JOYCE RUDOLPH
Cindy Vargas dreamed of becoming a dancer. But life events have spun
her down a different path and she now creates furniture inspired by
the graceful movements she has long admired.
Vargas studied dance for many years -- including ballet, modern
dance, tap, ballroom and Persian, she said.
"I love dance and now I'm choreographing furniture instead of
dances," she said. "I think there is such a huge connection between
the human body and chairs. They have legs, seats, backs and arms. The
potential for creative expression through the form of a chair is
unlimited."
Her grouping of chairs, called "Into the Dance" was inspired by
the social dances of the swing era, in this case, Fred Astaire and
Ginger Rogers.
Vargas, who owns Three Elements Studios in Glendale, is one of
more than 90 artists who are inviting the public into their studio
spaces for the first "International Glendale -- Open Studio Tour"
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Displays in all media, painting, sculpture, collage, photography
and ceramics, are set up in 51 homes, galleries and studios
throughout the city. Visitors will be able to meet, interact with,
and see the work being produced by artists.
Vargas, who works in wood and fiber arts, will also show her
one-of-a-kind chests of drawers with silk and painted facades.
"We're tucked away in isolated spots and people don't know we're
here," she said. "The event is a wonderful way to connect to the
community and vice versa. And the arts are absolutely essential for a
healthy, vital city because artists bring new ideas, beauty and
economic benefits to the city."
Also showing works at Vargas' space are glass artist Dar Horn of
San Pedro and painter/sculp- tor Menthe Wells of Fullerton.
Entertainment at Vargas' studio will be performed by flutist Lee
Ann Scherr and percussionist Paige Leemhuis. Music represented will
range from Japan to Africa and the Middle East as well as native
cultures of North and South America. Their performances are at noon
and 2 p.m.
Glendale chiropractor George Chernich will offer free chair
massages from noon to 4 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the city of Glendale Arts and Culture
Commission. Many artists will be offering their works for sale.
The response from the arts and cultural community has been a real
inspiration, said Eve Rappoport, community services supervisor for
arts and culture for the city of Glendale.
"There has been a high level of collaboration between the artists
