City Hearts: Kids Say Yes to the Arts, the non-profit that has been reaching out to at-risk children for almost 30 years, has announced that over a dozen Hollywood cinematographers/still photographers have donated an eclectic range of photographs that will be auctioned at the 3rd Annual Fresh Focus 2014: The Story Behind the Shot fundraiser, set for October 19, 2014, at the Old Stagecoach Ranch, Topanga, Calif.
“Including Hollywood in this year’s event has really broadened the scope of the photographic art we will have to offer,” said Sherry Jason, founder of City Hearts. “We’re really excited about the amazing work of these men and women whose creativity and passion is in the visual arts. When we approached them, their answer was ‘absolutely,’ for they are perfect examples of how the visual arts have impacted their lives and the lives of countless others around them.”
The list of contributors, which is still growing, is impressive. Steven Poster ASC (president of Local 600), James Chressanthis ASC, Vilmos Zsigmond ASC, John Toll ASC, Robert Primes ASC and Ward Russell are some of the first cinematographers who shoot fine art to donate their work. Also participating are three stills photographers who have documented a bygone era of Hollywood with their iconic shots; Douglas Kirkland (Audrey Hepburn), Phil Stern (Marilyn Monroe and Louis Armstrong), and the estate of Leigh Wiener (Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney). High profile unit still photographers including Sam Emerson, Bonnie Osborne, Dave Friedman, David Strick, Peter Sorel, Ralph Nelson, Kim Gottlieb-Walker and Robert Zuckerman have also contributed.
“The range of work is fantastic,” said Jason. “Last year, Kim Gottlieb-Walker’s Bob Marley shot, from her book about her life documenting Marley’s music tours sold for quite a generous amount. This year, we expect her Jimi Hendrix to even top that. Robert Zuckerman, one of the top ranking stills photographers, has donated what is the fourth in a limited nine edition print series of his The Talmud.
“Cinematographers are fortunate artists, they get to travel the world to create images for every kind of moving picture,” added Jason. “And, when they have their precious down-time, they often turn their still cameras on the world around them. When John Toll, for example, shot a documentary with Ben Affleck, he found the children in UN refugee camps in the Congo fascinating. Ward Russell, now retired to New Mexico, has become one of the only stills photographers allowed to shoot the sacred dances at the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. Their work is stunning. And they’ve donated these images in support of our children.”
“Contributing to City Hearts is a no-brainer,” said Gottlieb-Walker. “A life without art and literature is one not fully lived. I love City Hearts because they awaken the hearts and minds of inner city kids with art, photography and Shakespeare and truly make a difference in their lives. It is truly inspiring.”
Although some of these photographers were aware of City Hearts, few knew the personal story behind this organization. Once they understood Jason’s passion, they knew they wanted to be in and even suggested others to donate. “I can’t tire of telling Sherry’s story,” said cinematographer James Chressanthis, who began as a contributor to City Hearts many years ago–and has now joined the board. “When Sherry was a new lawyer she encountered a young man who played classical music by ear. A young man who had, at 13, been convicted of murder. She went home and told her husband Bob. The two of them couldn’t let go of the image. Their desire–to find a way to reach at-risk children before the damage is done. The result is City Hearts: Kids Say Yes to the Arts, which does more than provide free classes in photography, Shakespeare, Dance and Music to at-risk youth. City Hearts nurtures and inspires our community’s most at-risk children in the most vital way. Fresh Focus is a key fundraising event that makes sure their work continues.”
For more information on Fresh Focus 2014: The Story Behind the Shot, to view other photographs that have been donated, and to buy tickets, click here.
