South Pasadena Arts Benefit Aids Katrina’s Littlest Victims

Doctor Ellin Liberman, Honoree Steve Fjeldsted, Dr. Harry Lieberman and Honoree Tom Field

Drs. Ellin and Harry Lieberman opened their South Pasadena home to community leaders and supporters on Sunday, Dec. 7 for the 4th Annual South Pasadena Arts Benefit.

The reason? To raise funds for Katrina victims and their families. Attendees were encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Katrina’s littlest victims, the children at the Louisiana Childrens Hospital.

“It’s nice to see people come together and share something important,” said Dr. Harry Lieberman.

Paul Politi and Ellen Daigle

This year’s event was hosted by the Liebermans; Co-chairs Ellen Daigle, owner Ellen’s Silkscreening, and Shelley Stephens, owner of Dinosaur Farm; and Debra Beadle. Funds from the sale of the artwork will be sent to the New Orleans National Kidney Foundation for disbursement.

“I think it was a great day,” said one of the hosts, Ellen Daigle, “we got a good turn out of 30 to 40 percent more people (than last year.)”

Honorees for the event were Tom Field, proprietor of Thomas H. Field Antiques and Curator of SoPas Gallery at the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, and South Pasadena City Librarian Steve Fjeldsted.

A special exhibit honored the artist and author Leo Politi’s Centnnial Celebration with an exhibit of some of Politi’s original paintings, books and a photo story board of his life. Politi’s son, Paul was a special guest who spoke to attendees about his late father.

South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Scott Feldman and former South Pasadena Mayor

Guests milled around the large backyard of the Lieberman home while noshing on goodies donated by local restaurants. Twenty local artists displayed their magnificent works, all for sale, while listening to the soothing sounds by members of the South Pasadena Strings Orchestra and local musician Brad Colerick. In addition to local artists, South Pasadena High School students exhibited selections of their artwork as well. Beautiful hand-made quilts were raffled off and hand-made jewelry and accessories all were for sale.

The proceeds of the event have yet to be tallied, but judging from the outpouring of good will of those in attendance, the patients at Louisiana Children’s Hospital will benefit greatly.