Hundreds of volunteers come to the Youth Center every year and selflessly give their time and talents. Some come for an hour, others a day. In the more rare cases, these giving individuals go above and far beyond anything that could ever be asked of them. Recently, four gifted and talented volunteers combined their unique efforts and actually created an exceptional event that will only happen once in a lifetime.
Nancy Curran has been a Youth Center supporter for more than 10 years. She grew up in Los Alamitos and has always had a deep love and appreciation for art. Over time, she perfected her talent and has become an accomplished painter.
“The only experience I can honestly say I love more than being a maker is sharing my appreciation of art with others,” Nancy explains. “I wanted to share my love of painting with others who want to learn and those who appreciate art as much as I do. That is how this event started.”
Cori Crismon is mother to Tony Bancroft, renowned animator and director. Tony co-directed Mulan, The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, and Bunyan and Babe. He was the character animator on Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and supervising animator on The Lion King and Stuart Little 2. Tony has even owned an animation studio, Toonacious Family Entertainment.
Cori noticed her son’s talent when he was 4 or 5 years old and nurtured his gift by always praising his work and allowing him to fine tune his creative skills.
“I clearly saw my son’s talent when he was a toddler. I wouldn’t have discovered his natural abilities if he didn’t take advantage of the opportunity to start drawing,” Cori explained. “I encourage everyone to try something creative, like painting, even if it is the first time. You never know, you just might discover your inner artistic talents too.”
Long-term supporters and Youth Center volunteers, Arnie and Lynda Fine finalized the planning of the exclusive Youth Center’s Wine & Paint event when they offered their very own home in Rossmoor for the location.
The Youth Center’s Wine & Paint event will be held on Sept. 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., where a group of 40 guests will have the rare opportunity to uncork their creativity in the company of Tony Bancroft. With Nancy and Tony’s guidance, each guest can expect to create an impressive painting that they can take home, proudly display, and have a once in a lifetime story to tell. Enjoy this social evening with your favorite wine, while having a very pleasant painting experience, even if you have never put brush to canvas before. The Youth Center’s Wine & Paint is $40 per person and space is limited. Please contact Youth Center Community Relations Director Lisa Lee to RSVP by calling 562-493-4043 or email her at lisa@theyouthcenter.org.