Hundreds gathered at Pergolina on March 23 for the opening reception of the Giving and Living art show and charity exhibition in support of The Heart Channels, an organization founded by actor and Toluca Lake resident Annie Potts that provides direct support quickly and creatively to people at critical crossroads in their lives.
The brainchild of Potts and Pergolina owner Paulanna Cuccinello, the March 16–30 exhibit was dedicated to showcasing the works of local artists while giving back to a good cause. They tapped artists Steve Bakunas, Richard Doran, James Hayman, Lynn Kouf, Nancy Haber Nickerson, Bonnie Lambert, Olivia Perry, Paige Peter and Derek Shields to provide works in their specialized mediums, including paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture and mixed media.
At the reception, a standing-room-only crowd enjoyed refreshments and jazz while taking in the art and meeting the artists. Some also purchased artworks, with 40% of each sale going directly to Heart Channels. Joe Mantegna, Linda Lavin, Iain Armitage and Fritz Coleman all made appearances to support Potts, whose husband, James Hayman, contributed photography to the show.
Local Artists’ Perspectives
James Hayman and Derek Shields were among the local artists who participated in the Living and Giving art show and charity exhibition. Hayman is a longtime photographer and film/television director, producer and cinematographer who lives in Toluca Lake with his wife, Annie Potts, founder of The Heart Channels. Shields is an African American painter, designer and creative director who originally hailed from Harlem, New York, and now resides in Toluca Lake. Here, the two talk about their work in the show and what it was like sharing it with their community.
What works did you show and why?
Hayman: I have been shooting photos for over 50 years. I wanted to pick a selection that represented my work over that time. I also wanted to find six images that not only represented me, but also worked together artistically.
Shields: I submitted nine oil portraits painted on aluminum cans. This body of work focused on iconic African American figures, including Maya Angelou, Marvin Gaye, James Baldwin, Tupac Shakur, Ray Charles and Malcolm X. I wanted to paint people who were inspirations to me as well as impactful to society. People who stood up for what they believed in — from singers, artists and poets to rappers and activists.
How did you feel about sharing your art with the community?
Hayman: I was very excited to share my work with my community. My wife, Annie Potts, and I have lived in Toluca Lake for around eight years and in that time have met and made so many friends. It’s like a small town where everyone knows and takes care of each other. We’ve been so welcomed here, I was happy to have all these new friends see what I do, and come out and support Annie’s charity, The Heart Channels.
Shields: It felt great to be able to share my work in this community because of the impact I feel Black art can make. My art is intended to provoke thought about other points of view and to create interest to learn about someone you may have never heard of. I was originally born in Harlem, New York, and to be sharing my art work in Toluca Lake is incredible. To feel accepted and welcomed in this community for my art is a blessing.
Is there anything else you want to say about the exhibit?
Hayman: Paulanna Cuccinello, who owns Pergolina and set up and hosted this wonderful event, is an amazing woman. Everyone who enters her orbit becomes part of her family, and her offer to stage the show and donate her percentage of the sales to The Heart Channels was such a loving and giving thing to do. I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart for this and everything else she does for the community.
Shields: The exhibit had a great turnout. It was a pleasure to meet the people of the community as well as the other artists, sculptors and photographers who participated. I also love giving back to the community and raising money for charities like The Heart Channels organization.
