Cole and Tommy in Valley Scene Magazine!
You can also see the original online here: http://www.valleyscenemagazine.com/music/ (scroll down once you get there!)
Wheelchair Artist Tommy Hollenstein creates Live Painting at SoHo/Lurie Gallery in Studio City to benefit Shane’s Inspiration
By Debra Graff
The packed audience at the beautiful SoHo/Lurie Gallery in Studio City was awestruck. All eyes were on artist Tommy Hollenstein as he created an original painting using the tires of his wheelchair as brushes. The exciting evening, produced by Tommy Davidson (In Living Color), included comedy by Michael Colyer (Last Comic Standing) and a silent auction along with catering by Jerry’s Deli, Basquait Wine, Sushi Kingz and Monster Energy Drinks. The soiree raised over $2000 for Hollenstein’s favorite charity, Shane’s Inspiration; an organization dedicated to building accessible playgrounds where children with disabilities can play with their typical peers. Four are here in the SFV: Beilenson Park (Lake Balboa), Brandon’s Village (Calabasas), Shane’s Inspiration (Griffith Park) and Hanson Dam.
Hollenstein had been a professional surfer when, in 1985, an unfortunate mountain biking accident left him a quadriplegic. But that didn’t stop him. With passionate determination, he set out to find something positive in a seemingly negative situation. Through his artwork Hollenstein shares his vision, ingenuity, resolve and depth of character - the signs of a true artist. The crowd was captivated by his genius and his calming, peaceful presence lifted their hearts.
Hollenstein says he enjoys painting live because it gives everyone the opportunity to see his process. “It was pretty moving,” he understated. He especially wanted to bring awareness to the educational side of Shane’s Inspiration that reaches out to schools where busloads of disabled and abled children buddy up at one of the organization’s twenty-three LA-area parks. “In the first few minutes they seem very uncomfortable but in a short time, you see the barriers broken down. Afterwards, abled kids aren’t so fearful of approaching children with disabilities in other situations.”
Tiffany Harris, Co-Founder/CEO of Shane’s, says that Tommy’s taken what others would see as a tragedy and turned his experience into an inspirational life. “He’s responsible for inventing a water ski for paraplegics, helping launch a summer sports camp for disabled persons, serving on non-profits and motivating people of all abilities through his unique art. We are grateful to have him on our Board and team.” For info on volunteer opportunities and an upcoming 5K/10K Walk/Roll Event on August 23rd, contact Shane’s Inspiration at 818-988-5675
13-year old Cole Massie, in a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy and an aspiring artist, spoke with amazing tenacity. “People say I have limits but I don’t and I don’t care what anyone says. I want to be a licensed pilot. I want to be a law enforcement specialist. I believe in no limits.”
Denny Seiwell, original drummer for Paul McCartney and Wings, has been close friends with Hollenstein for many years and was honored to attend. “I love him. Tommy took his liabilities and made them assets and his paintings are incredible.” Seiwell was in on Hollenstein’s signature painting; created live at Neiman Marcus in 2009 with handprints by sixteen rock legends including Ringo Starr. It sold for $30,000.
“Hollenstein is a remarkable man who has overcome countless obstacles and accomplished so much,” says Tara Romanella of Integrated PR Agency. “It was great to see everyone come out for this wonderful cause benefitting children who may not otherwise have the freedom to enjoy the simple childhood pleasure of playtime.”
The owners of SoHo/Lurie Gallery, (charming Lurie Brothers Scott, Bruce and Craig) felt privileged to host this special occasion. Scott noted that Tommy always had a dream of becoming an artist and is fulfilling that dream: ”People can be broken, but you can’t break their spirit. I love working with artists I enjoy and Tommy is a very likeable, good person, whose ego doesn’t get in the way.” Bruce said he respects Hollenstein as an artist and admires him for trying to make it in this world. “His disability doesn’t stop him and he’s aggressive getting his show together to raise money for such a worthy cause.” SoHo/Lurie’s next exhibit will be abstract art, opening the last weekend in July. For more, go to: www.luriegallery.com
SoHo/Lurie Gallery
12350 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762-1500
