Big Bear Lake, CA, August 29, 2013 – The Big Bear Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) was formed in 1983 to enhance the professional and personal growth of members and young women and girls in the community. On Sunday, September 8, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., the group will present its annual “Women in the Arts” celebration at the lakeside home of Carol and Don Bremer.
The afternoon will feature nine local women authors, artists and musicians — three from each field — who will offer a panel discussion on their creative process, perform live music, and have their artwork, music and books on display and for sale. Wine, food from local eateries, and silent auction baskets will round out the program.
Tickets are $25, with all proceeds benefiting AAUW’s scholarship and Tech Trek programs for local students. Email for reservations or more information to kharper@doves4help.org.
PARTICIPANTS:
ANNIE ALDRICH, Ceramicist
A long-time valley resident, Annie studied art and ceramics at California State University. The color, shape and texture of her work reflect her love of the valley environment and make her work distinctive as well as attractive. Annie travels to over twenty art shows a year throughout the state, where repeat buyers often come to purchase additional pieces for their collections. Annie states on her website, “I enjoy creating functional, affordable pieces of art that will bring joy for many years to come.”
PEGGY BALDWIN, Cellist
Following in the footsteps of her professional cellist mother, Peggy has had a life-long love of the instrument. After winning the position of principle chair with the Fresno Philharmonic immediately out of college, Peggy performed with a wide variety of symphonies and chamber groups, ending with an interest in studio work for movies, TV and recording artists. Her resume boasts sessions for Kiss, George Harrison, Donne Warwick, Henry Mancini, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder and Brian Wilson among many others, plus frequent TV appearances. Peggy’s solo CD, “String of Whispers” will be included in the auction and available for sale.
SYD BLUE, Author
Syd is a commercial pilot and runs an aviation business in the southwest U.S. that specializes in aerial surveillance. Her novels include Circle and FlyGirl, which was written to inspire teen girls to take on the challenge of areas traditionally reserved for men, particularly piloting. Syd has also written and produced for magazines, film, TV and commercials.
VANESSA FINNEY, Vocalist
Vanessa’s first vocal performance was as a sophomore at Big Bear High School. She went on to study music and literature at Santa Monica College and UCLA before coming home to Big Bear, where she is now an announcer at KBHR 93.3 FM. After performing in “Songs of Broadway” at the Big Bear Cave Event Center this summer, she is now writing a cabaret show, “Songs from the Cinema.” Vanessa also acts as the Film Music Award Coordinator for the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival. Her vocals can be heard here.
LAURA JANES, Artist
“I am an artist whose paintings are inspired by the landscape,” says Laura Janes. A professional artist for the past 25 years, Laura came to the mountain 11 years ago. In addition to creating art in acrylics and watercolor, she conducts art camps for youth and adults, and is currently leading students of the Marquee Academy of Performing Arts in Palm Springs in painting large canvases to decorate their learning center. Laura is a member of the Palm Springs Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and is the 2013/2014 President of the Interior Design Society of Palm Springs. Her work is displayed in many local galleries.
RITA ROBINSON, Author/Photographer
A former reporter, Rita has written 11 books and is an award-wining journalist with more than 1,500 published magazine articles to her credit. Her photography has accompanied many of her articles and books, and is also sold through several stock photo websites. Rita has been an instructor with Writer’s Digest School for 16 years, conducts writer’s workshops through various conferences and community colleges, and works as a private writing coach and editor.
RITA STEC, M.D., Author
Dr. Stec’s medical training included general surgery, radiation oncology and internal medicine. It was her work at an Indian clinic that lead to focusing on preventive health care and eventually a practice in internal medicine for women. While continuing in private practice, Dr. Stec also organized many community health education seminars, and for five years co-hosted a weekly local TV program on health issues. Her book, A Woman’s Home Health Companion: A Guide to Wellness is available in both hard cover and Kindle.
ELAINE TREI, Artist
Elaine’s images of flowers, landscapes, fruit and people in both oil and watercolor are done in an impressionist, free style meant to evoke a joyful, peaceful feeling. She hopes the happiness she feels as she paints is then passed on to the viewer. Elaine’s pieces are displayed in her Big Bear Lake studio, and can also be seen at the yearly “Art on the Lake” event and in other shows off the hill. Her work has won numerous ribbons at shows throughout Southern California.
NANCY WALKER, Vocalist
A professional jazz vocalist for over 30 years, Nancy started her career singing with jazz trios and big bands, and in restaurants and hotels to piano accompaniment. Her credits include bookings at the Westwood Marquis Hotel, Barnaby’s, Manhattan Bar and Grill and the Redlands Bowl. Nancy has also performed at The White House, at a private holiday concert for the Secret Service and their families. Nancy’s musical stylings are a popular draw on the mountain. She frequently performs at The Wine Room, at her own Fawnskin Bed and Breakfast Inn, and in local theater productions. She has released several CDs and frequently donates her talents to local fundraisers.
