It’s P.S. ARTS’ 25th anniversary and to celebrate we are launching “the pARTy!,” a new fundraiser that embodies one of our core organizational values — to inspire creativity and confidence in the students we serve. This event will offer guests an evening of innovation, imagination, and play for adults — all to support our public school arts education programs.
We are so grateful for the support of our Design Community 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 and 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.”
Robina Benson of Niche Beverly
Situated in the world famous West Hollywood Design District, Niche Beverly is a finely curated showroom helmed by international designer Robina Benson. World-renowned designers such as Paola Lenti, Kettal, Roda, Missoni Home as well as unexpected gems such as Vittorio Bonacina and Arflex are exclusively represented at Niche. With exclusive access to luxury furniture and art brands everywhere, Niche is a full service gallery that prides itself in design, culture, and the lifestyle.
“After following the “Spotlight on the 2015 LA Modernism Design Committee” very closely last year, I was beyond impressed by the work, education, and dedication I saw beaming from the team. I knew it was something I needed to be a part of. I must agree with Peter Dunham in his thoughts on the role of art, it is the very thing that continues to push us forward.
I support P.S. ARTS because I support dreams. Art is not optional, and it must be respected as the father of progression. I understand the importance of educating both the young and the old on the importance of art. People limit art to painting, but if we really opened the doors to the versatility of art, that’s where boundaries are broken. History, math, science, reading- all based on principles of art. Art is the creation that holds us all together.”
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.”
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 15 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, INC.
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.
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, from Southern California to Paris and all the way to her native Australia. 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. Annette English and Associates has enjoyed a sterling 18+ year reputation as the go-to design house for the international and Hollywood elite.
“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.”
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?”
Thomas Lavin
Thomas Lavin is a leader in bringing an international range of exclusive high-end home furnishings, fabrics, wall coverings, lighting and accessories to his showrooms in the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood and the Laguna Design Center. The Los Angeles tastemaker and showroom impresario represents some of the home furnishings industry’s blockbuster lines, including Christian Liaigre, Dakota Jackson, Magni Home, and MAYA Romanoff wall coverings. His showrooms attract designers with a broad range of clients as well as high-profile celebrities including Cindy Crawford, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Steve Martin and Ellen Pompeo.
“I was introduced to P.S. ARTS through a party many years ago.
Life without art can neither be whole and complete nor fully self-expressed. Arts education provides us access to our psyche in ways that nothing else can: it enlivens, delights, and inspires. Without art, society would be dull.”
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!”
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?”
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
Karen Putman is a native to Southern California who draws inspiration from a diverse clientele and world travels to create the quintessential custom home. Her work has been featured in Traditional Home, Architectural Digest, Angelino, and Luxe. Karen’s approach to architecture and 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 and expand their horizons to seek new possibilities to communicate and create. P.S. ARTS helps provide every child the privilege of this great opportunity!”
