Ralph And Dolly

If you live on an island, most likely you will know your neighbors.  It's a pretty tight knit community here and I was fortunate enough to meet my neighbors for the moment, Dolly and Ralph.  Today, Ralph came over to sit down and chat with me a while.  Once I told him that I've been taking pictures, he told me all about his days as a photographer.  I asked if I could come over to his home in a few hours to take his photograph and he smiled and said, "sure!"

When he was working, Ralph was the official photographer for the state of Maine, among other jobs as a photographer in his career.  He took photographs that were displayed on the state map at the time.  He photographed the governor and his family for each map as well as the local sights, activities, and food of Maine.

It was a pleasure listening to his stories on what equipment he used at the time, how he got his shots and all of the places he went being the official photographer of the state.  I couldn't help but have a smile on my face as I listened to his tales.  He and his wife, Dolly have lived in the same house on this island for forty years. They've been through all different weather conditions and couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

You can't help but fall in love with the people and sights of this town.  It will be hard to leave.

Long Beach Creative Mixer

Lastnight I went to a creative mixer held by the Long Beach Creative team. This social event, produced by the LBCreative! Festivals & Events Team, serves as a showcase, meet & greet and networking opportunity for Long Beach-based artists, musicians, writers, crafters, dancers, poets, designers, film makers, performers and artistic individuals.

What a great place to connect with artists from the community!

As I arrived, I stumbled upon a performance of some belly dancers and as the night progressed, there were singers, rappers and artists everywhere giving their part to share their expression on a three part giant canvas to be auctioned off at an upcoming Haiti benefit this Sunday. If you are in the area, it should be a great way to lend a hand, have a good time and mingle with your neighbors.

Over 150 artists and dozens of businesses, non-profit organizations and creative individuals are collaborating and contributing to “Carnival de Corazón - My h(ART) goes out to Haiti, an artist response Haiti benefit and festival. 100% of proceeds benefiting the Ye´le Haiti Earthquake Fund

4:00pm - 9:00pm
Family-Friendly Event
Hancock University Art & Design Center
1638 Long Beach Blvd Long Beach, CA 90813

8:00pm - 1:00am
Extended Live Music
18+ Upstairs, 21+ downstairs
The Cellar (off of the Promenade)
201 East Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802

A variety of highlights and entertainment include:

A silent art auction
A kid’s Corner showcasing art, crafts, poetry, literary projects, and other art-works
An exclusive CD compilation featuring local, independent bands and singer-songwriters
Fashion show
Food vendors
Free bike valet and bike safety checks
Live music by over 20 local bands, singer-songwriters and local DJ’s
Live painting, a public collaborative mural
On-site haircuts
On-Site T-shirt screen printing at both venues (bring t-shirts for $5 screen prints)
Performances and Showcases: Acro-yoga, contemporary & cultural performances, fire dancing and more.

If you would like to volunteer contact LBC411@gmail.com

For more information visit LBCreative.org

I would recommend getting involved with your local art community. It's a great way to get inspired, meet new friends and at the very least... try something new.

For a more in depth view of what the mixer is all about and the people behind it, please check out the article in the District Weekly by Greggory Moore (Click HERE to read)