Mardi Gras beads for flower arranging

 In New Orleans it is the carnival season and that means balls, parties, parades, king cake, beads, dabloons and other trinkets. New Orleanians come up with many ways to use the items that they catch. They decorate the following year, or they keep a shrine.

 Mardi Gras becomes a part of you whether your family belongs to a social organization, your school participates or you are a spectator. Some items become collectibles and others can be sold or used for other purposes. Over the years I have used the beads that I didn't sell instead of floral foam or those decorative stones. 

If you are using a clear glass vase then you will won't the beads to match your color scheme, but if you are using a dark vase in which you can't see then it doesn't matter what color beads you use.

For this projects I am using the signature colors of Mardi Gras, purple, green and gold. Purple is for justice, green is for faith and gold is for power.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again.

Ornaments from CDs

 Most of us have holidays traditions. We start to decorate just as soon as one holiday is over for the next one. Some people begin decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving dinner or the next day. Some choose a certain day for the family to get together and decorate. Whenever you decorate here is a tip for creating ornaments. Since most of us have gone digital with out music, there may be some CDs lying around and instead of throwing them out, you can turn them into ornaments. If you have a stack of CDs, they usually have a clear disc at the top and one at the bottom. You have several options if you have the clear CD. You can punch a hole at the top or you can run a piece of thread through the hole so that you can hang it on the tree. If you do this, you will want to cover the CD with scrapbook paper, gift wrap, ribbons or whatever your heart desires. That way you are not searching for the hole. I did a few that way and I did a couple where I tied a piece of ribbon from the center. I then covered it with scrapbook paper and then I embellished the CD. You can embeliish one or both sides. There are no limits to what you can create. Most of the ornaments are flat and made out of paper. This makes it easier to store. I have purchased some ornaments that I really like and because they are not a Christmas theme, I leave the out all year long. They are great conversation starters and I don't have to worry about a special box for them to be stored in.

You can check out the video on my youtube channel. www.ArtographybyDlonzo.com

Thanks for stopping by; do come back again and keep an open mind.

One Entry 3 Blogs/Photos from my phone

 Originally this was going to be an entry and I must have had some computer problems so the pictures never got posted. I am using them now just to add some visuals.

Random shots while out and about.

One entry three blogs

It has been a while and I keep trying to do better, but one blog takes more of the focus than the others. There's not a lot happening in my life other than work and watching films, movies and some old television. 

I am trying to figure out my finances because I need to get some much needed repairs done that I have put off far too long. With all of the heat, it seems, I can't be sure, but since I don't keep the central air on the fridge may have been working over time. This is what I heard, but I am not sure. The fridge of course has been here since I purchased the place and who knows how long before that? So it's been 15 years since I have been here and it'll be 17 years in a few weeks that I have been in Texas. I may have mentioned this many years ago. This was never my plan, but it just goes to show you there are things working along side of us that guide us where we are supposed to be even when we don't know it. It's when we try to go against those things that we get into trouble. That's my belief anyway.

So last week I stocked up on groceries because I didn't know how high the prices would be and now that may have been a waste of money as the freezer hasn't been freezing and that means its all going to go bad. I am going to check out Lowes, but I still have to wait to have it delivered when I will be home. So I am at least looking at another week. I don't want to take off from work just to spend the day waiting around. I will eat as much as I can this weekend and then I will go to can stuff if I think certain items have gone bad. If I weren't so afraid to be around people I would cook what I have and invite them over to eat it. At the same token if something has already gone bad, I don't want to be the cause of someone getting sick. 

This is what I get for putting things off. Now there are things that must be done and they are all happening at once.

I am going to start reading Film studies for Dummies as I am trying to see if I can create something. I also need to research film editing programs for my phone. The phone has some very cool features, but if I can't do voice over and editing on the phone with background music then its not going to be very entertaining. When I watch videos on youtube I don't like them to be longer that 12 or 15 mintues tops. Unless the person is very interesting I might tolerate it a little longer, but for the most part they are all amateurs that happen to find a following of people who like them because they come across as the average person and people want someone they can relate too. After all, that is why I subscribe to a few channels because of that. Most of the time I will skip to what I need to see and move on. That's the beauty of the Internet, you don't have to be bored if you don't want to be.

I have watched many movies this week along with episodes of Dallas and The Leftovers. Dallas is a series from the 70's and The Leftover is something from 2014. When I picked up the DVD I saw Christopher Eccelston on the back cover and I hadn't seen him in a lot of stuff, but when I saw his face I figured I would give it a look see. It has religious over tones and Eccelston plays a minister. The first time I ever saw him was  when Dr Who returned after many years, he was the first doctor. I had no idea he would only do one season. It took me a while too get used to the next doctor, but I managed and I was hooked as long as PBS was running it.

 Justin Theroux is the star of the series The Leftovers as the lead cop in the small town as the residents try to wrap their heads around the people that have gone missing. It's interesting, but it is rather slow in getting me to really care for any of the characters. They all have their issues, but they are over the top. Those that have disappeared are being celebrated as heroes when their pasts was very questionable and it doesn't set right with some of the community members.

There are many films and movies as I've mentioned including Triple 9 and The Take. Triple 9 has an all star cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Casey Affleck, Clifton Collins, Jr, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Michael Kenneth Williams, Gal Gadot, but the surprise performance comes from Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet, they are really really good. Kate's role was very different from those she has played in the past.

Here are some other films and movies I've watched. I apologize in advance if I have mentioned some of them before. I have like Crispin Glover ever since I saw The Rivers Edge and then I have seen most of what he has done. I've never read any of his books, but I was interested in trying to see if his publishing company would publish some of mine. Crispin stars in Drop Dead Sexy along side Jason Lee. Crispin always seems to play those unusual characters.

Independence Day Resurrgence was okay, it was good to see some of the original faces pop up, Vivica A. Fox, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsh and Pill Pullman to name a few.

TAG was a fun movie based on an article about friends who continued to play the game of tag throughout their adult life.

Life Like was interesting about a woman who is trying to embrace the future of technology as she tries to adjust to having a life like male robot doing the work around the house among other things.

The Purge: Anarchy. I am not sure how many Purge movies there are, but I have now become obsessed with seeing them. I just pick them up as I see them when I go to the library. They don't really have to be watched in any particular order after you see the original first. Anarchy touches on Donald Talbot being president as the Government has declared The Purge a holiday to get rid of certain people.

The Escape Artist stars David Tennant who was the next Dr Who that I saw and he just grew on me. In this series he plays a Barrister that is very good at what he does. It's interesting with some good moments.

The Take, forget about Idris Elba playing James Bond. Turn The Take into a franchise. The character is much more of a badass than Bond anyway. He plays a CIA agent that plays by his own rules in Paris. Richard Madden costars who is also very good.

Unchartered was quite the suprise. Ever since I saw Tom Holland in Impossible I knew he would be a start, but I wasn't anticipating him becoming Spiderman, but he has the knack for comedic timing. Unchartered in a non stop action packed film with a great cast that includes Mark Whalberg, Tati Gabriel and Sophie Ali and Antonio Banderas. If you like any of the stars mentioned you are definitely going to enjoy this one. If you love action and adventure this has that and so much more.

Wolf was a bit of a disturbing movie starring George MacKay as a young man who believes he is a wolf. His family sends him to a facility that tries to break him of his habits. It makes a statement of how society always needs to put people into a box that they feel comfortable with. Paddy Considine plays the Zoo keeper as the facility is called.

Boot Camp was something I watched on Prime starring Mila Kunis, Regine Nehy and Gregory Edward Smith. In this gritty drama based on a true story during a time when parents were sending their wayward teens to tough love camps to put them on the right track. The kids are brought to an island and in a cult like fashion taught to get rid of their old ways and conform to what the leader feels is the appropriate behavior. It's quite good.

Time to work on some art and to watch more films and movies.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see where the journey leads. 

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

What is in your bubble?

We are all living in some sort of bubble and always have been. It starts early on in life when the bubble consists of our families. Some of us have large families and others have small families. It makes all the difference in the world as to how you navigate the world when you get older.

We are conditioned to follow the path our elders set out for us, but then we come in contact with teachers and peers and they can have an influence on some of us.

Some people are born to be leaders and others to be followers. I've never considered myself a follower which is why I never wanted to be a part of a fraternity or join the military. I just don't like people telling me what to do. I also have a tendency of looking for the easiest way to do something and not everyone in charge can deal with that.

Most of us feel safe within our bubble. We usually have all the things that make us happy or give us some delight. You have your books, movies, spouse of significant other.

Our bubbles can change over time with people entering and exiting, sometimes without any warning. My bubble has gotten smaller as it is only me. All decisions are what is best for me at the moment. Who do I want in my life? Of course with this blog there are people that peek into my life and I have no idea who they are. I hope that when they peek in they can relate to some of the things and it makes an impact. When I was in my late 20's I realized my purpose in life was to help other people. I've worked with abused kids, people on the streets, drug addicts and those just needing someone to listen to them.

The blog allows me to release things and to clear space for more things to enter into my mind. I've been an ear for many people and hopefully we all come out as better people.

My bubble now is planning my future. It changes more frequently now then it did before. Each day is a new experience. I'm faced with thinking about things I've never thought about in regards to myself.

There are many things to keep me occupied during this pandemic. I may start a project and if it becomes something that takes more time I might stop and move on to something else. There are times when I will work on more than one project. Sometimes they are in the same area, such as greeting cards or mini works of art. They can be started or completed in a few hours. Birthday cards are more of an individual project as the card is made for a specific person. I can change that a little with the wording if I keep the same design. 

I am in the process of framing and redoing some art work that I had in my portfolio from the 1980's. The drawings measure 17 x 22. On my first job I had these 17 x 22 desk pads and I decided to make use of them. I created all sorts of drawings mostly in pencil, but there were a few done in markers and pen and ink. The drawings that don't take up a full page I am copying them into a large book that they will fit on the page that is smaller than 17 x 22. The drawings that I can frame I will do that. There are drawings that have more than one drawing on the sheet that I can create smaller drawings. The drawings that I don't use I will roll up and put into a tube to store.

I rely on my art to get me through these times that can be difficult for some. You are faced with many decisions that need to be made. If you have to take care of a family you need to know that you are safe when you leave and return to the house.

The majority of people are asking what happens next? How will I survive? What are the best choices for you?

9-13-20, I set my alarm for 6 A.M., I got out of the bed by 6:09 A.M., I read my prayers, took a shower and got ready to start the day. I wanted to vote and get it over with. Today is the first day of early voting in Austin. The location I have been using for several years now is located in the South Park Meadows shopping center. I figured I would enter from the entrance closest to I-35 and if the line was long I would take the first parking spot I saw and get in line. When I turned in, I could see people were inline and it was in front of Hobby Lobby. I parked and got in line, it was about 7:25 A.M. I was only a few feet from the door and then line seemed to be moving at a good pace. I saw that they were using two suites so that made me feel even better. I spoked to one of the ladies behind me about this and that and then we talked about the line. I am not sure if she saw something on her phone or what, but she seemed to know the line might be going around the building. I didn't understand what she meant as I saw people going in, but as I got to the end to turn I saw that the line was in was crossing the line of people going in to vote. I can only guess that this happened because people were in line before someone was there to organize people. Maybe it was just bad organization skills. Who knows. At each turn there seemed to be another surprise. I was concerned with people cutting the line. There were people dropping off people; going to park and then returning to the line.

The line went around the building, by the parking lot where employees and trailers park. There were also residents or business owners who have to pick up their mail from the boxes located in the back. The line then went around and back to the entrance.

I was trying to count the number of people in line and dividing them by the number of booths I counted when I passed by. There were probably about two or three hundred people ahead of me. There were about 6 machines and I figure each person may take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete the process if there were no issues. I thought perhaps I'd be in line for about 2 hours. I took some pictures with my phone at different spots.

The temperature was comfortable and I was glad that I went out today instead of waiting. There were some people who thought the line was too long, but they weren't that many people leaving. There were some people that were told if they had mail in ballots they needed to go home and get them. It didn't make sense to me. As long as you don't mail it in, I would think the vote you make today would be the only one that counts. One of the ladies behind me went home, but I didn't see her return. I had been in line for about an hour and a half when I got to the door. It was only a few minutes I had to wait before I went inside and stood to wait for the person in front of me to finish the information process and then it was my turn. There were no problems at all. My information came up and I took my time to vote. I missed one election, but some of the court positions there wasn't anyone running against them. I guess they just want to see how many people really want that person in office. I completed the voting process and submitted my ballot and I was out of the door after picking up my I Voted sticker. It took about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Feeling good about everything. There didn't appear to be any problems. Lots of people taking pictures with their phones as was I. It was something to see. I've never stood in a line that long for anything. Not even a New York night club. I wanted to tell the people as I was leaving not to get discouraged, but I didn't say anything. Most of the people anticipated this after what they had seen in other cities.

Money, Politics, Race and Religion

(c) 2020 by Dlonzo 

Say something, do nothing,

Do nothing, say something,

A conundrum?

How much money do you have?

What do you believe in?

How do you identify yourself?

Where do you stand?

Power to the people.

Black Power, White power,

Black Lives Matter,

All lives matter,

All lives are precious.

Some people can leave

and never look back.

Others are stuck in cement

that blocks the track.

Decisions seem right

at that moment.

Who can see the future?

That would be too easy.

Forget nots,

regret nots.

How much money do you have?

What side of the fence are you on?

Right wing, left wing,

if only one could just fly away.

Fly away, fly away, fly away, all.

See the colors of the rainbow,

the colors of the skin, the colors, so many colors.

Red, white and blue.

Green, yellow, and black.

Wave your flag and be proud.

Red, green, yellow, blue,

orange and purple.

Look up to the heavens,

amongst the clouds.

There are answers for some.

They kingdom come, thy will be done.

If you believe and then you are done.

It's over, or just beginning.

The cycle continues and it's all about how much 

money do you have? What are your politics?

How do you identify yourself? What do you believe?

What is your religion?

This is how it is on earth.

How is it in heaven?

(Next up: Virtual Holidays...)

Thanks for stopping by; Keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

www.psychedmaster.org

Playing it by Ear

 

( A drawing that was in progress at the time of this photo.)

Well here we are in October. I had planned to make a post before September ended, but that didn't happen. I'm trying to come up with a plan as to what I want to do. I have a list which includes everything from creating an income to making repairs and getting organized which has been an ongoing project.

I can't stop and evaluate everything before I throw it out. There are some things that I want to hold on to for research; sentimental value, but there's other stuff that needs to go and can go without hesitation. How mmany art books do I need? How many fashion magazines? How many home decor books, etc.?  It sounds easy enough, but it really isn't. I look at all of the art supplies and I have to ask myself will I use an item? When will I use the item? There is no real time line. I like creating art when the mood hits. Somethings, like greeting cards I may start, but until I know exactly who the card will go to I can't finish it. Most of my cards are made for the individual.

I have hundreds of pencils of different brands and varieties. Many bottles and tubes of paints. Crayons, pastels, charcoal and paper, lots and lots of paper.

Books on photography, art, films, writing, screenplays, stageplays. Everything that I could possibly need.

I was moving some furniture last week and I injured my back. I knew that would probably happen, but I had to do it. I probably shouldn't have moved as many large pieces in one day as I did. I thought I was doing it correctly, but when you get older and stretch those muscles, you pay the price. I'm blaming it on the furniture, but it could have been the files in which I had to bend over to move magazines. I'll try to take it easy this week and see how long it takes to get back in shape. 

I am hoping to start exercising again on a regular basis. This is something I have to do. I need to get back on a healthier diet. I do my best, but from time to time I will splurge on a few things. I have to start slow and stay consistent. If I had more things to keep me busy things might be different. When I had somewhere to go I was more active then I am now. It does bother me, but I have to take it easy and think things through.

I was trying to get into that frame of mind of getting some work, but now I have to think about being in a place for more than an hour and the germs that could be floating around. The only way to really be safe is if I figure out a way to work from home.

I was thinking of setting up my photography studio. I have been trying to write, but I'd have to pick up the pace to generate any money from that. I could try to sell my art on Etsy or Ebay. The opportunities are there, I just have to figure out what is best for me. Just have to take things one day at a time. This is not a place I ever thought I would be in at this stage of my life, but neither was anything else I've experienced in the last 20 plus years. So, what's new? We learn and we move on. Navigating life is an adventure sometimes of epic proportions.

I want to start getting the blog format together as I am going to combine all four blogs and that way you can just visit one location, but they will all have the same content. It makes it easier on me. The poetry, the art, the movies and the window into my everyday will all be one.

(Local musician I photographed last year)

I wrote this poem earlier in the year.

Co Vid

by Dlonzo (c) 2020

There is an unfamilarity in the air

along with the smell of hand sanitizer,

bleach and other disenfectants

It doesn't seem fair

To shelter in place

to cover the face

to stay safe

Life can seem unfair

during a time of a crisis

some get help, some don't

some too much, others not enough

Businesses closing doors, shutting down

Out of work, unemployment, furlough

Food lines, school closures

This is not normal

What is normal?

Was there ever normal

a term created 

to feel comfort?

Language, another beast to battle.

Stay inside, if you go outside

wear a mask, cover your face.

Shelter in place,

stay safe.

(Next up: What's in your bubble?)

Thanks for stopping by; Keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

www.psychedmaster.org

Magazine Files from Cereal Boxes

It's been quite some time since I've made a post it seems.

 How to make magazine files using cereal boxes. You can find all sorts of things to do on Youtube. I look for stuff and I may modify it to suit my needs or make the process easier.

I've chosen to take the cereal box and measure how low to cut the front depending on the size of the magazine and how much you would like to expose. If it's a large cereal box, you can measure the height of the magazine and cut to size. Once I decide which magazine will go into the file, I measure the sides. I draw lines from the top down to where I would like the height of the front to be for viewing the magazine spine.

 Using a box cutter or Xacto knife, I cut from the top down on each side of what will be the front. 3" to 6" depending on the size of thecereal box is a good height for the magazines. Fold back inside of the file to create added support to make the file sturdy. You can fold the sides inward at an angle or cut them with the box cutter or Xacto knife from back to front. If the back is too high, use the same technique as you did for the front. Cut on each side until you have reached the desired height and fold inward for added support.

Take two sheets of 12 x 12 scrapbook paper of your choosing. Keeping the same design makes for a more professional store bought look. Wrap the sheets around the box to measure. If the box is large you will want to make sure you cut the paper in large strips so you will have the access to fill in the gaps. I prefer to glue the box as well as the paper. Don't put to much because you don't want it to be wet and cause the paper to buckle. I prefer Elmer's Glue-All Multi Purpose Glue. Smooth out the paper so you have an exact fit. Now if you are using the large cereal box, you can use the scrap piece of paper first or you can lay it over after you have put the other two sheets in place. Depending on the ceral box and the color of paper you are using, you may choose to just leave it. It's your file, you can do whatever you feel like doing. I prefer to glue one section at a time. This way you can see if you need to make modifications.

Use clothes pins or clamps to keep paper in position. Smooth paper from bottom to top or from front to back or vice versa depending on which part you are working on. By doing a section at a time you can place the file on its side and put a heavy weight inside to make sure the glue is bonding. You can finish the project in a few hours or if you have a craft room you can take longer making sure it is absolutely perfect.

If you try this project let me know how it comes out.

The Ramblings of an Artist- Art edition 1

I can't believe its been over a year since I've posted here. Having three blogs off different subjects yet all tied in to each other sometimes I can't access this blog from certain devices.
I will do better and work on some new projects and revisit some old ones.
With all the social media around I just take a break from different areas until I feel as if I have something to say.

The library has become my source for art. Educating and discovering new artists and things that hey have done that are of interest to me.

Because art covers more than one area, my film blog gets the movies, films and documentaries and Open Your Mind that is my main blog, sometimes they cross over and I need to include this blog in that conversation as well.

I've been off for a few weeks now and I am trying to get inspired to draw again. Perhaps even do some painting. I did do some photographs of myself that I want to eventually post. I've been trying to get back into the fashion side of my art and using myself as I am looking for people of a certain age that are still fashionable. The focus is for people 50 and up, but still there are some younger people with an eclectic fashion sense.

I went to see a movie about the incredible fashion designer Alexander McQueen. I didn't know his history, I just loved his designs and the presentation in the fashion shows. He was a genius and he was not afraid to go after something. Once people realized what he had, they went after him. He continued to create his own designs as well as putting out the collections for Givenchy. It was not easy on him and eventually he just couldn't take it any more.

Earlier this week I saw a documentary called Dior and I which was about the house of Dior bringing in a new designer to work on the Haute Couture collection. It's very entertaining as well as colorful and insightful.

Computer generated art.

(The Angel, top and the Diva below.)

Please Touch The Art

(Tom discusses one of the pieces with one of the models)

(art lovers at the bar)

Most artists and galleries would cringe if someone touched the art, but Tom Suhler encourages it on several of his pieces at his Exposure Gallery located at 777 Shady Lane just off 7th Street in Austin, TX. It's all part of the East Austin Studio Tours that kicked off today and tomorrow and then again next weekend. 11 AM - 6 PM.

 If my schedule permits I will check out another loccation next week.

 The new pieces are part of an ongoing series of photographing his subjects who happen to be dancers, underwater. There is an array of colors that make you think of so many things. When I first look at art I just look at it for what it is. I'm not trying to find any deep meaning because sometimes there isn't one. Being an artist myself I understand the purpose of art is to make people think. If that doesn't happen then you haven't achieved the ultimate goal.

There is one piece in the gallery that looks as if it needs to be touch and several people including myself made that mistake and touched it. Perhaps the artist should consider changing it to move.

It was quite interesting when I was putting the piece back on its hook, someone walked up to me and said I did the same thing. So I made the next person I saw try to move it comfortable by letting them know they were not alone.

With each exhibition, Tom Suhler moves forward in making his work interactive. This show was linked in with an app in which you could engage in selective pieces in the gallery. Creating work that could also be construde as controversial is also the job of the artist. That's usually always the case when the human body is visible without anything to hide the nakedness. People still have an issue with the human form despite how beautiful it can be if captured in the right way.

The array of colors and the display of the art brought many internal thoughts that soon came out amongst the people in the gallery as well as the artist himself. Artists have this issue of always feeling the work is never complete. That something else could have been done.
I listened in on Tom talking to one of the models and asking questions of whether or not the conditions could have been better. How this project came about would be a great documentary or book. I do recall three years ago when I went to Exposure for the first time there was a video of the work that was on display which was shot in the studio.

(I'm always creating art within art)

It's always interesting the directions that conversations go in and yet you come back to the art. The colors reminded the artist of Mardi Gras from one image as there was purple and gold hues. There was one image that made me think of Dante's Inferno. There was a striking blue tint that just set one picture off that I found to be very intriguing.
Politics was discussed briefly with a few people that had come to the gallery on several occasions and I shared an idea for a project I've been working on with a few people.

(Part of the permanent display from the first show I had seen at the gallery)

This evening also made a few people recall how we met and what caused a friendship to form.
Get away from whatever is troubling you for a few hours and check out some art. It's the best free escape this weekend.

As I wrote this entry I was listening to Jean Luc Ponte which was one of the conversations that popped up last night. My favorite song is Individual Choice.

Images from Red Hot & Soul 2016 New York, New York

The event Co-Chairs were Bobbi Topfer, Will Coombes, Eric Copper, Richard Hartgrove, Gary Cooper, Dan Jackson, Jeremy Guiberteau, David Kurio, Lance Avery Morgan, Rob Giardinelli, Armando Zambrano and Bryan Gardner.

The images I am presenting here are to tell the story from start to finish. (Note: I am an artist that happens to take pictures) I believe in capturing an event in a way that those who were there can remember it and those who couldn't make it can see what it was like. Red Hot and Soul is the event of the year outside of the performances that ZACH puts on. It's purpose is to raise funds for the education programs. It also gives guests a chance to see what performances will be taking place for the remainder of the season and the new season. 

Everything at ZACH is done by a team of talented individuals.(Kendra Dobson, House manager leads Volunteers to their posts for Red, Hot & Soul.)

(Kyle Sigrest Patron Services Manager, chats with Volunteers before guests arrive.)

(Executive Coordinator, Renelle Bedell at the registration table. A perfect profile).

( Dan Jackson and Jeremy Guiberteau two of the co-chairs of Red Hot & Soul)

(One of the Volunteers in red.)

(Zach staff converse with guests around some of the items up for auction.)

(Nathan, one of the Zach bartenders)

(Rachel Applegate, Chief Marketing and Community Engagement Officer, with Chad Dike Associate Director of Education.)

( Staff and Volunteers gather under the tent to great guests and give them their packets, which included seating numbers and auction numbers)

(Volunteers wait for guests to arrive)

(Charlie Fraser, Chief Development Officer and Cathleen Berdan, Special events coordinator checking things out before the event begins.)

(An overview of the tent and runway into the Topfer)

(Dee Clayes, one of the box office associates looking very fashionable.)

(Volunteers and Box Office staff under the tent where Guests make their first stop to sign in.)

(Beth Warren and other volunteers waiting patiently.)

(An artist drops off a painting for the auction)

(The Big Apple takes the mic. This is me just being creative.)

(Jennifer Young Mahlstead, Pre-Professional Manager walking the runway.)

(Cathleen Berdan, Brittney Woolley, Charlie Fraiser, Liana Putrino and Kimberly Sidey strike a pose.)

(Individual Giving Coordinator, Brittney Woolley walks the runway making final preparations.)

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see more images from the event.