Celebrate Extraordinary, a fundraiser presented by The Circle of Palos Verdes Art Center/Beverly G. Alpay Center for Art Education, will offer a delightful evening for supporters, art aficionados and the community to enjoy the resurgence of art that is bubbling up, with art being recognized as a "second responder" in recovering from the pandemic.

PVAC continues its 90+ year mission of making art accessible through free exhibitions, affordable classes in all media, scholarships, elementary school art education and artist residencies, special education for low income and at-risk youth, outreach partnerships and support for artist groups.

Two passions----love of the arts and dedicated support of Palos Verdes Art Center are deeply rooted in Angels David and Ann Buxton, who have so generously supported not only this year's event, Celebrate Extraordinary, but also, for nearly 20 years, Palos Verdes Art Center. Ann Buxton says she is: "the girl who can't say no to the Art Center." She has chaired the Board of Trustees, served as president of The Circle support group and is now chair of The Circle Ways and Means Committee. This year her generosity has grown still further as she opens their home for this event

Guests will have the opportunity of meeting homeowners David and Ann Buxton while savoring the stunning Italianate villa of 11,300 square feet that they created. The experience also includes a curated tour of their impeccably-designed home filled with exquisite art collections. Dine al fresco in the estate gardens amidst the relaxing ambience of the pool and fountain. Feast on delicious foods, including passed small plates and dishes which the chef will finish to please the individual palate. Stroll the lovely grounds and loggia to explore the work of South Bay artists, renowned for their talents, and recognized around the globe, who are featured in a Fine Art Silent Auction. As a special treat, the artists will be available for you to meet and learn about their work. Make a memory by bidding on that special "just right for you" art piece and enjoy your treasure!

Ann’s passion for collecting highlights the unique experience of their home. She stated: "One is born a collector," recalling that her love of collecting began in her childhood. During the 25 years that David and Ann have been together, they have traveled to 75 countries! They returned with treasures from rugs to jewelry, items that fit in a suitcase or as a carry on.

The influence of Ann's 14 years working in an American Indian antique shop also birthed both a very strong interest in Indian art and trips to the Southwest, especially Santa Fe and Tucson, where Ann and David met Navajo and Hopi Indians, viewed their dancing and explored their cultures. She especially enjoys her American Indian collection of Pima baskets, Skookum dolls (originally available through the National Parks), Navajo blankets, paintings and lithographs.

Ann treasures her Plein-Air paintings which can be seen in every room of their home. Her most recent addition is Val Simon’s painting Moment to Reflect hanging in an upstairs sitting room. Ann mentioned: “The last thing I've collected is always my current favorite." She places the piece in a spot where she can delight in seeing it throughout the day. The opportunity to view this remarkable collection of Plein-Air fine art—many created by highly recognized Portuguese Bend artists Dan Pinkham, Vicki Pinkham, Stephen Mirich, Richard Humphrey, Thomas Redfield and Donald Crocker—will be a highlight for everyone.

Having lived in Nagoya, Japan, as a child of a military family for several years, collecting Japanese art was a natural. Extraordinary silk screens, cabinets, and wood block paintings are featured in many of the villa’s rooms.

On a trip to China, Ann reported: "I remember the day, it was so exciting!" She shared the story of finding two ceramic statues, one of an emperor and the other of an empress, during a trip on the Yangtze River. She could not resist bringing them home! To this day, she looks at these artworks and they still evoke the joy of her journey.

Ann concluded her advice for collecting with the following bit of wisdom: "If you don't love it, don't buy it." Each piece in her home evokes special memories and a direct experience of the beauty it holds. Ann ended by saying: "We like to think that our home is filled with a ‘Collection of Blessings’ and hope you enjoy our time together."

The love of art and service will pervade the entire Celebrate Extraordinary event. This will be an evening guests will long remember.

Limited tickets are available on the website: www.pvhomestour.org. Email support@pvhomestour.org with any questions.

Please join us:

Celebrate Extraordinary

A Premier Home Tour and Fine Art Event

Saturday May 21, 2022

5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

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