Around & About January 2019 Peninsula
Danny, Dan and John McCaw. Photos
McCaw Art Showing of Contemporary Impressionism
On December 1st, the three man show in the Arts District of Old Torrance took off without a hitch. Once a year (some years twice), Dan McCaw (father), Danny and John McCaw (sons) put on an invitation gallery event offering their original art pieces directly to buyers. Their gallery/showroom/workspace is in itself becomes an elegant open space with gleaming hardwood floors, towering ceilings, a wine and beer bar in the back and a lovely, twinkling Christmas tree decorated and on display in the center of the space. Red dots indicating sales were adding up over the course of the evening with paintings ranging in price from $950 for a framed original oil on canvas 15”x11” upwards to $35K for a 72”x48” art piece also framed. John McCaw in addition to being an accomplished painter, is a custom, frame maker, carving and hand finishing each unique frame to accentuate its respective painting. Dan, the patriarch of the family, began his formal art training with a scholarship to the San Francisco Academy of Art. He has cited, The European masters including Joaquin Sorrolla have influenced his style and design on how he incorporates light into his work. “My primary interest lies in going beyond the technique in order to interpret the subject in different ways and expand on the interpretation to make a personal statement,” he has explained. Danny, the youngest son of the elder Dan, has used European buildings, street facades, cathedrals and ballet dancers as inspiration in many of his works. To view more of their works or to schedule an appointment to visit their showroom, go to www.mccawcontemporary.com or call 310-328-7366. Their gallery is located at 1269 Sartori Avenue in Old Torrance.
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An original contemporary impressionist oil on canvas by Danny McCaw.
Sharelena Sarmast and her horse “The Gambler.”
The Girl and The Gambler
South Bay Equestrian Show Jumper Sharlena Sarmast took Champion at the Autumn Jubilee Horse Show in the Low Child/ A-A .90s at the LA Equestrian Center November 23-25th put on by Camelot Events. Sharlena and her new horse “The Gambler” earned 30.00 National Points as Junior Jumper Champion, while her trainer Erin Isom and horse “Texas” won the 15k Autumn Jubilee Adult Gran Prix. It was a productive holiday weekend for the Palos Verdes Peninsula based Equestrian Team “Alderin Sporthorses.” With the power of positive thinking, Sharlena and “The Gambler” sailed over the jumps with ease leaving the shortest time to beat with clear rounds to compete in the final Jump off. Sharlena and “The Gambler” are featured in the New Winter Issue 2018 of the www.USEF.org Magazine where she encourages young riders to keep going. Her message to other riders is that “there are many challenges on and off the ground, it’s up to you to be positive and move on. Once you move on,” Sharlena says, “moving forward in any sport or anything will only bring new strides of happiness! “
Photo by Kristina Lee Photography
Morgann Pisano.
A Letter from a Senior at Palos Verdes High School-Morgann Pisano
“I became involved in Freedom4U when Dr. Allen asked if anyone was interested in blogging and preparing social media for the organization. At the time I had started my own blog and wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity. I would do event coverage for the program, and interview the teens and other volunteers. I had such memorable experiences at the different volunteer opportunities that it inspired me to start getting involved in more ways.
Some of my future goals include going to a four year university, and study business entrepreneurship or communications and media. I have always loved writing and anything that allows me to be creative. Design, fashion, and writing are some of the things I am most interested in, and I will be interning for a jewelry company this winter.
By involving myself in volunteer and leadership activities I have grown more into the person I want to be. I have always been a very driven person, and practicing leadership skills daily has helped me to be more in touch with my passions and how I can make an impact. By being a leader and living out my purpose, I hope to inspire those to live out their passions as well.”
Photo by Dr. Gregory Allen
Brent Shavelle playing The Nutcracker Prince.
The 30th Year of The Nutcracker at the Norris Theater
the Peninsula School of Performing Arts presented The Nutcracker ballet for three consecutive days from Friday, November 30th through Sunday, December 2nd. All three performances had audiences enthralled and filled the orchestra and balcony section seats of the Norris Theater. The opening awe-inspiring scene showed Herr Stahlbaum and his wife welcoming friends to their Christmas Eve party. Clara and Fritz’s mysterious godfather, Dr. Drosselmeier brings Clara a Nutcracker gift who later comes to life as the Prince who fulfills Clara’s dreams. The stage scenery, choreography, backdrops and performances were well designed and orchestrated under the direction of Artistic Director, Tita Boulger and Assistant Director, Vera Ninkovich. The choreography was created by both directors and Marina Kalinina and Alexander Kalinin. This magical and splendid ballet, made famous by the Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky musical scores, is nostalgic. Many volunteers generously donated their time selling beer, wine and snacks at the intermission and souvenir nutcrackers of all sizes and mediums were available for sale from the pop-up gift shop also run generously by volunteers for the Norris.
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