Showcasing up and coming talents, RAW Natural Born Artists is on a mission to keep your community connected to local, independent artists in all creative disciplines.  So what exactly is RAW Natural Born Artists? I’m glad you asked. It is a collective movement started by Southern California’s own Heidi Luerra. The RAW team assembles and promotes artists through their online community as well as through their monthly events.  Their site features artists’ profiles, making it easier for you to get to know them and what they do.  Hosting four cites which currently include Los Angeles, Fullerton, Santa Monica, and Long Beach, RAW is able to freely promote Southern Californian artists to a waiting audience.

As a platform for up and coming visual artists, fashion designers, musicians, comedians, filmmakers, etc. RAW’s event nights make discovering new art and fresh talent more accessible to the public. RAW recently hosted a showcase at the Cherch Lounge in Fullerton. A veritable smorgasbord of creativity, the event highlighted standup comedian/magician Justin Rivera, music by Octavius Womack, fashions by Metevo Clothing, hair by Melissa McFadden, makeup by Yvette Mendoza, and the musical styling’s of DJ Martin Vidal. A pop-up gallery was on display with art from Kaleeka Bond, Patricia Cory, Shannon LeClair, and Raymond DeLuna. A short film by Luke Randall was screened for the audience to kick off the night’s events.  The festive occasion was an exciting experience and a fun way to discover something a little out of the ordinary.

When attending their showcase nights, you are exposed to great performances and art while also getting a chance to mingle and network with fellow art connoisseurs. Helping link artists to the public and professionals, RAW ultimately supplies the foundation for future harmonious collaborations. The team’s positive vibe is key to their message of “connecting independent artists with the tools, resources, and exposure to inspire and incubate creativity, productivity, and success.” The tools that RAW provides to their group of artists are given through workshops that coach them on the business side of their given industry.

Not only does RAW work to broaden your cultural horizon, but they are also good for you. And when I say “good for you,” I mean that they help out that planet you live on called Earth. By being completely green, RAW goes as far as making donations to the Carbon Fund to cancel the emissions of the cars that travel to their events. They also do the majority of their promotion via the web and texting. Only when paper is an essential marketing tool do they use only 100% recycled paper.  RAW also facilitates artists with giving back to the community by connecting them with charitable organizations. These simple contributions make a world of difference in the long run and make it a win-win situation for all parties involved in their movement.

Now that you know about RAW Natural Born Artists be sure to check their site and make your way out to one their showcase nights. Artists can also submit applications to become a part of the RAW team. To learn more visit www.rawartists.org.  Eco-friendly sensibilities and accessible art are what sets this organization apart from the rest. Looks like it’s time for you to go RAW.

Photos taken by Hiro Landazuri

Most people who frequent downtown Fullerton have probably been past the Tranquil Tea Lounge. Siblings Michellee Phelps and Jonathan Munsayac have owned the space for quite awhile. The awning went up shortly after they acquired it, but they didn’t open until just recently.  And I’ve got to tell you, it was worth the wait.  Michellee’s passion is social gatherings and event planning and Jonathan’s is food.  But they both share a love of tea.

I stopped by to meet Michellee and sample some teas.  Michellee gave me a short tour, explaining each area.  Near the front, under the menu, is a wall of carefully labeled teas in small jars, so that customers can see, smell and explore the teas on their own.  The large selection makes this a must. Next to that, against the front window is a full wall of tea-related gifts.The theme of the space is definitely modern and urban but the natural touches, such as the incredible, suspended wood ceiling, and bright orchids scattered throughout, make it warm and inviting at the same time.  The art on the walls belongs to local artists and I’m told it will be changing monthly.  It’s important to the owners to support local artists and the Tranquil Tea Lounge provides ample space to display and sell art.  The small dining area hosts ten or twelve tables and a small, couched lounge space near the back that can be converted to house a small band or acoustic musician.  Hidden behind that is a sizeable event/tasting room with a large conference style table to gather around, great lighting and a large flat screen tv.  Behind the bar, is a massive wall of tea in sleek, stainless canisters on natural wood shelves and a small food prep area.

The menu boasts over 85 different varieties of loose teas, sandwiches, salads and heavenly desserts.  I was able to sample Road to Hana Rooibos and Mauna Loa Green.  They offer all teas both iced and hot.  The iced is refreshing (and not watered down at all!) but the hot tea comes with the added bonus of the presentation.  They steep it tableside and even return at the right time to remove the loose tea and pour you a cup.  Unfortunately, on this visit, I was unable to sample much of the food.  But I did try some macaroons.  They have 12 varieties to choose from, and I tried Raspberry, Pecan Caramel and Cappuccino flavors.  They were so rich and delicate.  And the presentation was fresh and simple.  It’s clear that somebody knows their pastries.

If you haven’t stopped in yet, make it a point to do so soon.  Once word gets out, this place will be packed all the time.

tranquiltealounge.com
106 W. Wilshire Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832

Memorial Day is coming up, and while you may be planning to stay home and rest with friends and family, some of us are putting on art events that question the very nature of art and how it functions. Why so deep for a Monday you ask? Well there are just some people in Orange County that cannot and will not rest till they let you know that choosing based off of looks can be a gamble, and when you say “I’ll have what he’s having!” you could be getting more than what you expected.

Getting more than one expects can be a good thing, like this one day art show located in Fullerton. For one day only, a group of up and coming local Orange County artists will put on an art show that will definitely be some food for thought, using just about every just about every form of medium; painting, sculpture, chalk art, film, the list goes on.

This show is titled I’ll Have What He’s Having, and when asked what the show (and title) were about Witte stated that, “The show is called ‘I’ll Have What He’s Having‘ basically because people need to realize that art and the artistic spirit feed off of things. So, if people see it as a possibility to lead their life, they may be more inclined toward a life of a similar approach. Basically by recognizing that we are just everyday people doing everyday activities and choosing to live off the feeling instead of the food it puts on the table forces the viewer to understand the subsistence of an individual on something outside the ‘normal’ ‘base’ needs. And if it tastes good then why not do it for yourself?” Deep words coming from an art show in the OC, but I guess this is just more proof that this county is more than the TV makes it seem.

The artists responsible for this fun-filled (and deep) event are mainly students from Fullerton College; Michael Witte, the leader (and owner of the apartment at which the art show is located) says that, “The one day show is something that should give people a reason to not wait for things to come to them, but to give them a reason to see it now, because there is no telling what tomorrow will bring.” Hopefully tomorrow will bring recognition that these young artists deserve, and that this unconventional, short term, impromptu art show deserves as well.

If you have some free time, I’ll Have What He’s Having will be going on from 3-9PM. Have a great weekend and we hope to see all of you there!

The Artist showing are Michael Witte, Maria Robben, Drea Wise, Jonathan Dominguez, Nathan Marlow, and many more including myself. There will also be a film screening by Smash & Grab Productions.

Runs Monday the 25th from 3-9PM only

Apartment B
346 East Wilshire Ave.
Fullerton CA 92832