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

Tommy Hollenstein Paints for Shane’s!

Artist Tommy Hollenstein and Comedian Tommy Davidson (In Living Color) are doing a fundraiser for Shane’s this Thursday!  Check it out:


Here are the details:

Thursday, June 10
5-8 p.m.
Soho Gallery
12350 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762-1500

C’mon out!!!!!!

Cole and Ilia Paint With Artist Tommy Hollenstein!!

We are completely humbled and totally priviledged to tell you that Cole and Ilia got to paint with amazing artist Tommy Hollenstein today!   Go check out his stuff right now:  http://www.tommyhollenstein.com/

This was a  Canine Companions event (natch) held smack in the middle of Downtown Disney, so we drew (among other things) a nice crowd.  There were puppies-in-training and Elder Statesmen service dogs and everything in between.   There was great live music by a musician named Michael to help get the creativity flowing and Disney VoluntEars who buzzed around making sure everything was perfect.  What a fun day! 

After Cole created his masterpiece (with the addition of Ilia’s pawprint in the lower left corner) we went to the nearby Rainforest Cafe for lunch.  Faux thunder and lightening shook the walls, Bobo the gorilla screeched irritably directly above our table and the human din was fantastic.  All the while, Ilia did…..

Nothing. 

Now, that’s some insane training.  I couldn’t even sit still in that raging cacophony.

We went back after lunch to pick up our now-dry work and say our good-byes.  Although it was after 3:00 (the event started at noon), Tommy was still working with kids and I could see at least a dozen pictures lined up drying on the stage.  He was still patiently teaching, still giving each kid an awesome experience. 

Too cool.   Thanks for the love, Tommy.

Go here to see: http://picasaweb.google.com/MassieFamily97/Hollenstein052210#

COLE AND ILIA ON OPRAH.NET!!!!!!!!

Don’t know how long they’ll keep it up on their site, so go look now!

http://www.oprah.com/own/innerview.html?page_id=8

Our fabulous friend and genius producer Judy Korin did this a while back and submitted it.  She got a newsletter from them last night and there it was!  HOLY COW!!  OPRAH!!

Enjoy!

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

Well, I keep SWEARING I’m going to be better about updating and not do these en masse uploads, but…

When you’re this busy, who has time???

Anyway, here’s what Senor Cole and Mighty Dog have been up to:

The Shane’s Inspiration Gala:  On March 27, Cole sang in the choir brilliantly directed by Tess Borden and ingeniously choreographed by Keith Young (choreographer for the show Glee.)  Cole also got the opportunity to introduce the video he hosted (crafted by the gorgeously talented Judy Korin.  Oh, do I love this smarty-pants woman.)  This educational video will be shown in schools all over the state as part of Shane’s Inspiration’s Educational Outreach Program.   (The video is part of a program that helps typical kids get over the discomfort of playing with disabled kids for the first time.)  We hope to post it here soon but in the meantime, click here for some snaps of the gala. 

Easter:  On March 28, Our own Auntie Jen-Jen and Uncle Kevin hosted an Easter/Birthday bash (Nick, Kevin, Grandmere and Rudy are all April birthdays and I’m March!) at their Club in Cheviot hills.  Family highjinx ensued.  Enjoy by clicking here.

Homeschooler Dinner Dance:   On April 17, we attended this fabulously fun yearly event with our homeschooler group. FaCE-LA.  Click here to check out Cole cutting a rug with cutie-patootie Darcy Rose! 

Dodger Game:  The Dodgers honored Shane’s Inspiration, so Cole, Eddie and Ilia were invited to go down onto the field to watch the first pitch being thrown out!  Word is they made it onto the Jumbotron and if I get those pictures I’ll post them (hopefully before he hits college.)   Click here to see.

Challenge Air:  Challenge Air is an amazing organization that matches volunteer pilots with disabled kids who want to fly!!!!  We were asked to volunteer for the Canine Companions info table, which we did with pleasure and pride.  And then, Cole went up in a HELICOPTER!  Oh, yes he did!!  Click here to hit the wild blue yonder with Cole!



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