Monrovia Association of Fine Arts 13th annual fundraiser – “Acknowledge the Arts”

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts proudly presents our 13th annual fundraiser – “Acknowledge the Arts” on Friday June 21, 2013 from 7pm to 10 pm at the Double Tree by Hilton located at 924 West Huntington Drive,  Monrovia, CA.   Please join us as we acknowledge this year’s “Renaissance Award” winner Susan Hirsch (Director of MUSD’s Quest Academy), “Hearts in Arts” recipient Rouzanna Berberian (local artist and community volunteer) and our “Student Artist” awardees Robin Starkey and Bella Cabot.  This is the first year that we focus our award presentations on those involved primarily in education.  

Here are portions of the nomination statement for Susan Hirsch: “I don't know anyone who is as passionate and supportive of arts as Susan.  She has done so much for the community through so many volunteer programs and has been great supporter of MAFA as long as I know.   Actually she was instrumental in starting the After School Art Program (ASAP).  She was the after school director when Scott Sallinger, then vice president of MAFA and Susan met to start the initial program - after school art classes at the Plymouth Elementary nearly 10 years ago. Susan wanted ALL students at the after school program in the entire district to participate in art classes, because she understood the importance of art education.  Her goal was accomplished with MAFA's support, of course.   She has been great promoter of MAFA during community events, meetings, etc.... such as the Friday Night Y Life.  She attended all the Square One meetings and had volunteered every Friday night during the summer for the last two years.  Susan always pushed for the ARTS.  For example, it was her idea to have “garage bands" play during the event which gave them an opportunity to be exposed to a larger audience.  She brought people to introduce "Library Park youth" to different musical instruments, and asked MAFA's support for art classes.   Now that she is the director of Quest Academy working with severely at risk youth, I see her exposing students to arts as much as she can by enrolling them into special art program where students can take online art classes.  She has taken them to art museums and art schools such as the Art Center.  She also asked me if I can teach them art and managed to get a small grant from Boys and Girls Club in Monrovia which funded some classes last year.  Her passion and support for the arts makes her the perfect candidate for the Renaissance Award.”  

Rouzanna Berberian has been an active MAFA member for 10 years and currently holds a Board position.   She was involved in the After School Art Program from its beginning.  She was also involved in Friday Night Y Life by providing art projects for the youth who attend the event in the summer.  Rouzanna believes so much in the promotion of arts to the youth that her son and daughter are MAFA members as well and have become a big help to their Mother.  She truly has her heart in the arts!      

Bella Cabot, a Monrovia High Senior in Ms. Tiffany Parker's art class, is currently an Advance Placement student and her art work has really developed and grown!  Robin Starkey, Monrovia High Senior works in all level in both ceramics and sculpture.  She has designed her own style of sculpting that separates her work from other students.   

Tickets are $40 per person in advance and are available on our web site at http://www.monroviafinearts.org/home_page.html - scroll down and purchase using PayPal.  You may also purchase your tickets at Paint 'n' Play Art Studio and Gallery located at 418 South Myrtle Avenue.  We hope to see you there.