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Saturday, March 9, 2024

Recap of IGNITE! A Fire Gifting Lounge, to Celebrate Oscars 2024.

 Recap of  IGNITE! A Fire Gifting Lounge, to Celebrate Oscars 2024.
(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, March 9 2024) By Karen Ostlund
Nicole Lester and Heather Marianna, founders of The Merritt + Marianna Group presented the IGNITE, A Fire Luxury Gifting Lounge, to celebrate Oscars 2024 at Ambrosian hotel in Santa Monica, March 7.

                                                                         

The Vanderpumpdogs.org/rescue-center flagship Rescue Center at 8134 West 3rd street in West Hollywood focus on the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of dogs to loving homes. The Vanderpump Dog Foundation has also built a community of dedicated dog activists, that are working to find forever homes for homeless animals across the city. PHOTO of 8 weeks Golden Retriever/Terrier mix.
                                                                              
A champagne toast and a special regard, was made to late publicist Doris Bergman, who died in a fire in her home, last February 8 2023.
                                                                                  
DJ Alex Cervantes from DJLX-LSV.com


This yearly event, is celebrating the hard work of movie writers, producers, and actors during Oscar Award season. The Lounge was benefiting the Vanderpump Dogs Foundation and their dog rescue, the Kids Excelling In College Foundation and the Business Architects TXG Foundation.
                                                                                   
TEMPER'S Cannabis Infused Seltzer TheCureBrand.com, DulceVidaTequila.com Fortune Cookies by WOKStarCatering.com
                                                                                    
Cha-Ching! Abundance Manifestation Green Spray from BarbieLayton.com/shop
 Essential oils of Lemon Grass and Sage with charged crystals of Citrine and Green Aventurine.
Barbie Layton is a verified quantum healer and executive coach, endorsed by the  scientist Dr. Glenn Rein. "My mission is to empower CEOs, elite athletes, and individuals to rediscover self-love, reinvigorate their dreams”.
                                                                                   
LaBlancheLifestyle.com  Pop-colored lipglosss of shine, to bring brightness to the face.This paraben free – mineral base formulation with Vitamin E, keeps lips moisturized all day.

Libralashandlipco.com offers cruelty free, natural and organic products that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. The faux mink lashes and nutrient-rich eye and lip gels are designed to nourish, protect, and rejuvenate the skin.

Voidspacetech.org new skincare line CLEAR SOURCE Rosewater, Eye-cream and Lavender oil.
MarissasBrowandBeautyBar.com Vegan-Self-Tanning Mousse and application mitt.

BeautyKitchen.net was born from my belief of 100% natural skincare and cosmetics without the use of chemical preservatives, said Heather Marianna. "My at-home-spa products of Rose Water Facial Toner and Rosehip and Hibiscus Face Moisturizer are hand-made fresh in the USA, and are always Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, and Sulfate-Free".


Trisprout.com 3 new products shots Sleep, Energy, Focus, which are vegan and gluten free made from BIOAMPED KRATOM EXTRACT and cookies from DDSBayouKitchen.com


                                                                              
ShopFarah.com Vegan Powder Blush Collection, named LAALI , which is an Urdu word for blush in English.


The gifting lounge featured unique and luxury brands as Dulce Vida Tequila, Ophora Water, Empress Gin, ATA Cosmetics, Camilla Seretti Jewelry, Precious Vodka, Royal Kingz Skincare, Christine Bond of C-B-OND 20/20, Hidden Hills Coffee, Art Lewin Bespoke Menswear, Beauty Kitchen, Farah Brushes, The Reading Room, La Casa del Camino, Blanche Lip Gloss and Barbie Layton, The Libra Collection, Andre Notice (Coach Andre), and Chef Katie Chin with WOKStarCatering.com                                                 
Ophorawater.com Nano-Pure®, Re-Structured®, Hyper-Oxygenated®, pH Balanced water that delivers a smooth taste, that is free of Chlorine, Pharmaceuticals, Fluoride, Nitrates, Pesticides, Trace Hormones and Heavy Metals.


Guests experienced to try out the Quantum Energy Wellness Bed from  Quantumenergywellnesscenter.com/ and beauty and make-up products and gourmet Asian-fusion cuisine.

                                                                                
Lifecider.com has one full tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in each can, blended with natural lemon juice, and lightly sweetened with raw honey, monk fruit, and organic erythritol for a tangy and tart.  Apple cider vinegar tonics are known to support multiple wellness benefits, including helping reduce blood sugar spikes after eating, improving nutrition absorption, and even reducing acid reflux.
                                                                                    
DrinkNotCoffee.com Award-winning coffee replacement made of mushroom extracts.
                                                                                        
Low Acid and gluten-free, organic blend Coffee from Las Vegas, hiddenhillscoffee.com/collections/low-acid-organic
                                                                       
Activation.co Agency sample bag of weed products.

     
Floral5.com photo-corner, based in Studio City.
                                                                               
Debuzz.me After-Party Aid with a blend of 3 probiotics that provide metabolizing enzymes to process alcohol and other dietary ingredients in the stomach after Oscar weekend.
 This probiotic blend has 3 key ingredients to accelerate metabolization in the stomach and the liver:  
- NAD+, a well-tested ingredient that’s known to increase cellular regeneration and oxidize alcohol.
- L-Cystine, an amino acid that stimulates toxin removal in the stomach and GI tract.
- Quercetin, a super antioxidant that stimulates alcohol breakdown enzymes in the liver.
 






Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Highlights from LA Art Show 2024.

 (WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, February 20 2024) By Karen Ostlund 

Highlights from the 29th Annual LA Art Show.  #LAArtShow


The LA Art Show, the city's premier and longest-running art fair, concluded its 29th year with an exceptional display of international talent and groundbreaking exhibitions at the Los Angeles Convention Center from February 14-18, 2024. Under the guidance of producer and director Kassandra Voyagis, the show brought together a diverse group of galleries, curators, collectors, and notable personalities.
                                                                                

 LA artist Robert Vargas was onsite for live painting of his powerful mural – inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s The World House – which honored Black History Month and conveyed a message of peace and unity.
                                        
                                                            
This year, the LA Art Show presented an impressive international lineup of more than 100 exhibitors including galleries from the Philippines, South Korea, Europe, Israel, Central America, South America and beyond. Mark your calendars for next year's 30th anniversary show at the LA Convention Center from February 19 to 23, 2025
                                                                            
(PHOTO) Kassandra Voyagis, LA Art Show Producer/Director, Damar Hamlin, NFL player, Actress & Singer, Lucy Hale, and Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association (AHA).


The 2024 fair debuted with a successful opening night premiere party on Valentine’s Day hosted by award-winning actress Lucy Hale, benefiting LA Art Show’s new charity partner, American Heart Association, which received 15% of ticket sales in support of the organization’s Life is Why™ campaign.    
"The LA Art Show is a one-stop destination for the public and collectors to view artwork from all over the world as we continue our commitment to delivering the most comprehensive and international contemporary art experience possible,” said Kassandra Voyagis, LA Art Show producer/director.

                                                                   
Young Masters Art Prize Exhibition presented by Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London.

 Innovation was at the forefront of this year's fair, with significant emphasis on artificial intelligence and Black History Month, showcasing initiatives that support emerging artists. Highlights included "Athletes for Life," founded by former NFL star Greg Bell, and the featured exhibition of the Young Masters Art Prize by Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London, which supports emerging talents from diverse backgrounds.
                                                                             
                                                                          
LP Gallery from South Korea featured renowned artist Dain Yoon known for makeup paintings on her skin, to create surreal self-portraits.

                                                                                   
Me with artist Marco Olivier. His pieces are a blend of resin and bronze craftsmanship and emotive storytelling, DagaroElla.com
                                                                                    
Artist Carole Feuerman swimmer “Chrysalis".
                                                                                  
Emily Maddigan's sculpture of foam, speaker wire, sequins, pins, chain, tin fan and trim.

                                                                                    
The Journey by Guillermo Bert was presented by the Nevada Museum of Art. Life-sized, laser-cut wooden sculptures Latinx workers.


DIVERSEartLA was curated by Marisa Caichiolo, partnered with seven international art institutions to explore the intersection of memory and AI. Projects, included the Nevada Museum of Art that presented The Journey by Guillermo Bert. It features 20 life-sized wood sculptures of immigrants employed as frontline workers during the pandemic as a way to explore how ancient traditions and AI merge to create narratives of identity and memory. 

                                                                                 

AAL Museum (Santiago, Chile) presented a hypnotizing visual narrative. Installation Be Water, led by artist, Antuan, highlights the essential collaboration between humanity and AI to create a new network of human consciousness. It presents the multifaceted dimensions of water in nature and human life.
                                                                                  
Mythstories' presented by MAC – Museum Contemporary Art, Bogotá, Colombia. Artist Carlos Castro Arias. with curator Gustavo Adolfo Ortiz Serrano. Through the ancient medieval technique of tapestry and with the use of an iconography that links the ancient and the contemporary, Carlos weaves a new understanding of our recent history with the trans-cultural.
                                                                                
Project "Threaded Tracing" by artist Chris Coleman, uses computer vision technology (LiDAR) to encode natural and human made spaces into digital memory. It was made during visits to forests and airports across the US.
                                                                              
Citibank presented a series of Gallerist talks, featuring Daphne Alazraki of Daphne Alazraki Fine Art, New York City and La Jolla, California, as well as Cynthia Valianti Corbett of the Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London. (PHOTO) Artists Klari Reis and Nicole Etienne. LAArtshow.com

Friday, February 9, 2024

The Hollywood Museum’s Black History Month Exhibit “This Joint is Jumpin”.

 The Hollywood Museum’s Black History Month Exhibit
                              “This Joint is Jumpin”

                  A Celebration of Black Entertainers
                         From Film, TV, and Song.


(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, February 9 2024) Photos by Karen Ostlund.

#TheHollywoodMuseum #BlackHistoryMonth

                                                                        

Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President of The Hollywood Museum) joined many celebrities, as they honored Black History Month with a new exhibit  “This Joint is Jumpin” February 8th 2024. - It’s a celebration of black entertainers from film, television and song.

                                                                                
The Pointers Sisters costumes.

More than 35 black entertainers are represented in this year’s exhibition with their costumes, memorabilia and jewelry.

                                                                                 

Jewelry WESTWORLD Thandie Newton.
                                                                                        
                                                                                    
Todd Bridges, Gary Coleman "Diff"rent Strokes".


Here is just a few of the many stars featured in the exhibit:
Eddie Murphy, Queen Latifah, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L. Jackson, 50 Cent, Tiffany Haddish, RuPaul, Billy Porter, Denzel Washington, Greg Morris, Forest Whitaker, Sherman Hemsley, Viola Davis, Don Cheadle, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Petri Hawkins Byrd, Nell Carter, Wayne Brady, Jimmie “JJ” Walker, Jackee` Harry, and costumes  from Female singers including: Pearl Bailey, Lena Horne, Natalie Cole, Eartha Kitt, Whitney Houston, The Pointer Sisters and Ella Fitzgerald.
                                                                          
Jackee Harry and James Reynolds 'Days of Our Lives”.
 The history goes way back, when black educators and black united students at Kent State University first proposed Black History Month in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later, from January 2 to February 28, 1970.
                                                                             
Eartha Kitt dress "The Good Old Days”.
Six years later, Black History Month was being celebrated all across the country in educational institutions, centers of black culture, and community centers, both great and small, when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976, during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial.
He urged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area throughout our history". www.thehollywoodmuseum.com

                                                                        

Cassandra Creech, Donelle Dadigan and Phil Morris.


Thursday, February 1, 2024

LA Art Show returns Valentine’s Day to kick off LA's 2024 art season.

 LA Art Show returns Valentine’s Day to kick off LA's 2024 art season.

(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, CA, February 1 2024) – By Karen Ostlund

The LA Art Show, LA’s largest and longest-running art fair, returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from February 14-18, to kick off the city’s 2024 art season. The fair debuts with an opening night premiere party on Valentine’s Day hosted by award-winning actress Lucy Hale, in collaboration with LA Art Show’s new charity partner, American Heart Association, that is celebrating 100 years.
                                                                         

 “It's an honor for me, to host the 2024 LA Art Show Opening Night Premiere Party and bring further awareness to an evening that unites the importance of art, culture and philanthropy” said Lucy Hale. “On a personal note, I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the American Heart Association whose mission touches people all across the world”.

Her support will encourage  a new generation of art collectors and shine light on the important work of the American Heart Association, which funds research that improves health outcomes for heart disease and stroke patients as well as supports lifesaving CPR education.It will be her first time host of the LA Art Show.

Hale's credits include "Pretty Little Liars”, "Puppy Love" and Vertical's hit "The Hating Game", and Decal’s  romantic drama "Which Brings Me To You" opposite Nat Wolff which was released January 19th this year..
The LA Art Show will donate 15% of proceeds from every ticket to the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign.


The LA Art show is guided by LA Art Show producer & director Kassandra Voyagis, and promises another spectacular international lineup of exhibitors from countries including the Philippines, Italy, Israel, Peru and South Korea:
“With over 100 galleries, museums and nonprofits exhibiting this year, we continue our commitment to creating the most comprehensive contemporary art experience possible.” said Voyagis. “This year’s show will celebrate art—globally and locally—and inspire important dialogue.”


LA Art Show 2024 Programming to Ignite Dialogue:
•Curated by Marisa Caichiolo, the LA Artshow’s non-commercial program, DIVERSEartLA is partnering with seven international art institutions to explore the intersection of memory, humanity, and AI through a selection of art, technology, and multimedia exhibitions. 

                                                                        

Among the participants is the Nevada Museum of Art that will present “The Journey” (photo) by contemporary artist Guillermo Bert and The Museum of Contemporary Art in Bogotá will present “Myth Stories” by multimedia artist Carlos Castro Arias.
Guillermo Bert makes artworks that explore the immigrants who have left their home countries behind.. His primary focus has been the experiences of people and families who enter the United States along the U.S. – Mexico border. Bert's artwork draws metaphorical relationships between the journeys of migrants,  and empty desert landscapes

                                                                          
•LP Gallery from South Korea will feature renowned artist Dain Yoon Yoon, known for using her own body as a canvas, painting on her skin to create surreal self-portraitsthat often trick the eye with 3D shading.  Dain Yoon’s pieces are playful yet profound, reflecting her emotional states and the complexity of identity in our modern world. Now living in the U.S., her work showcases a creative evolution from processing the challenges she faced as a young woman in South Korea to embracing a more stable, confident persona in her new environment.


•To time with Black History Month, the Tanya Weddemire Gallery is set to exhibit the talents of four pioneering black artists, exploring a range of themes, including identity, culture and resilience:
Guy Stanley Philoche "Give Us Our Flowers”, Serron Green "Invisible”, Gregory Saint Amand "Play Time” and O’Neil Scott "Distant Memories”.


•Fabrik Projects Galleryin Los Angeles welcomes ‘The Soul of Your City’ exhibition, a unique visual journey and the culmination of a global photography competition aimed at capturing the hidden spirit and true identity of cities throughthe lenses of local photographers.‘The Soul of Your City’ competition was born out of a desire to explore and reveal the unseen aspects of urban living.
The works showcased in this exhibition are the winners of the competition, selected for their exceptional ability to convey the ‘soul of their cities.’

•Cynthia Corbett Young Masters: The upcoming featured exhibition of Young Masters Art Prize, presented by Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London, represents an international initiative committed to supporting and promoting emerging talents from diverse backgrounds. It was founded by gallerist Cynthia Valianti Corbett in 2009,Young Masters provides a platform for artists who draw inspiration from artistic traditions of the past.
Select artists from each of the six editions will be featured at 2024 LA Art Show, in a showcase that stands out for its cultural diversity and strong representation of female-identifying artists, with 75% of applicants fitting this category.


• The Expanded Learning (EXL) and Athletes for Life (AFL) Foundation launched the Southern California Art “n” the Schools Art Contest, inviting SoCal students to submit their artwork.
Winning artwork will be displayed at this year’s show in a special sponsors’ lounge, along with works from Greg Bell's art collection.
Athletes for Life has been providing guidance and leadership programs to youth since 1989 and was founded by former NFL Pro Bowl running back Greg Bell, who spent his childhood rising above the negative peer pressures of his neighborhood.  

LAArtShow.com for more info and tickets.
 

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

WOW! Creations Lifestyle Lounge to Celebrate Emmys 2024 at The Aster Hotel.

 WOW! Creations Lifestyle Lounge to Celebrate Emmys 2024 at The Aster.
(WestHollywoodToday.blogspot, CA January 16 2024)       

Photos and story by Karen Ostlund

     #WowCreationsmedia #WowCreations #Emmys2024  #TheAster

Guests enjoyed Vegan and Organic Skincare presentations, while sipping on Vodka, Gin and Wine paired with Acai, Donuts and Chocolate at the rooftop of The Aster, in the heart of Hollywood, CA.
                                                                          

WOW! Creations-media event-producers Matt and Mark Harris (center) partnered with the Aster Hotel in Hollywood, CA to present their annual Emmy-gifting and marketing lounge, January 12 at The Aster Hotel penthouse rooftop - three days before the Primetime Emmys 2024.
                                                                           

Chocolatiereve.com/ Chocolatier Eve from Malibu is a maker of small batch Artesian chocolates. Each piece is made by hand to create imagination, flavor, and design. Among the flavors, Whiskey truffles, Passion-fruit truffles, Wine filled hearts, Zen yuzu white chocolate and Madagascar vanilla bean caramels and Sakura tea cherry blossom flavor.
                                                                     
Acai as served in Brasil, UbatubaAcai.com
19 locations in Los Angeles,  Ventura and Orange Counties. Ubatuba Acai bowls have 6 base ingredients to choose from; Acai, Pitaya, Matcha, Agave Coconut, Overnight Oats and Chia Pudding.
                                                                                   
ORGANIC and VEGAN Skincare:
Bluelene.com face and neck remodel mask, made of Peptides, Growthfactors + Methylene Blue - remodels the face and neck by lifting sagging neck skin, contouring the jawline, lifting the cheeks.

EcoMDskincare.com TRIO line: Revitalizing Eye cream, Botanical Exfoliant and Vegan Retinol Serum.

HouseofOrangeco.com/
Fruit-based  Pitaya and Hibiscus Cleansing Facial Powder.

BrendasBotanicalsTaos.com Pinon Resin Incense and Original Trementina salve.
The Piñon tree is one of the most prominent trees in Northern New Mexico, contributing to the unique scent of "Taos Air",  used for generations in their Botanicals.

MilagroGoatFarm.org Organic Goat Milk, and Essential Oils. The raw organic goat's milk comes from Nubian goats, and is hand processed daily. 100% organic essential oils is used in their soaps.

                                                                           
Amarraglambodyproducts.com/
Patrika Darbo is trying GLAM organic body scrubs in 6 scents; Brown Sugar, Coffee Craze, Lavender Lush, Lemon Love, MAD About Mango and Strawberry Crush.


                                                                           
Lou Ferrigno at the booth of DMDSKINLOVE.com which is honoring the connection in-between mind, body, spirit and soul through skincare and wellness.
                                                                                  
MIX PRODUCTS:
DMDskinlove.com; COCOA LOVE Facial Mask, JULS Everyday Serum, OH OH Marley Whipped Shea Butter Moisturizer.

Skippy P.B.BITES Peanutbutter.com/

Planters peanuts Planters.com/products/nuts-and-seeds/peanuts/

Buzzbox.com Long Island Cocktail.

DAXhaircare.com. Short and neat styling gel.

Arwin.shop/  BIOCHEM Hydrating Face Ampoules, BIOCHEM Rosa Vita Tonic Mist, BIOCHEM Bulgarian Rose Cleansing Mousse.
                                         
Kate Linder with friend at the booth of /Drnaz.net/  Dr.Golnaz Rafalian is a  certified hypnotherapist  and energy healer, who offers a broad holistic program integrating the metaphysical wisdom and techniques of the East with therapeutic hypnosis.It's used to find solutions to many conditions and relief for those who are dealing with stress, fears, addictions, pain and loss.

                                                                             

Bigmouthtoothbrush.com/ "As Seen On Shark Tank" with 2 Brush Heads. 9 Hours Battery Life.
5 cleansing options: Clean, Polish, White, Massage and Sensitive - each powered by Sonic  50,000 vibrations/minute for deep cleansing.


                                                                               

Vincent de Paul at Optimal Rush
Medicated Eyedrops booth. https://centralcalicaregivers.net/product/optima-rush-medicated-eye-drops

                                                                             
Author Kimberly Meredith  (Thehealingtrilogy.com/) with her book "Awakening to the 5th Dimension" was modeling the new pink Barbie jacket from 33-symbols.com/

                                                                              
"How to Set Your Sail and Let God Provide the Wind" is the debut book from Christian author Trung K. Vu who is also a Wealth & Financial Advisor. His book talks about "How to work with God to create a life of success and happiness and to reach your goals". Vu teaches the key steps in this book, to live a fulfilled life with God's plan. Sold at Amazon.com
                              
Iron Lace Bracelets was created by self-taught Jewelry designer and owner, Marinna Teal   Ironlacejewels.com/shop  is  Inspired by the individual beauty of women, men and children of all ages. Iron Lace Jewels creates  customizes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and body jewels.
 
VintageDistilling.com from Los Angeles. Guests compared 35% alcohol Honey Vodka with 40% alcohol, Hand-crafted Vodka.
Paired on the photo with Randy's Sprinkled ice-cake donut, Randysdonuts.com/menu/

    
Empressgin.com/
Empress 1908 Gin  launched its latest Elderflower Rose Gin in British Columbia, Canada. The Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin is handcrafted in copper-pot stills in small batches by Victoria Distillers in Sidney, British Columbia.
                                                                                 
Mosole.com/en/wines/territorial-wines/tai/ Fruity and full-bodied Tai Mosole white wine.

WOW Creations is a Los Angeles based celebrity marketing agency since 2004. WOW Creations has partnered with ABC “The Bachelor” “Bachelor Pad” The Recording Academy, The Grammy’s Miss America, Miss Universe, Miss USA, TV Land Awards TBS, Canadian Country Music awards, Chris Evert Celebrity Tennis Challenge to create many events around the country.

WOW Creations twin brothers Mark and Matthew Harris also host their weekly radio show “The Taste-makers”, and they have appeared two seasons of “Storage Wars” on A&E Network. www.wowcreationsmedia.com

 Additional vendors featured;
LuxuryGala.com LaCasadelCamino.com, ParsPrivateReserveCigars.com, UnGunInstitute.com and SculpturesbyStella.net