18 ART & ABOUT VALLEY OF THE ARTS Lon Michels MFA with Barbara Gothard. by Lon Michels and Todd Olson Karen and Tony Barone are not only amazing, talented artists, but also philanthropists through their art. Their doggy sculpture, “R Hero”, and more than 25 other beautiful, super, duper, sculptures of animals in bright colors, are now shown around the USA, and the world, in honor of heroes among us. Lon and myself were given a very special gift, by being invited into the Barone’s home/studio. When you visit a studio, it can be a very sacred place for creation to the artist. We saw first hand all of the beauty in sculpture and paintings, they collaboratively create. Upon driving up one is delighted to see an original Barone, realistic, larger then life, fabulous, ice cream cone. At one time, Karen and Tony together ran a glam store in NYC called Barone’s. Located in SoHo, the shop was filled with sybaritic necessities. At one time they employed over 350 people. Some of their more famous customers, just to mention a few, were Madona, Divine, Yoko Ono and Grace Jones. Many of these legends were regular shoppers for everything they did not need, but had to have, including my own husband Lon Michels MFA. When he was not working for Louise Nevelson or creating in his own work as an accomplished NYC artist , one of his fondest memories of NYC was to shop and see the fabulous, and famous people in Barone’s store. Much like Lon and myself, Karen and Tony work 6 days a week creating together in their studio. They also travel vast distances all over the,” Valley Of The Arts”, to oversee major works of their sculpture. Karen is petite, and unique in her own style ,much like Nevelson, beautiful with vivid blue eyes. The integrity and respect they have for each other is captured in their work as well as their actions in their daily lives. Our common Midwest connection is special. The Barones are from Chicago, and Lon and myself own a gentlemen’s farm 2 hours north, in Madison WI. The story of how Karen and Tony met is romantic and very special. Glances from a train platform, and a sketch Tony drew of Karen on that commuter ride home, are what great love stories are made of! With the connection they have, and love for each other, the arts are alive and well ever since they met. The exhibition, “Feast For The Eyes” curated by both artists, will have an opening reception Jan. 28th, at University of California Riverside, Palm Desert Campus. Fourteen artists will be in the show, with yours truly, Todd and my husband, Lon. We will have in the show a special side by side painting we did together. This space is amazing. The last show I was in that was curated by the Barones , “The Face Of It”, had standing room only! This incredible couple has become our friends. When asked about their life together here is what Tony said: “<strong>LIVE</strong> ART”. This is also a profound analogy for all of us here in the “Valley Of Arts”. “A rising tide lifts all ships”, was also said by Tony. This was directed towards the Lon Michels Gallery in our new space. We are honored! We are very grateful to have both Karen and Tony as friends. Let’s bring all our ships of art together for a cruise! Hopefully the ships are cruise ships and we will first in line at the buffet and shuffleboard! 50 Janet Cass and Barbara Gothard have an exhibition which opened on <strong>January</strong> 7, and runs for the entire month. Gothard’s painting is pictured with her beautiful self. Barbara is the President of the Palm Springs Art Museum, Artists Council. We are so grateful for the time and energy she gives to so many in this volunteer position. The featured artists are members of the Palm Springs Art Museum Artists Council, and were selected for this honor by the Saguaro. Now entering its second year of hosting, these Artist Council exhibits at the Saguaro feature new works from two artists every month, in a location adjacent to the hotel lobby. The Palm Springs Art Museum Artists Council, is composed of more than 400 professional artists and museum members actively engaged in the arts through exhibitions, workshops, and art-related programs. The council fosters fellowship among members and promotes the role of artists in the Coachella Valley. The members’ artistic endeavors are recognized locally, nationally and internationally. In addition, Artists Council members initiate and participate in fund-raising activities that support museum educational programs that provide opportunities for the community to engage in the visual arts. When artists create with love and integrity, we are all privileged to not only be able to see their work, but to experience a part of the artist’s soul. To behold this is to cherish what is sometimes as referred to as God, or the universe. Creation working through the artist’s mind and spirit, with the artist acting as a vessel, down to the hands, and then for the world to enjoy. Whatever the created art may be, always realize that it is a gift from the artist. The Hero In you Foundation, Barone Art and so much more may be found at www.baroneart.com
Vol 8 <strong>Issue</strong> 200 <strong>January</strong> 9, thru <strong>January</strong> 23, <strong>2015</strong> 200th <strong>Issue</strong>! 19 M A G A Z I N E Palm Springs Gary and Joan Gand Los Angeles Mandy Gonzalez San Diego Tom Goss Las Vegas Larry Atello • Shows • Events • Dining • Travel • Benefits • People • MIXER GUEST OF HONOR SCOTT HISTED MAR 10 5-7 707 NORTH PALM CANYON PS, CA 0 6TH ANNUAL “Hollywood’s Biggest Shows Night” Party and Events Benefiting AIDS Assistance Program Palm 50 Springs Palm Springs Benefiting AIDS Assistance Program Enjoy a sumptuous meal and watch the OSCARS® at Trio! Shows The magic begins at 4:30 pm and Events Enjoy a sumptuous meal and watch the OSCARS® at Trio! The magic begins at 4:30 pm with signature ‘Orange Carpet’ arrivals. VIP/premium seating (advance purchase only) includes prix-fixe dinner, well drinks, wine, and champagne. For reservations, please contact AAP at 760-325-8481 or visit aidsassistance.org. Sunday, <strong>February</strong> 22, <strong>2015</strong>, 4:30 PM at TRIO Restaurant, 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. $125 bar seating, $150 general seating, & $175 VIP/premium seating. Ministries 760-327-3802
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