Whittier Cultural Arts Foundation

Music: William Kanengiser - Classical Guitarist

A classical guitarist for over 20 years, William Kanengiser is a founding member of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet.  He is a Grammy award winning artist and has played Carnegie Hall among other venues in the US and abroad.   As a member of the community he has given multiple benefit concerts at the Shannon Center for the Performing Arts to support families in crisis and the Whittier Schools Foundation.  Recently he released a DVD "Classical Guitar and Beyond."  Bill and his wife and daughter live in a historical area of town.  http://www.kanengiser.com/

Multiple Arts: Julia Rittershausen Beers Kelly - Violin, Fabric Arts, Photography
 

Trained as a classical violinist, Julia now most often plays folk-violin or fiddle with three prominent Southern California groups: Salt Box, Lady Slippers, and Fleur de Lis.  Salt Box - a band known for its diverse repertoire including Celtic and American folk melodies, Irish airs and Scandinavian Hambos, rousing ship tunes, and gentle waltzes - performed at the inaugural Whittier Cultural Arts Showcase.  In addition to her musical gifts, Julia is well-known in the Whittier area for her fabric arts, having exhibited at galleries throughout the San Gabriel Valley.  And she is an accomplished photographic artist.

Friend of the Arts: Monte's Camera (the Wicker Family) - Monte Wicker

More than a half-century ago, this artist and hobbiest friendly Uptown enterprise was founded by Monte Wicker, former Mayor of Whittier and himself an accomplished harmonica player.  As one reviewer has written about the operation and its typical friendly ethos, "This is one of the few old-school photo businesses left around.  It is family-owned, and the guys who run it have been there for years and years.  They offer digital cameras and accessories, but still have darkroom equipment/supplies for the purists.  They are extremely knowledgeable, and know things that I didn't even think to ask.  Bought a telephoto and flash for my digital Canon Rebel here, and they reminded me to get a clear (daylight) filter for the zoom to protect the lens."



Lifetime Achievement Award: Hillcrest Arts Festival in its 50th year
 

Hillcrest Arts Festival: This year marked the 50^th Annual Festival, which highlighted local painter Ernest Lacy as its featured artist.  In previous years various members of the Cultural Arts Foundation have had their works displayed and featured in this juried exhibition.  Among its many distinct contributions to the arts in the Whittier area, the Festival includes artist demonstrations, musical performances, and children's art workshops.