New and longtime supporters of AWBW’s mission gathered to celebrate our 20th annual arts festival, Art in the Afternoon, on Saturday June 8th at the EXPO Center in Los Angeles from 12pm-4pm. The annual festival was attended by over 300 Angelinos and raised over $77,000.
The special day was emceed by KTLA’s reporter and Emmy award-winning journalist, Wendy Burch along with her four-year old son, Brady Burch. Celebrity and influencer guests that also attended this year include Alyssa de Boisblanc (Modern Family), Brooklyn Robinson (Modern Family) and Jane Widdop (Sound of My Voice).
The attendees enjoyed a dozen opportunities to make art, including creating a personalized wellness tool kit, modeled after AWBW’s dynamic arts curriculum, and a special felt workshop hosted by Billy Kheel of NBC’s “Making It.” The face painting and avant-garde makeup booth was especially popular, led by Academy Award-winning makeup artist Ve Neill and her team from Cinema Makeup School.
Art in the Afternoon highlights also included performances by the viral tap group Syncopated Ladies and the all-female mariachi Las Colibrí, along with popular interactive performances by Hoop It Up Kids and LA Dancefit. Magic Castle resident magician Chad Nelson and Universal Studio’s Curious George also entertained guests. There were other fun-filled activities for all ages: delicious food and drinks; a beer and wine garden; carnival games with prizes; a bounce slide; massages; and a photo booth.
The event included an incredible silent auction in support of AWBW’s healing arts programming. The most popular items included tickets to the Hollywood Bowl and a Dodgers game, along with a basket of wines hand-picked by AWBW’s Board of Directors and a gift certificate for Warby Parker Glasses.
“What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday, making art with my family and friends, and giving people a taste of what art can make possible for a trauma survivor,” says Stacia Kato, AWBW’s Board President and event co-chair. “Seeing the community come together to support the important work of A Window Between Worlds reminds me why I chose to join their Board of Directors.”
With funds raised from the 20th annual Art in the Afternoon, A Window Between Worlds is able to continue our partnerships with local agencies across Los Angeles County, as well as nationwide, to provide healing arts programming to adults and children that have experienced trauma.
Art & Wellness Sponsors included Best Bubble Parties, Books and Cookies, Cinema Makeup School, Color Me Mine, Cristina Warfield Group, Golden Earth Essential Oils, Imperfect Produce, Inner Flower Child Books, Mad Science LA, Manly Handz Mobile Spa, and Zooga Yoga.
Food & Beverage Sponsors included Bare Snacks, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Califia Farms, Corner Bakery, GoGo squeeZ, Harmless Harvest, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Kona Ice, ONEHOPE, Panda Express, PathWater, Power Crunch, and Tillamook.
The 20th annual Art in the Afternoon Media Sponsors were LAArtParty.com, L.A. Parent, Los Angeles Downtown News, Pasadena Weekly, SoCalPulse.com, The Argonaut, and Venice Paparazzi.
Additional sponsorship was provided this year by Longo Toyota Lexus, SoCal Gas, and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Thank you to all our hosts, sponsors, volunteers, donors and guests who played a special role in this year’s Art in the Afternoon! Be sure to check out the beautiful images on our Facebook page!