Courtesy of Catalina Museum for Art & History
Last weekend, holiday classics rang out over Avalon while the Loyola Marymount University Choir performed at the Catalina Museum for Art & History. Despite the cold weather, more than 160 island residents and visitors attended.
This free event included photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sweet treats, a kids art project and story time with Mrs. Claus. Longtime island resident, museum board member and noted art collector, Roy Rose, gave a talk in the Paintings for the Holidays gallery highlighting the various artists represented in the exhibition.
Led by T.J. Harper, chair of Music and director of Choral Activities, the LMU Choir featured 32 students. Although some of the students are music majors, many are studying engineering, science and more. The choir also performed at the Catholic Church the following morning and the students were able to spend time exploring Avalon before heading back to the mainland.
“This type of event is such a great way to end the year,” said Gail Fornasiere, deputy director of External Affairs at Catalina Museum for Art & History. “Celebrating art and music with all ages of our community and showcasing the talents of these students fits perfectly into our mission. It was so well received and we hope to bring them back again next year.”
Dr. Bryant Keith Alexander, dean of the Loyola Marymount University’s College of Communication and Fine Arts was also in attendance and is open to the idea that this become a new holiday tradition at the museum.
The Museum offered special thanks to LMU alumni Ron and Mary Celeste Bevins and Brittani Brisacher for being instrumental in making this event happen. The Museum also thanked the Edgewater Hotel, the Glenmore Hotel and the St. Lauren Hotel for donating rooms for the choir students.
About Catalina Museum for Art & History
The Catalina Museum for Art & History offers art and history exhibitions, music and dance performances, lectures by guest speakers from all over the world, and the finest in silent, documentary and international film.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, the museum is located in the heart of Avalon at 217 Metropole Ave. For more information, call 310-510-2414 or visit CatalinaMuseum.org.
