On Friday, September 22nd, Laura Sharpe, Founder of Artists For Trauma (AFT) and Aaron Baker, Co-Founder of C.O.R.E., Center Of Restorative Exercise, and Steve Sarns from NuStep.com, as a part of the Together We Rise Team, will climb the typically closed to
the public, US Bank Tower’s 1000 ft. of stairs, equaling 75 floors at 1,664 steps, averaging 22 steps per floor. Laura and Aaron are both of whom are polytrauma survivors that are climbing for those can’t. This event has an average of 4,000 participants and is a fun Block Party in the streets of LA, complete with games, live bands, food trucks, and a beer garden. ALL the proceeds go to the Ketchum-Downtown YMCA charity.
Laquita Diane, John Behzad, Laura Sharpe, Aaron Baker and his wife Katie. Photo courtesy of Al Ortega/Gettyimages
WHO: VIPs expected at this event such as Laura T. Sharpe, Founder of Artists for Trauma, and Aaron Baker, Founder of C.O.R.E., Center Of Restorative Exercise and Steve Sarns from NuStep.com
Steve Sarns of NuStep.com
WHEN: September 22nd, press check-in at 3:15, event 3:30-8pm Please join the Together We Rise team of Laura, Aaron and Steve will climb the stairs
WHERE: US Bank Tower Building 633 West Fifth Street; Los Angeles, California
PARKING: The organizers highly recommend carpooling, lyft or uber or other garages in the area.
ATTIRE: sportswear
RSVP: Please RSVP at info@artistsfortrauma.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Artists For Trauma models Michael Kors at In Store Fashion Show at Macy’s Topanga
Sunday, September 17th from 2 pm -4 pm, Artists For Trauma (AFT) in conjunction with the upscale Macy’s Topanga and the noted Michael Kors line will present a fashion show with AFT adaptive models.
AFT Founder and President Laura Sharpe. Photo courtesy of Albert L. Ortega/Gettyimages
“These six chosen models are adored by their community and are not only gorgeous, but physically and mentally strong, having persevered through life challenges that most of us will never know.” – Laura T. Sharpe, Artists For Trauma Founder and CEO.
AFT model and celebrated actor Ford Austin and his wife Emmy award-winning producer Lauree Dash. Photo courtesy of Albert L. Ortega/GettyimagesAFT model and artist Richard Bell. Photo courtesy of Michael Bezjian/Gettyimages
WHO: Numerous celebrities and VIPs expected at this event such as Laura T. Sharpe, the founder of Artists for Trauma, AFT model and celebrated actor Ford Austin (Live By Night, Bosch), his wife, Emmy award-winning producer Lauree Dash (The Doctors, Access Hollywood), actress and fashion blogger Vida Ghaffari (The Mindy Project, Holy Terror, So Very Vida), noted filmmaker Massimiliano Cerchi (Mayday, The Night Shift), Chanel Ryan (The Late Late Show with James Cordon, Dead Sea) other AFT models such as noted artist Richard Bell, Tobias Forrest, actress Mia Schaikewitz (Push Girls), actress Vanessa Osman and Janelle Hinshaw. Also in attendance are actors James Cavlo (Raising Hope, Carly), Tatyana Figueiredo (Suicide Squad, The Business), Casey Burke (The Middle, 20th Cen- tury Women), Joey Lutheran (The Long Road Home, Modern Family), Kacey Fifield (Game Shakers, React to That), Siaki Si’l (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Austin and Ally), Kiana Lyz Rivera (Major Crimes, The Immigrant), Kendall Monroe, Entertainment attorney Nadia Davari, Founder and CEO of The World Networks Lousine Karibian and Social Media Influencer Ilmar Molder.
AFT model and actress Vanessa OsmanAFT model and actress Mia Schaikewitz from Push Girls
WHEN: September 17th,
press check-in 12:30pm
red carpet 1-2pm fashion show 2-4
WHERE: Macy’s Topanga, 21900 Vanowen St, Canoga Park, CA 91304
PARKING: Free parking at Topanga MALL ATTIRE: Upscale Casual
Artists For Trauma, founded by trauma survivor Laura Sharpe in 2011, was inspired by her personal journey to recovery from life altering trauma. Sharpe connected with the world of art as a source of healing from her near-mortal wounds. AFT reveals and shares the blueprint of Sharpe’s astonishing re- covery to help other civilian and military trauma survivors positively reconnect with themselves, their families and their communities.
The AFT organization aims to expedite recovery through artistic expression and human connection, providing a creative portal to help patients process complex emotions, regain confidence and build self- acceptance after suffering a traumatic experience.
Macy’s, established in 1858, is the Great American Department Store – an iconic retailing brand over 740 stores operating coast-to-coast and online. Macy’s Westfield Topanga Plaza offers a first class se- lection of top fashion brands including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Clinique, Estee Lauder & Levis. In addition to shoes and clothing, Macy’s has a wide variety of housewares, gifts and furniture.
Macy’s will also have a VIP sale that day from 2-4pm with an extra 30% off on designers that rarely go on sale and 15% off any beauty purchase with your Macy’s card.
Michael Kors is a world-renowned, award-winning designer of luxury accessories and ready-to-wear. His namesake company, established in 1981, currently produces a range of products under his signa- ture Michael Kors Collection and MICHAEL Michael Kors labels. These products include accessories, footwear, watches, jewelry, men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, eyewear and a full line of fragrance products.
Internationally renowned health and fitness photographer Per Bernal’s well attended gallery opening in West Los Angeles was the talk of the town and THE art event of the season bringing some much needed and well deserved attention to the thriving LA art scene.
“Per Bernal is a world class photographer praised for his talents in capturing the strength and excellence of the human body, thus has garnered the nickname; “The Annie Leibovitz of the Fitness World.” This exhibition, aptly titled “Oh Shoot,” was an eclectic evening featuring photography, graffiti, street, and fine art. There were new works featured by Per Bernal and RISK. There was an unveiling of a portrait of action hero Dolph Lundgren, which was an incredible collaboration by Per and Risk. Guests viewed some politically correct art, right in time for the election, including the “Trump Wall,” featured on CNN and BBC, by Plastic Jesus and famous portraits by the late Pop Artist, Steve Kaufman. Additionally, it was truly an honor to be partnering with Artists for Trauma,” said Megan Phillips, the Founder of Sur le Mur. Phillips represents Bernal and other acclaimed artists in addition to offering art advisory and acquisitions, curating, and custom work.
“I have been a photographer for over 30 years and have shot close to 1000 fitness covers, which have been published worldwide. The opening of my US studio this past weekend was a dream come true, for me, and I now feel the freedom to explore my fine art photography, including celebrity portraiture. I find it very inspiring to work with other artists and I want my studio to be an artists’ colony, where creative minds and creative ideas can meet and merge together. Working with Megan Phillips, of Sur Le Mur, has given me tremendous momentum and she has encouraged me to expand my art and to take it to an entirely new level,” said Per Bernal.
Bernal also shot Artist For Trauma (AFT) Ambassadors Aaron Baker, Tamara Mena, and Steve Bogna for this opening exhibition. “I was impressed, overjoyed and proud for the AFT Ambassadors Adaptive Health & Fitness Models, Aaron, Tamara and Steve. Equally I was grateful to these brave and courageous individuals for trusting AFT and Per Bernal to present and represent them with respect and elegance. Each model exemplifies ‘The Power of the Human Spirit’, an intangible essence that is the key to the quality of life success for all of us. Per captured ‘this’ and ‘it’ communicated visually through the photos, their joyful spirit transcending beyond their physical challenges. We are grateful for the extraordinary opportunity to partner with Per Bernal and Megan Phillips of Sur le Mur. This strategic partnership is a perfect example of the signature, empowering adaptive arts & entertainment opportunities Artists for Trauma is proud to provide,” said Laura Sharpe, CEO and Founder of Artists For Trauma.
Attendees viewed photography and artworks by Per Bernal and his renowned peers who are a true Who’s Who’s of the art world such as Kelly Risk Graval, Alexandra Grant, Lincoln Townley, Billy Morrison, Plastic Jesus, HRH Prince Lorenzo de Medici, Steve Kaufman, Geoff Melville, Glenn David, Unfukyourself and Black Brain.
Numerous celebrities, fitness gurus, actors, martial artists, renowned artists and VIPs are expected at this event such as Per Bernal, Megan Phillips, Founder of Sur le Mur, Laura Sharpe, Founder and CEO of Artists For Trauma, actors and martial artists Bianca Van Damme and Hank Garrett (3 Days of the Condor, Car 54, Where are you, GI Joe the Animated Series and Martial Arts and Wrestling Hall of Fame), and actors Mel Novak (Bruce Lee’s Game of Death, Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance), Robert Wall (Walker Texas Ranger, Bruce Lee’s Game of Death), Dawna Lee Heising (Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance, Blade Runner), Vida Ghaffari (Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Mindy Project), Diane Franklin (Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Better Off Dead), Rico E. Anderson (The Fosters, Grey’s Anatomy), Jon Mack (Saw VI, Blunt Force Trauma), Anna Easteden (Two and A Half Men, Junkie), Katherine Kampko (Graceland, Trust No One), actor/filmmaker/on-air host Tyrone Tann (Lavanderia, Blooob, Stauros Entertainment), Ed Connors, former owner of the Golds Gym Franchise, Gudrun Giddings, Producer and President Swedish American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles, Samir Bannout, 1 time Mr. Olympia, Danny Hester, 1 time Classic Physique Mr. Olympia, Eric The Trainer, Hollywood Celebrity, noted artists Kelly Risk Graval, Alexandra Grant, Plastic Jesus, Geoff Melville and HRH Prince Davood Roostaei (Persian Qajar dynasty), renowned artist and founder of Cryptorealism, Dr. Sarah Brindle Ph.D of Inclusivity Clinical Consulting Services (ICCS), Dr. Mary Nasmyth, Co-Chief Medical Officer, CRI and Clinical Chief for Physical Medicine and Rehab at Cedars Sinai Hospital, Entertainment Attorney Nadia Davari and countless other VIPs.
This event is sponsored by Sur le Mur, Per Bernal, Artists For Trauma and Coco Taps by Vincent Zaldivar aka “CocoVinny.” Renowned artist Kelly Risk Graval summed up the evening perfectly by saying it was “good times.” Good times indeed!
This Saturday night Marina Del Rey will be ablaze with tons of the most talented and edgy artists in town at the premiere opening of renowned celebrity photographer Per Bernal’s studio.
Self Portrait of internationally renowned photographer Per Bernal
“Per Bernal is a world class photographer praised for his talents in capturing the strength and excellence of the human body, thus has garnered the nickname; “The Annie Leibovitz of the Fitness World.” This exhibition, aptly titled “Oh Shoot,” is an eclectic evening featuring photography, graffiti, street, and fine art. There will be new works featured by Per Bernal and RISK.
Action Hero Dolph Lundgren by Per Bernal in collaboration with Kelly Risk Graval
Dolph Lundgren will be unveiling his portrait, an incredible collaboration by Per and Risk. Get your vote on! Come view some politically correct art, in time for the election, including the “Trump Wall,” featured on CNN and BBC, by Plastic Jesus and famous portraits by the late Pop Artist, Steve Kaufman,” said Megan Phillips, the Founder of Sur le Mur. Phillips represents Bernal and other acclaimed artists in addition to offering art advisory and acquisitions, curating, and custom work.
Action Hero Dolph Lundgren by Per Bernal in collaboration with Kelly Risk Graval
“I have been a photographer for over 30 years and have shot close to 1000 fitness covers, which have been published worldwide. The opening of my US studio is a dream come true, for me, and I now feel the freedom to explore my fine art photography, including celebrity portraiture. I find it very inspiring to work with other artists and I want my studio to be an artists’ colony, where creative minds and creative ideas can meet and merge together. Working with Megan Phillips, of Sur Le Mur, has given me tremendous momentum and she has encouraged me to expand my art and to take it to an entirely new level,” said Per Bernal.
Noted art manager Megan Phillips with Laura Sharpe, Founder and CEO of Artists For Trauma. Photo courtesy of Michael Hansel
“It is an honor and a gift to join forces with world-renowned health & fitness photographer Per Bernal, and his international art manager Megan Phillips of Sur le Mur. Per Bernal is a lovely man, yet a powerfully driven artiste, focused on further experimentation to culture HIS expansion of creative vision. Congratulations, Per on your opening of the ‘Per Bernal Fine Art Photography Studio’ in Los Angeles, CA! Thank you for your generosity to Artists For Trauma (AFT) and for your heart eye with forward vision to respectfully photograph these selected AFT models in the context of inclusivity to the diverse world versions of health and fitness. Your test photographs clearly represent that trauma survivors are healthy, fun, cool, hip, athletic and sexy too!” said Laura Sharpe, CEO and Founder of Artists For Trauma.
Attendees will view photography and artworks by Per Bernal and his renowned peers who are a true Who’s Who’s of the art world such as Kelly Risk Graval, Alexandra Grant, Lincoln Townley, Billy Morrison, Plastic Jesus, HRH Prince Lorenzo de Medici, Steve Kaufman, Geoff Melville, Glenn David, Unfukyourself and Black Brain.
Numerous celebrities, fitness gurus, actors, martial artists, renowned artists and VIPs are expected at this event such as Per Bernal, Megan Phillips, Founder of Sur le Mur, Laura Sharpe, Founder and CEO of Artists For Trauma, actors and martial artists Dolph Lundgren, Bianca Van Damme, Jackie Warner, (Fitness Coach at Work Out on Bravo), Hank Garrett (3 Days of the Condor, Car 54, Where are you, GI Joe the Animated Series and Martial Arts and Wrestling Hall of Fame), and actors Aki Aleong (Pound of Flesh, Babylon 5), Robert Wall (Walker Texas Ranger, Bruce Lee’s Game of Death), Thomas J. Churchill (Lazarus: Day of the Living Dead, Check Point), Dawna Lee Heising (Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance, Blade Runner), Vida Ghaffari (Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Mindy Project), Diane Franklin (Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Better Off Dead), Olivia DeLaurentis (Happy Feet, Horoscopes), Christy McGinity Gibel (Little Women: LA), Plastic Martyr (actress, Little Women: LA, Scumbag and model, transgender activist), Rico E. Anderson (The Fosters, Grey’s Anatomy), Elise Muller (Parenthood, Bagheads), Jon Mack (Saw 6, Blunt Force Trauma), legendary Persian Actresses Mary Apick (Homeland, The Last Shift) and her mother Apick Youssefian (Cry of the Village, Actress, The Keeper: The Legend of Omar Khayyam), Rick Mora (Twilight, The Lady Killers), Anna Easteden (Two and A Half Men, Junkie), Model Miki Black (CSI:NY, Maxim, Benchwarmer), Ed Connors, former owner of the Golds Gym Franchise, Gudrun Giddings SACC, Samir Bannout, 1 time Mr. Olympia, Danny Hester, 1 time Classic Physique Olympia, Eric The Trainer, Hollywood Celebrity, noted artists Kelly Risk Graval, Alexandra Grant, Lincoln Townley, Billy Morrison, Plastic Jesus, HRH Prince Lorenzo de Medici, Steve Kaufman, Geoff Melville, President Board of Directors for CRE OUTREACH Theater by the Blind, Celebrity Hair Stylist Maryam Motaghy, Human rights activist and author Elham Yaghoubian, Entertainment Attorney Nadia Davari and countless other VIPs.
This event is sponsored by Sur le Mur, Per Bernal, Artists For Trauma and Coco Taps by Vincent Zaldivar aka “CocoVinny.”
Artists for Trauma (AFT) held their Adaptive Artist Multi-Media Art show at the noted ENGEL & VOLKERS SOUTH BAY. This AFT fundraiser and public awareness event was a great introduction to this worthwhile charity and their mission to empower adaptive artists recovering from life altering trauma and who utilize healing through artistic platforms to expedite quality recovery and reinvention of their lives.
The Artists For Trauma Adaptive Artist Multi-Media Art Show featured artwork by talented inspiring artists, utilizing various artistic disciplines following their life altering traumas that resulted in a total life change due to paralysis, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and PTSD. This opening exhibition featured artwork by members such as Melissa Allensworth, Andrew Angulo, my “Live with Ford and Vida co-host Ford Austin, Richard Bell, Michael Hansel and Brandon Newcomer. 100% of All Art Sales proceeds benefit Artists for Trauma and the 5+ adaptive artists. AFT was founded by Laura T. Sharpe, who is a trauma survivor herself and selflessly wants to help other trauma survivors to be empowered, inspired and healed.
“We feel very blessed to have been embraced by Artists For Trauma and Laura Sharpe. We hope that with the support of AFT, we can shine a bright light of hope on the spirits of all trauma survivors and those overcoming PTSD,” said Ford Austin.
Ford’s loving wife, Lauree Dash, who was there for every step of his inspiring recovery, echoed his sentiments. “I’m so grateful to Laura and AFT. Laura was an inspiration and huge support in Ford’s recovery. She was an angel who paved the way for us showing us recovery was possible. She was a tangible example of the resiliency and the ability we all possess to heal. It is so vital to have a role model who shows you recovery is possible. The singing lessons AFT so generously provided Ford helped him regain his voice and helped his brain heal from his TBI. Engagement with arts provided a way for Ford to heal organically, and quickly,” she added.
It has been a privilege and honor to work with Ford Austin and his loving, supportive wife Lauree, from the early months of Ford’s near death, life altering traumatic car crash 5 years ago to his now inspiring and thriving quality of life recovery ; rich with empowerment and forward progress in his various artistic endeavors as a once again working actor, Lifetime member of the Actor’s Studio , Director, producer , writer and Artists for Trauma Ambassador. Artist for Trauma recognizes and respects the sacred trust of the individuals and families who partner with us in our integrative, healing through art programs during a most vulnerable period of their lives,” added Laura Sharpe.
Engel & Volkers Southbay was the main sponsor for this event. Additional sponsors were AFT, Buiced, Display Art Installation, ICCS, Moby Arts, Sharpe Interior Systems, and Top Shelf Concierge Services-Luxury Transportation. More info at http://www.artistsfortrauma.org/
Photos courtesy of Guillermo Proano/PR Photos and Michael Bezjian/Gettyimages
