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Arts & Entertainment

Event to Showcase 'Power of Art'

It takes a community of Redondo Beach artists to amp up for the annual cultural festival at AES Redondo Beach.

The sixth annual , presented by the Redondo Beach Art Group, plans to dazzle and inspire with art, dance, music, workshops, fashion and poetry over the next two weekends at the local .

An adults only reception featuring a silent auction, a raffle for a Wyland lithograph and music by the Chris Ho Band is scheduled from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Friday. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served throughout the night.

But that's not all—because the organizers expect Friday's reception to be standing-room only, they're hosting a second reception Oct. 21.

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"This is our gift to the community," said Tasha Garfield, the president of RBAG. "The artists want to give something back to the South Bay. Planning these events got me working closely with many hardworking RBAG members, community businesses large and small, and many new and experienced talents."

Karen Baughman, co-founder of RBAG, and Garfield pooled their extensive resources and decided to co-chair this year’s Power of Art cultural celebration. They, along with countless other artists and volunteers, have worked tirelessly over the past year to ensure that this year’s Power of Art surpasses what the South Bay has come to expect from the annual event.

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"Seeing the public response is so gratifying," said Baughman. "When we started [RBAG] in 2003, we realized that there wasn't anything going on in the South Bay—let alone Redondo Beach, in particular—as far as art was concerned. We hoped we could bring art to the South Bay and create an interest in the arts throughout the community."

In the past, the Power of Art events have proven successful and popular with people of all ages, she said.

"I love seeing the children come to our Hands On Art workshops," Baughman said. "The glimmer in their eyes and excitement in their voices tells me we have quite a few budding artists just waiting to blossom in the future."

Stefani Conniff, RBAG member and Power of Art architectural and creative director, expounded on the number of offerings to the public.

"I am excited about our themed days," Conniff explained. "We were brainstorming on how we could bring people back and enjoy a day in the power plant. We created four different theme days, each unique and fun to be a part of."

Conniff also praised the volunteers.

"For a show of this magnitude to succeed, it takes many dedicated individuals and many hours of hard work," she said. "I feel fortunate to have been part of our great team."

Sandra Liljenwall, another integral part of Power of Art, was asked to be the fundraising chair and also the exhibitions director—two positions she readily accepted. When talking about the largest art event in Redondo Beach, Liljenwall said, "This gift from the Redondo Beach Art Group to the community serves to inspire, delight, excite and acquaint everyone who attends ... literally, with the 'power of art.'

"[It] emphasizes the importance of having art in people's lives and their community."

The event grew out of the same energy that originally created the Redondo Beach Art Group. In 2003, Baughman joined with local artist Nina Zak Laddon to bring a Cultural Arts Center to Redondo—one where local artists could hold workshops, attend classes and have their own gallery.

"My original thought was to have a small handful of artists who could get together once a month to discuss what they were working on, have shows throughout the year and go on art-related outings," Baughman said. "That whole idea changed after the first month when we had a three-person show at Malaga Cove. We had people coming out of the woodwork trying to get into our group. The goals of our art group changed dramatically and at an extremely fast pace."

The RBAG was borne out of that vision and quickly became the raw energy behind Power of Art. Today, the group is more than 100 members strong.

Discovering the power plant, hidden Redondo, jewels and more

Though Power of Art has been around for six years and has seen various changes in venues and ideas, one thing has never changed: the buzzing energy and excitement that powers up this cultural celebration each year. In fact, this year’s threshold is being stretched, pulled, expanded and will push the boundaries more than any Power of Art yet. There are many different forms of art, and the two-weekend format allows for even more events, workshops and artwork than ever before.

The event features five galleries: "Meet Me at the Power Plant," "Guest House," "Jewels," "Hidden Redondo" and "Inspired Alliance."

Meet Me at the Power Plant

The largest gallery exhibit at Power of Art this year, “Meet Me at the Power Plant” consists of art solely created by RBAG member artists. Containing about 70 works of art, it is by far the biggest installation. One of the highlights for RBAG members each year is being able to participate, knowing their work will be featured in Power of Art. 

In "Meet Me at the Power Plant," RBAG members were asked to submit one piece of art that truly reflected their motivations and passion behind their work. This self-curated show encouraged artists to explore their inner soul and reveal that to the audience.

Guest House

The "Guest House" is a new concept this year at Power of Art. The event, which usually only displays works from Redondo Beach Art Group members, was opened up to about a dozen artists from around the country for this special gallery. Each artist’s work is showcased for visitors in a "room" in the "Guest House."

Jewels

Gems come in all sizes, shapes, and forms and can be found anywhere—just like art. Like gemstones, sometimes art sparkles; sometimes it’s gaudy; and sometimes it’s understated.

All of this describes the pieces found in the "Jewels" gallery, a juried exhibition of meticulously crafted, beautifully painted gems of creativity.

Hidden Redondo

Beauty is often hidden in plain sight, especially for those of us fortunate enough to live in the South Bay. In the installation "Hidden Redondo," photographers were challenged with "finding" special nooks and snippets of beauty hidden in everyday life—treasured spaces or secret spots that inspire—around Redondo Beach.

Inspired Alliance

This collaboration is in its third year at Power of Art, where RBAG artists contribute pieces to a much larger overall work of art. With this year's theme of "Project Earth," RBAG artists attempt to address global sustainability and use the opportunity to explore the deeper implications of how we live and the choices we make.

Other installations guide visitors through the art. The "Cigline" installation is a collection of mannequins that accompanies your passage through to "Project Earth." Additionally, life-sized clay children walking their pets guide visitors toward the rear of the plant in "New Kids on the Block."

At Power of Art, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or interest. For a complete schedule of events, please visit the group's website and look for the POA Schedule of Events on the left.

Erika Snow Robinson is a member of the Redondo Beach Art Group.

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