Featured Artist Enzie Shahmiri
Before I left for Germany I was contacted by the art director for the
, a publication that has a rather large circulation in Orange County, especially Laguna Beach,Capistrano Beach, Aliso Viejo, Dove Canyon, Coto De Casa and Rancho Santa Margarita. I was told that I will be their featured artist for the January 2008 "The Culture of Art" and was super excited at the opportunity to have my work shown to their readers.
Although this is a new publication, I love their concept:
The Lighthouse Gazette is a community publication dedicated to the stimulation of our economy. The Lighthouse Gazette uses an age old advertising technique of Advertorials. A format established in the 1940's, a time when a community was really much more than that, a family. A time when doors were never locked and children could safely play on neighborhood streets. When our local business owners were known by name, be it the "Bob the Butcher" or "John the Baker". A time when value and service were implied by the very fact that you were dealing with your local community.
I am hoping to be known as "Enzie the Portrait Painter"! LOL
Actually, I think it is very important to be involved in ones community and to support your local business owners. To this day when I receive the newsletter for our local Laguna Hills Community Center and see artist works displayed in their rotating gallery, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. It feels good to know that I was given the opportunity to implement the rotating gallery concept and to see it running for over 4 years. The gallery has provided a platform for many artists to share their work, added beauty to the center and most importantly provided a platform to educate kids about the variety of art styles.
Being involved in ones community and getting to know the people who make up your neighborhood, is not only rewarding, but essential for a safe and healthy living environment.
