TOWN:Local arts provide the dusting of souls

One of the greatest things ever said about art was articulated by Pablo Picasso. "Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life," the Spanish painter and sculptor once said.

This past weekend, many Burbank residents immersed themselves in that dust-cleansing wash as they took advantage of two events that proved the arts are alive, well and, most importantly, supported in our community. On Friday evening, the Creative Arts Center hosted a reception to celebrate their current "29 Artists" show, while on Sunday residents of all ages gathered in Lincoln Park to enjoy a Shakespeare at Play production of "Much Ado About Nothing".

Friday's reception at the Creative Arts Center in George Izay Park kicked-off a month-long showing of the works of 29 local area artists. Conceptualized and coordinated by sculptor Charles Borman, the show presents works created in various media including painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, pastel, ceramics and sculpture.

"As a former gallery owner I know how many extremely talented artists there are in the local area," said Borman, who himself works in bronze. "Most of the artists whom I have invited to showcase their works in this show are people I have known and worked with for a long time."

Along with Borman, the artists who are participating in the show — which will run through Aug. 23 — include Jane Asari, Walter Askin, Gerald Brommer, Jane Friend, Teri Garcia, Ellen Grim, Arline Helm, Angela Hernandez, Ron Kriss, Meredith Ann Olson, Yuichiro Roy Kuniski, Paul Lam, Louis Lemoine, Roy Walden, Ricky Maldonado, Gloria Martin, David McNutt, Cecilia Miguez, Janet Olenik, Kathy Oshima, Shirley Pettibone, Al Porter, Ann Sanders, Jack Selleck, Joe Soldate, Zolita Sverdlove, Bonese Collins Turner and Loraine Veeck.

Among those enjoying Friday's reception were Juliet White and her son Stiles White, Johnathon Gallagher, Tree Lockie, Bret Wilson, Tita Lemoine, and Doug and Lynn Lefler.

On Sunday afternoon, more of the dust of everyday life was washed away as families filed into Lincoln Park at the Buena Vista Branch Library to enjoy Shakespeare at Play's presentation of "Much Ado About Nothing".

The event attracted a sizable audience families, who enjoyed the Bard of Avon's play that chronicles the tale of Claudio, Hero, Benedick and Beatrice