"Art in the Spirit II"
April 20, 2002

co-hosted by Linda Vallejo, Artist and Victor Raphael, Artist and Curator
"Art in the Spirit" is a salon dedicated to sharing friendship, conversation, and the arts with a focus on the spirit

Our guests included:

Elizabeth Bloom, artist
David Bloom, collector
Rudy Calderon, sculptor
Judi Jordan, writer and director
Rick Ortega, artist
Joel Penner, musician and healer
Dana White, professor, Art Institute of Los Angeles
Monica Meraz, CSUN Community Partnership Program
Cori, CSUN Community Partnership Program

(left to right) Victor Raphael, Rick and Alma Ortega, Dana and Michele White, Elizabeth Bloom.

Artist Elizabeth Bloom presenting (left to right) Victor Raphael, Joel Penner, Monica Meraz.

"The Art of the Spirit Salon provided a unique gathering place for kindred spirits of diverse backgrounds a nd interests to meet and exchange ideas. There was a spirit of community among the participants who might not otherwise have met in this melting pot of Los Angeles. Linda was an excellent facilitator drawing people out in an exploration of ideas and in the sharing of their work. I came away feeling moved and inspired; my horizons broadened by the people I met, by their work, and by the spirit of generosity that prevailed. There is a hunger in our busy world for this kind of intimate coming together and interchange. Thank you, Linda!" -Artist Elizabeth Bloom

"Thank you, Linda, for a wonderfully stimulating and inspired time yesterday.  I especially enjoyed the sense of community, the depth of interaction and the sincerity of every one participating. A refreshing difference from the usual  events and encounters in the art world. David and I both appreciated your hospitality and generosity of spirit." -Elizabeth Bloom, Artist

"Linda, I really enjoyed the Salon. I was impressed with everyone's work. The depth and beauty of each person's presentation was amazing. The discussions were stimulating and gave me insight into the art - spirit process. I look forward to upcoming events. Thanks. Joel." -Joel Penner, Musician and Healer

Artist Rudy Calderon presenting (left to right) Monica Meraz, Cori, Alma Ortega, Ron Dillaway, Rick Ortega, Dana and Michele White, Linda Vallejo, Elizabeth Bloom.

Artist Rick Ortega.

"Salon 1600, Art in the Spirit II, was a stunning experience that brought light into a roomful of vibrant, interesting people. Art, to me, is truly the outer expression and the evening seemed to capture this essence. Sharing is a special way to give to each other the magic we hold in our hearts, these are truly the seeds of oneness and unity."

-Artist Rick Ortega

Artist and Salon Co-Host Victor Raphael

"The most recent installment of the Art In the Spirit salon was another reminder of the interest there is in meeting and dialoguing with other creative individuals looking to connect and broaden their horizons. The mix of guests and the inspiring environment created another memorable evening."

-Artist Victor Raphael

Writer and director Judi Jordan presenting (left to right) Dana and Michele White

"What a wonderful evening Michele and I enjoyed in your home. You are a gracious host and I was deeply honored to be included in Saturday's event."

-Dana White, professor, Art Institute of Los Angeles

(left to right) Linda Vallejo, Rudy Calderon. Collector David Bloom

Elizabeth Bloom

is an artist based in Los Angeles who works in a variety of media. Her work has been exhibited at the Hammer Museum of Art, the Platt Gallery at the University of Judaism, the Lancaster Museum and the Downey Museum of Art. She has received the Founders' Award from the Woodmere Art Museum in Philadelphia and the Gimbel Excellence Award from the Fleisher Art Memorial.

Rudy Calderon

is an exhibiting fine artist specializing in stone and mixed media sculpture. His work has been exhibited internationally in Hispanic Works on Paper, LACMA; IV International Festival of Snow and Ice Sculpture (Russia); a one-man exhibition at Occidental College; and Natural Forces in LA Sculpture, Barnsdall Art Park. Mr. Calderon is also a past member of the Streetscapers, an LA based mural group.

Victor Raphael

is an artist based in Los Angeles who works in a variety of media including painting, photography, printmaking, video, and the computer. His artwork has been exhibited internationally, and can be found in such collections as The Bibliotheque nationale de France, the Skirball Museum, Los Angeles, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography. He has been the recipient of two grants from the Polaroid Corporation. In May 2000, Raphael had a 20 year retrospective exhibition of his work at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University.

Ricardo Ortega

His works have been exhibited at Galeria Las Americas, in Santa Monica, Pueblo Gallery in L.A., Indigena Gallery in Monrovia, Martinez Books in Santa Anna, and has been a featured Artist for the Casa de la Cultura in Las Cruces New Mexico. His most recent works have been on display at the California State University Northridge Performing Arts Center and at the County of Los Angeles Century Gallery of Mission College and the Dr. Rudy Acuña Art Gallery in Oxnard, CA.

Our guests included:

Elizabeth Bloom, artist
David Bloom, collector
Rudy Calderon, sculptor
Judi Jordan, writer and director
Rick Ortega, artist
Joel Penner, musician and healer
Dana White, professor, Art Institute of Los Angeles
Monica Meraz, CSUN Community Partnership Program
Cori, CSUN Community Partnership Program