The CotoBuzz Journal, Community Journalism

May 2009

We do not make jokes, we simply watch the LA Times, the Orange County Register and CID/HOA board of directors and report the facts

Angel for the Arts Fundraiser a Success

Posted by CotoBlogzz | 4/06/2009 | 1:00 PM

Mission Viejo, CA – The Angels for the Arts at Saddleback College held a gala fundraising event to support students in the arts on Saturday March 14^th at 8pm. Guests were greeted by delectable aromas and Spanish guitar music as they arrived, and Saddleback students were showcased in a poetic street scene setting complete with artists and their wares along with sidewalk chefs at work. At one end of the promenade Lenny Scarola’s art student, Celia Wu, who specializes in flamenco dancer art, sketched (in charcoal) a flamenco model. Music student and Angels Board member Lauren Baba posed for this work of art. At the other end, Richard White’s ceramic student, Thalia Isen, gave a pottery demonstration and displayed her wares. Culinary Arts students, donning their full chef regalia, with Chef Dominique Fournier at the helm, cooked an array of succulent and authentic Spanish tapas for patrons to enjoy with their sangria. Proceeds benefit Saddleback College student scholarships in the arts. This year, the Angels will present 5 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to students in Art/Photography, Music, Theatre, Speech and Dance.

Lauren Baba (left), Celia Wu (right), Photo: Jim Selkin

Inside the McKinney Theatre at 8pm, Yaelisa y Caminos Flamencos brought the passion, power and poetry of Spain to an enthusiastic audience. Yaelisa is one of the most gifted Flamenco artists of her generation. Raised by a Spanish flamenco artist, she was surrounded from birth by rhythms, gestures and vocal laments of the art in its purest form, where her unique improvisational abilities began to flourish. This lavish event also featured Flamenco guitarist Jason McGuire “El Rubio.”

Preceding the gala event, on Friday, March 13^th, Yaelisa and El Rubio presented master classes for Saddleback students and the community.

According to Rocky Cifone, Dean of Fine Arts, “this gala event blended so much richness and diversity – the art, dance, music, and flavors of Spain . The Angels for the Arts continue to help Saddleback College remain the cultural destination for South County . And our students will obtain real assistance during these tough economic times through the scholarship money the event raised. Bravo!”

Angels for the Arts at Saddleback is a fundraising and support organization for the Performing and Visual Arts at Saddleback College . Angel members donate their time and talent to raise funds and assist with a variety of arts events on the campus. The group is lead by a volunteer advisory board of directors. Angel members believe in the importance of offering a full spectrum of arts to the community, with the college as the focal point. These events bring together Orange County residents from all walks of life, for the purpose of enlightenment, entertainment, and inspiration. Angels for the Arts provide support for:

Scholarships for students in Visual & Performing Arts
Passport to the Arts Children’s Summer Series
Master classes with professional artists
Hospitality for guest artist performers and crew
Enhancements for arts patrons, such as the tram
Annual Fundraiser Gala

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers more than 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu. For Fine Arts events, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

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