Found Treasure

Across the Valley

I recently discovered a local hidden treasure called McGroarty Arts Center. The place had been on my radar for a while but I finally drove over to check it out last week. The center is nestled in the Verdugo Hills and was originally the home of a former Pennsylvanian, John Steven McGroarty. It is now the site for a non-profit organization known as McGroarty Arts Center. In partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles they offer "access to the arts through in-depth arts instruction and experiences. Affordable or free multidisciplinary arts instruction is offered to at-risk youth, children, and families, as are performances, exhibitions, and events that engage the greater public."

I find it refreshing to discover a local organization striving to make a difference in the community. With the current economic difficulties, it isn't easy to create an environment where artists and students can come together to exchange knowledge. As art departments are eliminated throughout the public schools, it is even more impressive to see an organization who's sole purpose is to provide access to art classes. I am forever grateful to the small art department in my home town school of Hellertown, Pennsylvania where I made my first sculpture in clay, tried pen & ink drawing and learned about color theory.

The painting Across the Valley is one of the plein air paintings completed in October in Sedona. I am hoping that my love for painting outdoors is a likely candidate for the art center so I submitted a prospectus to McGroarty and am hoping to hold a plein air workshop on the property. It may not happen but I am taking the steps to share my love of plein air painting with others. Perhaps there is a local non-profit near you where you can make a difference. Paint from life, live to paint.