Hollywood stars walked the San Diego Film Festival (SDFF) red carpet Sept. 27 at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla to attend the tribute to filmmaker Gus Van Sant (Milk, To Die For, My Own Private Idaho). Attendees of the VIP cocktail reception enjoyed the view from the ocean-front patio before heading into the Sherwood Auditorium where San Diego Film Foundation board chairman Dale Strack, three-time Oscar nominee actress Diane Ladd (mother of Laura Dern) and Pennie Lane, the inspiration behind the Cameron Crowe film Almost Famous, praised Van Sant’s work. Pre-recorded video messages from Robin Williams and Ben Affleck with words of praise for Van Sant were also played on screen. Guests also enjoyed a short montage showing Sant’s work while artist Erik Wahl painted the filmmaker’s portrait live on stage. The SDFF ran Sept. 26-30 with screenings split between La Jolla and The Gaslamp. We watched several films including Seven Psychopaths and Redline in Reading Cinemas. The VIP Lounge at the Keating Hotel provided snacks and refreshments throughout the festival. Being surrounded by movie lovers, reminded us of when we went to the Sundance Film Festival last year, without the snow.
Unleashing our inner Picasso
Wine and Canvas’ motto is “Life is too short for blank walls; unleash your inner Picasso”, and that’s exactly what we did. When we arrived at Eastlake Tavern Bowl, brushes, paints and easels were all neatly laid out. They also provided aprons at each station to keep your clothes paint-free. You don’t need any artistic skills; they show you how to replicate famous paintings step by step while you sip on wine or a cocktail. It lasted about three hours with a fifteen-minute break. Although Wine and Canvas sounds inclusive, it doesn’t actually include the wine. You have to purchase your drinks separately. Also, each class paints a different artist’s work so no lesson is the same. We came home with renditions of Vincent Van Gogh’s, Starry Night.
Fashion Week’s winner
Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD) came to an end this past weekend and Kenneth Barlis was voted the winner of the FWSD business package. Some of the prizes he will receive include a $200 bond from Wells Fargo Bank, logo design, 50 hours of business consulting, a fashion shoot and a spot in next years runway show. Being part of the LGBT community has taught him, “to get out from my comfort zone and to stay true to myself for who I am as a designer whether the people will like me and my designs or not. It’s all about self acceptance, how different we are from each other whether as a designer or just our personality in general.” Congratulations!
