Valley businesses back artists' group.

The Visual Arts Gallery, a consortium of working Valley artists, formally announced its new name, Totally Artistic, at its third anniversary reception Nov. 20.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Once each quarter the Warner Center Marriott and Western Commercial Bank co-host a fine art exhibition and cultural reception for the group.

"We have many components to our art reception," said the Visual Arts/Totally Artistic founder who goes just by the name Shane.

Tuesday's event was a feast for the senses featuring artworks by artists ranging from age 10 to age 90, spanning a wide variety of media including sculpture, neon, oils, watercolors, glass, crayons, airbrushing and metalwork.

All artwork exhibited was up for sale. Shane said that they usually sell anywhere from five to 10 pieces at each quarterly event.

The Don Sweeney Trio played at one end of the reception, in the ballroom foyer, while classical guitarist David Ellis serenaded those entering through the hotel main lobby.

Graffiti artist Swae demonstrated his talents by airbrushing clothing items and Rikki, who works with melted crayons, demonstrated how the lowly Crayola can become fine art.

The Dance Dimensions studio presented four performances including a keiki hula and flamenco dancers.

The whole affair was taped, in high-definition, for a planned cable TV show eponomously titled "Totally Artistic" with hosts Larry Carroll and Linda Slade.

Gordon Luster, general manager of the Marriott, said that the quarterly receptions, which first started in October, 2004 with about 50 to 60 guests, have turned into a pretty big draw, now regularly bringing in 150 to 200 guests.

"We see it as a good blend of community service and enhancing the attractiveness of the hotel," said Luster about Marriott's involvement. "What we spend, so to speak, I think we get back in ambiance and support for the community and the opportunity for artists to show their work in a perfect venue."

Luster said that in any given month there are at least 10,000 people walking through the hotel lobby and corridors. "That's pretty extensive gallery visitation," he concluded.

BY LINDA COBURN

Contributing Reporter