Music at the Mansion MMXI.IV, Sunday, August 14, 2011, 3 P.M.

“Music at the Mansion,” continues with the third concert in the series to be held at 3:00 p.m. on August 14, 2011 in the intimate setting of the historic Knickerbocker Mansion Country Inn on Knickerbocker Road in Big Bear Lake. Arts Council board member, Barbara King, an accomplished pianist, has organized a group performers, most of whom are the talented musicians and artists from the Big Bear area, and some young talents who are “home for the summer” from their respective college campuses where they continue to pursue their degrees in Fine Arts. The eclectic mix of performances at this concert will include Caitlin Barney with selections from her new Celtic CD, Amber Carpenter, a member of the Young Americans, home from their European Tour, Elaine Fitzpatrick, Las Vegas professional vocalist offering selections by Cole Porter and Amber Parle, attending UC Davis, with selections from musical theater. Favorites Sharon Rizzo, cellist with the Redlands Symphony and Alicia and Tawny Williams, the “Violin Twins” will perform selections by Vivaldi and Dvorak for classical music fans. Also on the program is a duet featuring the vocal talent of Suzy Carpenter and her daughter. These performers and a few surprise selections will round out the afternoon of music to please everyone’s taste.

As part of the very popular “Dinner Theater” originated by the Arts Council, a delightful special dinner by Chef Thomas, assisted by Sous Chef, Robert, will be served after the concert for those who want to enjoy the ambience of the Mansion’s beautiful dining room.

The cost is $20 for the concert, which begins at 3:00 pm, and $25 for dinner, which immediately follows the performance. Selections from the Mansion’s excellent regular menu are served. Reservations are required and can be made at 909-585-5916.

Proceeds from these concerts support the arts in our community, as well as in our schools.

NANCY MENDOZA AND THE GALLERY

Visit "The Gallery", in Big Bear Lake, from February 4h through March 2011, to view Nancy Mendoza's artwork. Ms. Mendoza has been involved with “The Gallery” since it opened in the 90's.

Her watercolors are expressive abstracts with a surprising twist of realism. Her work is fresh and full of life. Her use of colors causes the eye to dance across the page and the colors hold you in the painting. Best of all, one can look at her art and see this wonderful bold design and then see the boldest individual. Her work is enjoyable.

Nancy Mendoza has roots in the Big Bear Valley since she was born. She and husband, Joe, live in a home on property that has been owned by her family since 1912. She has visited the Big Bear Lake area every summer since childhood and she and Joe have been permanent residents for 10 years in her family home.

Nancy was one of the original artists on exhibit in The Gallery, the Arts Council’s fine art gallery on Village Drive when it was established in 2001. She has also exhibited in the Arts Council’s “Art on the Lake” fine art show since the first show in 2000. Her artwork has been on exhibit in prestigious galleries that include the Sandstone Gallery in Laguna Beach and the Ratcliff-Williams Gallery in Sedona, AZ. Her work is in private collections in the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America.

She began taking art classes in high school and completed an art minor at Cal Berkley. Her involvement in Laguna School of the Arts began in 1976 when she rejoined the art world after raising her family. She studied with Ray Jacob, Roger Armstrong, and Sueo Serisawa, whose particular influence is evident in some of Nancy’s work on exhibit at The Gallery. The Laguna School of the Arts evolved into the Art Institute of Southern California.

Nancy has withdrawn from The Gallery as a participating artist; however several pieces of artwork will remain on exhibit and offered for sale for a period of time. A reception was held on January 28th to celebrate Nancy’s longstanding relationship with the Arts Council and the Gallery. The guest list for Nancy’s reception included fellow artists, collectors, friends and family members who visited Big Bear for the event. Arts Council President, David Leach, commented, “Nancy has been a strong supporter of The Gallery since its inception, as well as an avid supporter of the artistic community in the Big Bear Valley. She will be missed in The Gallery, but we wish her continued success.

Nancy’s work beautifully reflects her own words from her Artists Statement, “I am always excited and stimulated by the restatement of the known and the experimentation into the unknown – sometimes achieving the unexpected. The observed interpreted – improvisation based on reality.”

The Gallery is located at 40750 Village Drive and is open daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

###

Reception and Book Sign by Barbara Jordan, Wild Life Photographer

Book “The Beauty of the Moment”
Saturday, November 6, 6 P.M.
Wine and Light snacks will be served.
No RSVP needed
The Arts Council of Big Bear Valley
40750 Village Drive


The Arts Council of Big Bear Valley is pleased to host Barbara Jordan's Book signing in Big Bear Valley. Barbara has been with the Arts Council Gallery since its opening day in 2002 providing us with her unique photographs of wildlife from all of North America.

Her new book “The Beauty of the Moment” features beautiful images of landscapes, wildlife and flowers captured during her travels around North America. Barbara's adventures have brought her face to face with grizzly bears in Alaska, whales in Mexico, and taken her above the Arctic Circle to photograph the Aurora Borealis. Here in Big Bear she has photograph a cougar who stalked her as she was out working.

An excerpt from Barbara's book says it all, “I hope in some way this book will help remind you of how precious and beautiful life is. That it will make you want to help preserve this beautiful world for your children and grandchildren. That you will remember to live in the moment. It passes so quickly.”

Recently, in the Gallery, she has been experimenting successfully with photography on canvas. This style of photography allows the collectors to hang the work without frames or in a minimal frame. She has been working with photo enhancement techniques that provide new artistic approaches to her artistic skills.

Barbara’s fine art prints are in collections around the world. She is represented by Getty Images, the largest stock agency in the world. Currently two of her images can be seen on the National Geographic website in the Yosemite National Park gallery and the Zion gallery. Another of Barbara’s images can be seen on the tail of a First Air of Canada air livery.

A preview of Barbara’s book is available online at http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1117991 or on her website at www.barbarajordan.com .

Join us all at the Gallery, November 6, at 6 P.M. For wine and appetizers and congratulate her on her successful completion of “The Beauty of the Moment”. Barbara will be present to sign all copies sold.

Richard Moll is “Bull-ish” on Big Bear

Left:Richard Moll as the character, Bull Shannon, the bailiff on NBC’s hit sitcom, Night Court.

Right: At home with nature in Big Bear, Richard befriends a young pine tree.


Photos and Story by Christie Walker

A native son of the golden state–“one of the older ones”–Richard Moll became a permanent resident of Big Bear City in 2004. Probably best known for his role as the tall, shaved-headed Bull Shannon, the bailiff on NBC’s hit sitcom, Night Court, Moll has moved to the mountains to enjoy the “simple life.”
“I’ve always been partial to the forested atmosphere. I love the change of seasons and like to fish, hike and socialize with friends. I’ve chosen to live the simple life, which is one of the advantages of living up here. My kids call my little cabin in Big Bear City the cozy cabin–not terribly original but appropriate,” said Moll, with a self-deprecating laugh.
Before becoming a permanent resident, Moll had a second home in Big Bear Lake, on Cienega Road. Back in 2003, Moll and his wife were living in Pacific Palisades and took a trip up to Big Bear. His wife told Moll that they weren’t leaving town until they bought a vacation home, and so they did.
“On our way down the mountain, the Old Fire was creeping up the hill and I asked, ‘What have we just done?’ But as you know,” Moll added, “the fire didn’t hit Big Bear.”
Today, Moll rents a small cabin filled with knotty pine charm that was built back in 1961. In front of his fireplace is a black bear skin rug that used to belong to his father. His father shot the bear, not in Big Bear, but in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Moll takes his simple life seriously–no television, no computer–even though it drives his agents and managers nuts, since they like to e-mail their clients with information and offers. Moll spends his time reading and taking leisurely hikes in the forest.
“I read a great deal, from the classics like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen to a three volume history of the Civil War, by Shelby Foote. I also enjoy hiking, and take along my nature books on wildflowers, birds, trees and plants so I can spend time identifying anything I’m unfamiliar with. It’s more like stalking than hiking,” Moll laughed.
Hiking around Big Bear has given Moll an appreciation for the natural environment in which we live–one he doesn’t mind defending.
“I think protecting the environment up here can be a little bit of a hard sell, which is pretty ironic considering how reliant we are upon the environment–especially the beauty of it–to make this place attractive,” said Moll. “So it’s surprising when people drag their feet when it comes to protecting the environment.”
At a recent Big Bear Lake City Council meeting, Moll encouraged the City Council to take a stand on global warming by signing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. He also testified in front of the Senate subcommittee on the depletion of the ozone layer, years ago.
While living in Big Bear has many advantages, being close to his work isn’t one of them. Still very active in film, television and other projects, Moll still enjoys his work as an actor.
“I think of myself as a character guy. I think that’s how you grow as an actor, at least to a certain degree, by doing these characterizations,” said Moll.
Being 6’8” lends itself to being cast as some fun and unusual characters. On October 27th of 2007, Moll plays a cranky old “son-of-a-gun” in an evil town, in Headless Horseman, a Halloween-themed program airing on the Sci-Fi channel. November will see the premiere of a full-length feature film, The Christmas Cottage, starring Peter O’Toole, Marcia Gay Harden, Chris Elliott, Ed Asner and a wonderful cast. Based on the young life of painter, Thomas Kinkade, Moll plays the part of Big Jim, “no surprise there,” says Moll, the town electrician who is very competitive about the local Christmas lights competition.
Locally, Moll had a starring role in the short film, The Boy Next Door, a black comedy that won an award as the Best Short Film in the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival.
Like another Big Bear resident, Noel Blanc, Moll has had his share of voice over work for animation including the voice of the villain, Two-Face, in Batman, the animated series. Still active in film, television, and theatre, Moll enjoys working in the independent film arena as well.
“Some of these independent films, even though they don’t have a huge budget, they treat you with a little more deference and you have a little more creative leeway and more to do. Actually in a way, I like independent films as well as anything,” said Moll.
Being a recognizable actor, Moll gets his share of Big Bear visitors who want their picture taken with him, while the locals are more likely to just say, “Hi, Richard” as they pass by in the aisles of Stater Brothers. While fame might make it a little more difficult to live the simple life, living in the Big Bear Valley certainly makes it more possible than in most places in Southern California.
© Big Bear Magazine

Shutterbug of Many Countries

Ellen Nichols at The Gallery in the Village, written by Marje Koërber, photography by Manriquez Studios

Shutterbug. Many people call themselves shutterbugs but how many of us are really any good at taking photos? Ellen Nichols, who found her outlet for art in photography, has seen her endeavor for taking beautiful photographs, with the advent of digital cameras, really grow. Nichols says: “I was not good at drawing like my mother and sister but photography has opened up a wonderful way for me to express myself in the art world.”
Nichols, a native of Denmark came to America for a year, went to work and decided to stay in her adopted country. She retired in1988, after a long corporate career with Southern California Edison, and moved fulltime to Sugarloaf. She became immersed in community affairs and has served on the Board of Friends of the Big Bear Valley Library as president for two terms. She is a member of Soroptimist International, and currently serving as corresponding secretary as well as having served in other board positions. She is the current president of the Arts Council, 2005/2006. The Art Gallery opened in November 2002 and Ellen starting showing her photography in the Gallery in 2004.
Through her company, Ellen Nichols Photography and Graphic Design, she enjoys creating graphic designs and brochures for individuals as well as businesses. She also creates greeting cards, custom stationary, post cards, and rack cards.
She has traveled extensively back and forth to her native Denmark as well as visiting Russia, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Spain, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic (Prague), Holland, Belgium, England, and all across the U.S. including Alaska.
Nichols has taken 700 to 800 photographs of our national parks. She goes through the photos, picks out the best ones to create slide presentations, determining which ones to blow up, frame, and display in the gallery and on her website, www.ellennichols.com. She has also fine tuned her ability to find and capture unusual and interesting sites where ever she goes. It takes a good eye and years of practice to recognize which settings will provide photos that speak and touch a special place inside
The front cover photo of Big Bear Magazine was taken by Nichols at sunset, looking west from Stanfield Cutoff. She also took one looking east at the same time of day, but the second one is totally different due to the topography, the colors and light, yet creating a beautiful scene of the same area, same day, and same time. Nichols’s current collection includes photographs of Big Bear, the California coast, Western National Parks, Alaska, China, Australia, Spain and her native Denmark. Email her at ellen@ellennichols.com or visit her website or The Gallery in the Village to view her work.

The Whimsical Dee Mundy

This story was originally published in 2005 Big Bear Magazine, and written by Dianne Ackermann. A featured cover on our home page, is a watercolor of boats by Ms. Mundy.
This month’s featured cover artist Dee Mundy has been painting since childhood. Her love of art followed her into college where she majored in art for two years before changing her major to education; she graduated with a minor in art.
“My focus was on commercial art. They didn’t call it ‘graphic design’ then. I actually enjoyed doing designs for frozen food containers but I didn’t think I could make a living out of it that so I switched to education. Being a teacher I used a lot of my art in my classroom.” She taught pre-school until her retirement.
Dee paints in a comfortable upstairs loft lit by a large window affording the northern light on her painting table. The south facing window looks to the forest. Dee and husband Jack built a small cabin in 1969. After moving to Big Bear full time in 1993, they added on to their cabin.
Living in the mountains has been a great influence on her art. “I like painting winter. I love painting snow and water.” So Big Bear has much to offer this artist.
An accomplished watercolor artist, Dee paints a variety of subjects including landscapes, flora, and buildings. “I’m a frustrated architect. My grandfather was an architect and I’ve always doodled buildings.” Traveling though such places as Colorado, Arizona, Hawaii and the Caribbean, she has recorded in paint many of the structures encountered along the way. “I love old barns. I always make my husband stop when I see them.” Her pen and ink drawings of buildings reflect her technical art background.
Dee has a series of work she calls her “whimsies.” Childlike in their innocence, these primitive folk art pieces are another side of this talented artist. Painted in acrylic on paper, the “animal whimsies” such as “The Animals’ Christmas” depicts creatures of the forest celebrating the holiday – dancing raccoons, grinning bears in Santa hats or angel wings and caroling coyotes. “These paintings spring from my pre-school teaching days” she admits.
Both Dee and Jack volunteer at the Discovery Center. This has also been an influence on her art. “We incorporate being good stewards of the forest while enjoying all that the forest has to offer” as she shows in her “seasonal whimsies.” This series shows different parts of the Valley throughout the four seasons. Summer shows the Discovery Center and all the different activities available in the summer – boating, fishing, hiking the nature trails, camping, picnicking. Fall is Fawnskin, Grout Bay, and the Butler Peak tower in the full color of our mountain fall. Winter, of course, is the slopes and the Village complete with boarders, skiers, bus tours, dog walkers, snowmen builders, photographers and others engaged in winter activities. Spring in pinks and greens portray the East Valley with horseback riding, camping, off-roading and other forms of springtime play.
Dee’s watercolors range in size from miniatures of 2 inches by 4 inches up to 18 inches by 24 inches. The smaller watercolors and card size prints of larger paintings can be seen at the Adventure Outpost at the Discovery Center. Her larger pieces were shown at the Mountaintop Fine Art Show held at the Discovery Center this past May.

© 2005 Big Bear Magazine, All Rights Reserved

John Grandi Winner of 2009 Community Appreciation Award

The Big Bear Lake International Film Festival, selected John Grandi as the recipient of the “Community Appreciation Award.” Ty Warren, Film Festival Board President comments, “John is always at the forefront when it comes to donating his time and talent for the betterment of the Big Bear Valley.”
The Community Appreciation Award is given to an individual who has contributed greatly to the well being of the Big Bear Community. This is the 10th Annual Film Festival held in Big Bear but only the 4th time that a community member has received recognition. In 2000 Actress Shirley Jones was the first community advocate honored with the prestigious award. For unknown reasons it did not re-surface until 2007 when Channel 6 TV Host Ron Seymour was nominated in a move that the Film Festival Board unanimously agreed was long overdue. Last year (2008) Dick Kun was the announced winner for his many philanthropic endeavors.
The 2009 honoree, John Grandi, is one of Big Bear’s living legends – sharing his life stories on stage as benefits for such worthy organizations as the Hospital Foundation and the Library, acting in CATS productions and as a Rotarian often emceeing the Eagles of Excellence evening. John uses his popular human interest column in the Grizzly Newspaper “Stay Tuned” to promote the people, projects and happening events in the Big Bear Valley.
The Community Appreciation Award is not limited to individuals who are in “show biz.” However, often “show biz” folks such as Grandi enjoy sharing their background and blessings within the community. John, who with his usual good humor, claims to have “flunked retirement” keeps busy writing, acting and in general lending a helping hand wherever needed. And in all these endeavors he continues to work to make Big Bear a better place for all because as he claims “I’ve been in the ‘people’ business my entire life.”
For John this means spending his time doing things that benefit others is important. He’s acted in small scale productions to benefit both the Hospital Foundation and the Library. A popular favorite “An Evening with John Grandi" done as a charity performance for the Library was so well received that a encore was produced at the Performing Arts Center as a Hospital Foundation fund raiser. John is a “people person” who has earned the respect of the community and has formed many enduring friendships. It is not surprising that his circle of friends come together to support John’s favorite causes – often sharing the stage with him.
Grandi is an actor, musician and humanitarian – and a columnist for the Grizzly Newspaper.

Music at the Mansion – MMX.IV

Sunday, September 12, 2010, 3 PM
Knickerbocker Mansion on Knickerbocker Road, Big Bear Lake
Dinner immediately following the Concert
RSVP needed to 909-585-5916


The Arts Council of Big Bear Valley is pleased to present “Music at the Mansion – MMX.IV. This is entertainment at its best, with up-close seating, wonderful music, and excellent dining following the show and to top it off with “easy on the pocket” prices featuring the excellent Las Vegas Artists: Elaine and Tod Fitzpatrick wonderful repertory of wonderful songs from “Showboat,” “South Pacific,” and of course an all time favorite “Phantom of the Opera”.

Tod's voice has been described as “a resonant lyric baritone” and that his “love songs have a devotional, dreamy quality” after performing at the Tidewater Art Song Season. Earlier this year this quote was proven true when he sang at the Performing Arts Center.

Elaine has had leading roles as Kathie in the Student Prince, Yum-Yum in The Mikado, Valencienne in The Merry Widow, Eliza in My Fair Lady, Fiona in Brigadoon, Polly Browne in The Boyfriend, Laurey in Oklahoma, Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music, Nimue in Camelot, Rose in The Secret Garden and Cinderella’s mother in Into the Woods.

Tod and his wife Elaine are Big Bear's Guests from Las Vegas where Tod is a Music Professor. Both started our exciting “Big Bear Lake Song Festival” for aspiring young artists who each summer study with distinguished music faculty from around the United States. We are lucky to hear Tod and Elaine again this year.

Another great local entertainer is Nancy Celeste Walker. “Nancy just lights up the stage” is what countless audience members say who have seen her perform. Nancy Celeste Walker has impressed thousands with her captivating vocals from the White House to audiences of musical theater to film scores to the Los Angeles and Orange County music scene. Nancy sang for Bill and Hillary Clinton during the Christmas Holidays thanks to her Mother sending them a copy of her CD. Nancy states, “singing in the White House has been a highlight of her career”. Nancy has also performed locally with the Big Bear Performing Arts Center with “Divas”; “From Paris, With Love” and last October she did a Cabaret show of “funny songs” called “Isn't It Funny” to sold out crowds.

The entertainment features Emily Dunn, an “up-and-coming” singer and “song-writer” who is recording her first CD of her own music. She has been singing, dancing and acting for over 10 years and she brings to the stage, enthusiasm and vitality to all that she does. She will be singing her own originals “Where Did My Fight Go” and “Won't You Be Mine” which will be featured on her new CD. This is the time to hear new music and in the not so distant future to say, “I heard her when...”

This event is held at the Knickerbocker Mansion at 3 PM Sunday September 12th and following the concert is a special dinner prepared by Chef Thomas, assisted by Robert, sous-chef. At the previous concerts the dinner guests have raved about the quality of the food and the diverse menu offered.

Ticket prices are Concert Only $20.00 (students $10.00) and Special Dinner Menu - $20.00 (tax and gratuity not included). Seating is definitely limited so reserve early by calling the Arts Council at 909-585-5916. This is an evening to remember with great music, a gourmet meal and easy prices.

The Arts Council of Big Bear Valley
For Further Questions please call:
Elaine W. Trei
Publicity
909-519-9985

Big Bear People - Roger Nannini - Big Bear Artist Appreciated Around The World

Long time Big Bear resident Roger Nannini has become an accomplished primitive/trompe l’ oeil artist, whose talent is appreciated and recognized by collectors and publishers around the world.

Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island in 1942, he moved to sunny California at the young age of 15.

He sold his treasured ’57 Corvette to pay for tuition at Los Angeles’ prestigious Art Center School of Design. At the same time, he continued to study with many of the leading painters in California, where he has consistently won awards for his paintings and illustrations in open art competitions.

And he hasn’t looked back. In 1991, Mr. Nannini was recognized as one of America’s foremost painters by Artist Magazine.

His fanciful designs have been appreciated by children’s publishers, world-wide. “Josephine’s Toy Shop,” published by a London publisher in six languages, is a uniquely designed and delightfully illustrated “look and play” book, with moving parts on every page. He and his publisher have also published “The Incredible Cloud Machine,” both books of which are available by going to Google and typing in Roger Nannini.

Several of Roger’s images have been used by Ceaco Puzzles for their Home Sweet Home boxed collection and their Keepsake Tin Series.

For Big Bear Magazine readers, Mr. Nannini designed the first 4-color magazines, beginning in January/February 1996. Big Bear Magazine had the privilege of featuring several of his paintings on the covers, and again we are pleased to re-introduce you to his artwork. www.RogerNannini.com

If you are in Big Bear, he and his wife Susan, can still be found playing music at local restaurants, when he isn’t painting or creating new art. For more information, Roger can be reached at 909.744.7145 cell, or imagemaker9@charter.net.

© 2009 Big Bear Magazine

Please tell our businesses you found them in Big Bear Magazine.com