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By Chelsea Martell, Events Manager

P.S. ARTS’ annual spring fundraiser LA Modernism Opening Night is an exciting event for our organization to showcase how the arts can become a fulfilling and profitable career path. It is an opportunity for our supporters to experience innovation and creativity, while raising money for our nationally recognized arts education programs.

We are so grateful for the support and involvement of our Design Committee, who serve as ambassadors for our mission to improve children’s lives through arts education.  They are firm believers that every child should have the chance to experience art, regardless of circumstance.  As a thank you, we wanted to include a special feature about the designers who are a part of this year’s show, as well as share why arts education is so important to them!

Elizabeth Barondes and Kelly Morris of Barondes Morris Design
The Barondes Morris Design team creates inviting interiors in a distinctive range of styles. Influenced by Elizabeth’s interest in contemporary architecture and Kelly’s passion for European antiquities, the firm’s unique approach fuses a variety of inspirations to achieve timeless, sophisticated spaces with unexpected twists.

“We feel exposure to the arts is a vital part of any well-rounded curriculum encouraging experimentation, imagination, and self-expression. It is an honor for us to support P.S. ARTS’ mission to improve the lives of children in underserved communities by providing arts education year after year.”

Kristen Buckingham
Kristen Buckingham is a Los Angeles based designer that brings a distinctly fresh take to designing interiors, putting tasteful personality back into the home.  Her showroom, KB located in the La Cienega Design Quarter,  is a curated mix of antique and vintage furniture and accessories, textiles, custom lighting, art and Kristen’s own line, KB Bespoke.

“I think the arts are one of the most important subject fields for young people.  Whether it be drama, dance, music, or visual arts, I think that it is important for young people to know different ways of expressing themselves creatively and emotionally.”

Betsy Burnham of Burnham Design
Betsy Burnham and Max Humphrey of Burnham Design marry the classic with the unexpected in fresh compositions of texture, color, pattern and wit to create distinguished interiors that simultaneously showcase the design firm’s clear aesthetic vision and their client’s own personal taste.  Bringing a traditional east coast pedigree, a savvy eye for color and an adventurous sense of style, Burnham Design curates interiors that are sophisticated, livable, timeless, and always personalized to their clients and their lives. They’ve become known for a style that’s a little bit country club, and a little bit rock & roll.

“Art is an essential part of a well-rounded education.  When you engage kids creatively, you spark new ways for them to look at the world around them.  Art not only enriches their lives but also encourages freedom of expression and individuality.  P.S. ARTS brings art to kids who would not have had this opportunity, which is simply invaluable.”

Jamie Bush of Jamie Bush & Co.
Widely admired for his relevant and keen understanding of architecture and design, Jamie approaches each new commission with a discerning and insightful point of view. Growing up in a family of renowned designers, photographers, and artists in New York propelled him to study architecture and design in New Orleans and in Italy.  After receiving his Masters in Architecture from Tulane University, Jamie headed west to practice architecture in Los Angeles and founded his own interior design firm in 2002.

He is recognized for his ability to mix period and contemporary furnishings with a fresh and discriminating eye.  Layering rich colors and textures with exotic and organic elements transforms each of his spaces into an inviting, modern, and unexpected environment.  Jamie’s highly regarded designs have been featured in over 40 publications worldwide including Architectural Digest, Interior Design, Casa Vogue, Dwell, Los Angeles Times, as well as several coffee table books.

“The arts in early education are VITALLY important, more now than ever.  I can’t imagine going to school today without the opportunity to get lost and ‘make things’ in art class. Young artistic minds require a nurturing, creative outlet; we have to support P.S. ARTS for making arts education their number one priority in Los Angeles.”

Melanie Charlton of Clos-ette
CEO and Creative Director Melanie Charlton is considered the founding mother of high-end custom closets.  Since launching Clos-ette almost 14 years ago, she has worked with over 500 clients worldwide to design, build, and organize the most beautiful bespoke closets around.  To her, closets and their accessories aren’t just a place to park your wardrobe.  They’re her life’s work.

“The simplest answer for me is: art is good for you.  It is good for transforming individuals, communities, and economies.  Every person we encounter, every day, whether family or stranger, has a story worth sharing and those expressions in paint or words or music are our legacy. I support P.S. ARTS because their organization helps ensure our heritage is rich in voice.”

Elizabeth Dinkel of Elizabeth Dinkel Design Associates
Elizabeth Dinkel is recognized by House Beautiful, Elle Décor, Interiors, Veranda and California Homes as one of America’s leading interior designers. Her classic signature style is described as timeless yet modern and unexpected.  With her creative use of color and her eclectic mix of new and old, she has risen to the top of her field. Established in 2001, Elizabeth Dinkel Design Associates is a full service design firm specializing in high end-residential projects.  Elizabeth’s clients value her attention to detail, her enthusiastic energy and her deep understanding of their lifestyle and needs.

“I’ve always been a big proponent of supporting the arts.  To me, the arts are the truest expression of the self.  I love that P.S. ARTS encourages and nurtures this exploration.”

Peter Dunham of Peter Dunham Textiles
Celebrating its 15th year in Los Angeles, Peter Dunham’s projects and products have been recognized in numerous publications. Peter’s style was described by the LA Times as “Merchant Ivory Moderne” and by the Wall Street journal as “Restraint with a kick”.  Combining an eclectic European sensibility and American sense of style and comfort, Peter and his team are known for creating welcoming interiors in both traditional and modernist projects.

Hollywood at Home, Peter’s showroom has just moved to a new 4500 SF location in the heart of the La Cienega Design Quarter.  It offers an eclectic mix of Peter’s furniture collection and textiles, along with lighting, bedding, accessories, hand printed textiles, cushions, artworks, and  a fast-moving selection of  vintage items collected on his many travels.

Peter Dunham Textiles has just added a collection of performance prints to complement its collection of linen prints.

“No one disputes the roles that art plays in pushing us forward as a civilization. What is perhaps forgotten is the formative effect of arts education on countless generations of students. Students are well-rounded, productive, creative, and intelligent humans beings as a result of exposure to an arts education.”

Annette English of Annette English and Associates
Annette English is celebrated for the bold, original and immaculately appointed residential and commercial interiors she creates for discerning clientele.  Annette’s firm, Annette English and Associates, has enjoyed a sterling 18+ year reputation as the go-to design house for the business world and Hollywood elite. Known for creating elegant, comfortable designs that expertly channel her clients’ desires, Annette’s achievements can be seen in a variety of homes and businesses from those of film and music stars to high-ranking CEOs to political and cultural leaders—all of whom luxuriate in Annette’s innate ability to manage every aspect of even intensely complex projects.

“Arts education is a vital part of a well-rounded education.  No child should be denied the joy that comes from expressing themselves through art.  I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance and support I received in school and I wouldn’t want any child to go without that experience. That is why I support P.S. ARTS  and all of the great work they do. “

Leura Fine, CEO of Laurel & Wolf
Leura Fine is a professional interior designer turned entrepreneur. After working as the senior designer for one of the world’s top interior design firms (Architectural Digest Top 100, International Interior Designer of the Year, and as seen on Bravo’s “Million Dollar Decorators”), Leura launched her own interior design business, Leura Fine Interiors (also featured on HGTV). Frustrated by the archaic business model of the interior design world, Leura decided it was time to democratize the industry by establishing a better way for clients and designers to get connected and work together.

Laurel & Wolf was born from this idea and makes interior design easy and affordable to all. Through a marketplace platform, Laurel and Wolf offers customers designs for their space from professional interior designers for a flat fee. Leura believes in the power of great design and how it can transform the way you work, live, and love.

“I learned from my art teachers that there was no such thing as a mistake; only the opportunity to create something new and unique out of something that may not have been originally planned. As an entrepreneur and CEO, the skills I developed in the arts classroom are what guide me everyday in leading my team, developing creative new strategies, speaking publicly or presenting to potential partners, and having the dedication and strength to persevere through the rough times. I firmly believe that arts education is the foundation for success in all career paths.”

Oliver M. Furth
Native Los Angeleno and fourth generation Californian, Interior Designer Oliver M. Furth is a fixture in his city’s design and cultural communities.  In addition to his design practice, Furth consults for The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and is the Chair of their Decorative Arts and Design Council.  Furth’s design projects and philanthropic work for the design community have received accolades from across his field, including in The Wall Street Journal, Elle Décor, House & Garden, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, The Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post, and C Magazine.

“Art is what pushes society forward.  What better place to start pushing than with the youth in our community?”

Trip Haenisch of Trip Haenisch & Associates
Possessing an extraordinary eye for detail and unwavering commitment to style, Trip Haenisch is an award-winning interior designer.  Renowned for combining refined creativity with the unexpected, Trip’s signature design aesthetic consists of sophisticated, collected spaces with a laid-back twist that embodies quintessential California living.

“I believe everything begins with education. Arts education is especially important because it gives people an outlet for creativity, self-expression, and communication.  The arts have become greatly undervalued in recent years, so it’s really important that we support this area of study.”

Juliette Hohnen
One of the top brokers in LA and a top 10 agent at Hilton and Hyland, Juliette Hohnen has parlayed her relationships internationally, on both coasts and in the entertainment business into an unstoppable and unique real estate selling machine. Whether you want to sell or buy, Juliette has the ability to create new and interesting ways of marketing properties throughout the Southland.

“Education is everything. My mother was a teacher and  I’m a trained Montessori teacher. Not everyone has the option to go to private school or vocational school so we need to make sure our public schools have the arts. Children learn better if they have a creative outlet!”

Carey Hotchkis & Tara Kuhnert of Be A Tall Poppy
Owner, Carey Hotchkis has been a westside Floral Designer to the stars for the past 12 years. Carey’s Floral Designs have been featured in many Magazines, including InStyle & Architectural Digest, and have graced the tables of events as exclusive as the Oscar after parties & the Los Angeles Modernism Show.

In support of the Downtown LA Renaissance, Carey has opened a new space for her Floral Design Studio, Be A Tall Poppy and Art Gallery, the Hotchkis Kuhnert Gallery, with her partner, Tara Kuhnert, in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. The Hotchkis Kuhnert Gallery is a legacy, established in 1963 as Kuhnert’s Art Gallery in Laguna Beach, California. The owners’ daughter, Tara Kuhnert along with her partner, Carey Hotchkis will carry on the family tradition in DTLA.

The meaning behind the name Be A Tall Poppy: be your best you –  empowerment through art + style.

“The arts represent the foundation for our society and by providing arts education, P.S. ARTS plays a vital role in turning today’s children into tomorrow’s leaders.”

Kerry Joyce of Kerry Joyce Textiles
Celebrated as one of today’s preeminent designers, Los Angeles based Kerry Joyce embodies a passion for timeless design, attention to detail and impeccable execution which has earned him a broad array of honors that includes an Emmy for set decoration and spots on a host of nationally esteemed best design lists.  Joyce’s unique point of view marries clean lines and graceful, understated colors and textures with comfort, warmth, and elegance without undue formality. As principal of his namesake, full service design studio Kerry Joyce Associates, which has offices in Los Angeles and Connecticut, Joyce offers a comprehensive approach to design, showcasing his talent for architecture, interior design, product design, artistic direction and consulting for his sophisticated clientele.

“P.S. ARTS provides a pivotal platform for our community’s children to engage in and develop an essential life skill: creative thought. As Coco Chanel proclaimed, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”

Molly Luetkemeyer of M. Design Interiors, Inc.
Molly Luetkemeyer founded M. Design Interiors in 2001. Inspired by a range of sources from modern and contemporary art to nature, fashion and vintage design books, Luetkemeyer has developed a signature style that is fresh, expressive and sophisticated. She takes a unique approach to each project, combining her personal inspiration with a thorough understanding of each client’s wants and needs. Her client roster includes Hollywood A-listers, entertainment business insiders, captains of industry and stylish people from all walks of life who are looking for an injection of color, creativity, art and vision in their space. Luetkemeyer’s cosmopolitan bohemian style has earned her a place on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of 25 Most Influential Interior Designers in LA and on House Beautiful’s list of Top 100 Designers in America four years running. Her work has been profiled in numerous publications including InStyle, Angeleno, The Los Angeles Times, and California Home + Design. Additionally, Luetkemeyer previously lent her design savvy and energetic personality to TLC’s hit series Clean Sweep as one of its three regular designers.

“P.S. ARTS is providing a critical, missing piece of the education puzzle. Reading, writing and arithmetic are all important, but without adding the essential element of creative thinking, the “3 Rs” lack magic and possibility. Painting, dance, theater and music all tune kids into their imagination and help to add color and depth to all areas of study. I want to live in a world where our children can see beyond mere facts and figures to create a more beautiful, thoughtful and equitable world. Arts education is crucial for that to happen.”

Alex Mason of Ferrick Mason
Alex K. Mason and Brian Ferrick established the Los Angeles-based home interior textile collection Ferrick Mason in 2008.  Ferrick Mason is based on the original artwork of Alex K. Mason, whose paintings have been placed in hotels from the Four Seasons in Mexico City to the Atlantis in Dubai. Ferrick Mason is sold throughout the United States and in London, Singapore, Germany, and New Zealand.  Ferrick Mason designs appear in House Beautiful, Town & Country, World of Interiors, Luxe Magazine, and many other magazines.

“Visual and performing arts should be an integral part of every child’s education.  I fell in love with art in elementary school, and it is the one subject that kept me truly engaged.  I can’t imagine my educational experience without the arts.  P.S. ARTS means that no matter what your social economic background is, you have a chance to express yourself, explore the arts, and maybe even become an artist!

Andrea Michaelson
Andrea Michaelson traveled extensively as a child and later as a designer, perfecting fluency in both French and Italian and cultivating a deep love of European history and its fine art, design and architecture, which has had an immense influence on her work. Michaelson attended the U.S.C. School of Architecture and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Design from the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Her background in architecture is pervasive in all projects that bear the AMD name as is a refined design aesthetic and ingenuity in mixing periods and cultures that appeals to her recurring stable of clients.

Michaelson’s great love of education fuels her work as an active volunteer educator and she has practiced visual literacy as an award-winning art consultant for curriculum development at the UCLA Lab School and other schools in Los Angeles.

“Art education should encompass not only art history, but nurture creative thinking. It should give students exposure to diverse materials and mediums, but mostly opportunities to explore them without convention. I support P.S. ARTS because their mission to make art in education a priority is essential to fostering the creative process in the youth.”

Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe of Nickey Kehoe
Nickey Kehoe is the collaboration between designers Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe. Together the Los Angeles based team lays claim to a versatile design studio and busy retail shop which houses their growing NK furniture collection alongside vintage furnishings and accessories sourced from around the world.

Todd’s background is in retail design with experience at Ralph Lauren and Theory while Amy stems from the hospitality world at Starwood Hotels. They were introduced by mutual friends in New York in 1999 and quickly became close friends. The duo relocated to Los Angeles separately but reunited to launch their namesake firm in 2004. Their aesthetic has been shaped by a diverse range of experiences and is defined by a warmth and friendliness, a tangible element in their approachable yet informed designs. Ultimately, they pride themselves on not being the writers of the story, but rather the editors – each space defined by its owners’ individual perspective remaining both imaginative and curated, intuitive and artful.

“To quote Elbert Hubbard, ‘Art is not a thing; it is a way.’ Art opens a world many children don’t have access to, enriching and developing young minds and future artists. Whether music or painting or dance, art complements the math and sciences by strengthening these skills in creative and tangible ways. How better to help develop successful individuals than by supporting a program that fosters the passion for creating, making, and inspiring?”

Debra Parr of Amazing Grace Design
Amazing Grace Design is a thriving interior design studio in sunny Santa Monica, CA. With her hand in both interior design and event planning, Debra Parr’s design sensibility has deepened further by way of events. Many clients seek her out after an inspiring event to create magic in their home as well, and vice versa. Deb’s decorating instincts are quick and true. She knows where to source the best items for the home or office, and is gifted in her ability to intuit a client’s needs. She creates living spaces that are absolutely to-the moment in style but timeless in design. Deb makes all of the spaces she designs reflect a personality, whether you are sprucing up an existing room or designing an entire home.

“Art gives children a canvas to communicate their imagination. It gives us an opportunity to express more than the outward appearance of things. It reflects society’s soul. It nourishes our cultural roots.”

Lindsay Pennington of Lindsay Pennington Inc.
Lindsay Pennington, a Los Angeles-based decorator, was born and raised in the South.  She moved to California nearly a decade ago, where she began cultivating her particular brand of classically designed and comfortable spaces.  A former corporate lawyer, Lindsay provides her clients the highest levels of attention to detail and professionalism.  Her creative blend of colors, textures, finishes, and details attract a clientele ranging from Los Angeles to New York City.

“Arts education is critical for young minds to build confidence in their ability to express a unique point of view.  Being comfortable with openly sharing your artistic and creative perspective is necessary for success in so many fields, from architecture, fashion, and interior design to technology, filmmaking, and entrepreneurial business.  More importantly, arts education sets the foundation for children to manifest their individuality anywhere and everywhere.  I’m proud to support P.S. ARTS in their important mission to provide all children with access to high-quality arts instruction.”

Karen Putman of P2 Design
As a native to Southern California and having been involved in the field of architecture for over 30 years, Karen Putman draws inspiration from her diverse clientele and world travels to create the quintessential custom home.  Her approach to architecture and design is both practical and passionate, with a strong emphasis on collaboration.  Successful design is a collaborative effort that combines form, function, space, light and flow to enhance daily activities and create positive living environments.

“Arts education is essential in child development. It is a means for young minds to blossom and express themselves freely in many different forms. It teaches one to think outside the box, expand their horizons, seek new possibilities, communicate, and create.  Every child should have the privilege of this great opportunity!”

Nicky Rising of Nicky Rising Ltd
Since opening her Melrose Ave boutique in 2011, Nicky has brought together a beautifully curated collection of unique textiles, furniture, lighting and wallpapers for the LA design community.

Nicky’s design aesthetic is apparent the moment you walk through the doors of the chic and charming shop. Influenced by spending her formative years in North and West Africa, England, and France, Nicky Rising Ltd. offers a mix of vintage fabrics and accessories from India, Eastern Europe, and Africa, as well as fresh printed linens, classic Chinoiserie, and American made home furnishings.

“I believe access to arts education at an early age is vital. It is no less important than learning to read or write. Every child should have access to art; learning to develop your imagination is not for the precious few. As art classes disappear in schools, it is imperative that we support programs like P.S. ARTS.”

Jaime Rummerfield of Woodson & Rummerfield’s House of Design
With a Bachelor of Science in Design from Arizona State University’s prestigious College of Architecture, Jaime Rummerfield has a signature California sensibility that is comprised of classic design training mixed with a fashion forward design approach. Jaime is touted as one of the nation’s top young Interior Designers by Traditional Home, Town & Country and House Beautiful magazines.

Her creative eye is second to none in focusing on the science behind color, texture, balance, proportion and scale that is applied to creating memorable and pleasing spaces.  Much of her passion and inspiration is derived from the theatrics of Hollywood, not just because of W & R’s A-list clientele, but even more so the glamour of the silver screen and the romantic bygone eras of film.

“Art and Art History were my most favorite subjects in school. Who is to say that it is not important in a learning environment? In my opinion, art is just as relevant in education as math or science.  Art inspires us on so many levels and is a wonderful outlet of expression. Let’s work hard to keep art in schools and continue to make this world a beautiful place.”

Windsor Smith of Windsor Smith Home
Windsor Smith is an internationally celebrated, Los Angeles-based interior designer known for her innovative approach and bold vision. Author of Homefront: Design for Modern Living (Rizzoli, 2015) she defines her signature layering style – bringing together the classic with the unexpected – as a reflection of her desire to help families live fuller, more connected lives through design.

“I am such a strong supporter of P.S. ARTS’ mission. Nothing is more important than creating opportunities to channel the dreams, curiosities, and aspirations of children into art and creativity. These themes have played such an important role in my own life and work; we need to make them true for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity or resources to grow through involvement in the arts.“

Kathy Taslitz of Kathy Taslitz Studio
Kathy Taslitz is an internationally collected artist working out of her downtown LA studio. Her monumental sculptures have been commissioned for Universities, a new Los Angeles County Public Library and for private collectors. Her work reflects the symbiosis between nature and humanity and contemplates how the two coexist.

“We need arts education in all schools to foster the creative spirit within every child. I decided to get involved with P.S. ARTS when I relocated to Los Angeles and saw how they were helping to fulfill this need.”

Shannon Timms of Shannon Timms Art Advisory
For over twelve years, Shannon has served as the West Coast Sales Director for ARTFORUM, a position that keeps her incredibly attuned to the contemporary art market. She has been advising private collectors in Los Angeles, New York, London and in her hometown of Norfolk, Virginia since 2005. Her long-standing relationships with artists and leading gallerists from around the globe make Shannon’s access to artworks unique and keep her private clients well-informed collectors.

“Not all children learn in the same manner or excel in the same skills. The arts have been pushed aside year after year, but the development and encouragement of these skills are crucial to many children as oftentimes they are the primary means by which students are truly able to focus, to engage, and through which they are allowed to express themselves, to finally be seen, and eventually to succeed. The P.S. ARTS curriculum and strategy set the standard for exemplary arts education.”

Nathan Turner
Nathan Turner is a renowned interior designer and shop owner.  He successfully merged his greatest passions of design, food, and travel into his eponymous shop off Melrose Ave.  Nathan Turner’s shop has become a faithful go-to-source for the country’s leading interior designers, as well as some of the most stylish individuals from coast to coast.

“I support P.S. ARTS because they recognize the importance of a creative education within the school system.”

Jonathan Winslow of Jonathan Winslow Designs
Jonathan Winslow Design is an established national residential interior design firm with completed projects across Greater Los Angeles, New York, and Texas.

“Exposing children to arts education promotes personal creativity and confidence which are then carried throughout their life.”

LA Modernism Opening Night will take place on Friday, April 24th at 3Labs in Culver City and will feature some exciting new additions: The Collectors’ VIP Lounge (open throughout the entire event with additional food, signature cocktails, and entertainment) and a Silent Auction in partnership with Marc Phillips Decorative Rugs and Paddle8 featuring 10 pieces designed by renowned artists including Nathalie Doughe, Shepard Fairey, Tracy Hiner, Alex K. Mason, Tanya Nolan, RETNA, Kenny Scharf, Cole Sternberg, and one P.S. ARTS student. All proceeds will benefit P.S. ARTS and the 20,000 students we serve each week . Purchase tickets HERE!

We would like to thank the additional members of our Design Committee including: Ron Woodson & Jaime Rummerfield, Ron Udall, Carrie Carr, Steven Volpe, Irene Neuwirth, David Netto, Alison Blumenfeld, William Hefner, Pamela Shamshiri, Alexandra & Michael Misczynski, Holly Purcell, and Molly Isaksen.

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