members were so inspired by the artwork submitted, they decided to showcase each artist’s work in a “room” where the participant becomes a “visitor” to each artist’s particular work, space, and mind.
A juried exhibition of meticulously crafted, beautifully painted gems will also be on display as well as photographs of everyday life in local settings.
