this Saturday evening.
By Tina Lynch
Francesco Caprio is set to speak at Bel Air Camera in Westwood this Saturday, April 18, at 11 am. Caprio is an established celebrity photographer of more than 25 years, working out of his busy West LA studio.
Attendees can expect stories about his illustrious career as well as how-to tips on catching that perfect shot.
“I’m inspired to take portraits of people because I genuinely love people,” Caprio said. “My dad was a famous, outgoing psychiatrist, so no doubt some of his personality rubbed off on me.”
Caprio is currently in production for a documentary film about the 60s peace movement. To date, more than 30 celebrities have agreed to on-camera interviews, including Richard Dreyfuss, Forest Whitaker, andSen. John Glenn.
Order tickets online at eventbrite.com (Francesco Caprio). Admission: $24.95. Students are fee with I.D. The event will take place at 11 am at Bel Air Camera Store, 10925 Kinross Ave Westwood. For more information, call 310.208.5150 or visit francescocaprio.com.
Later on Saturday evening, another Westside artist Gus Harper, will be featured in Santa Monica.
Harper creates art nearly everyday at his Culver City studio. In fact it’s bursting at the seams, which is why he recently took on a second studio at the Santa Monica Art Studios so he could have more space to create.
“Several years ago I had a studio at the Santa Monica Airport and I loved being around the other artists there,” Harper said. “It is great to be back. I do most of my work in Culver City but I like the airport studio. It’s a beautiful space and I share it with another artist, Chad Clough.”
Harper explained that he truly enjoyed the camaraderie of the artists at the Santa Monica Airport Art Studios.
“I can bounce ideas off other artists like Chad,” he said.
However, having his private Culver City studio offers him time alone, when needed.
He has been busy completing new works for his solo exhibition at Essentia. An organic mattress store located in Santa Monica, Essentia also doubles as an art salon featuring new art shows every few months.
Curator Lou D’Elia first approached the store just two years ago and the rest is history. D’Elia said he was so impressed with Harper’s work that he wanted to give him a solo exhibit.
Harper will be showing both paintings along with a new installation. He added that he was excited to show at the alternative venue.
“It’s a showcase space for the mattress store and now a showcase for art,” he said. “Or as Lou calls it…cue the double entendre drum roll… a hot bed for art.”
The free artist reception is Saturday, April 18, from 6:30 pm to 10 pm at Essentia, 2430 Main St., Santa Monica. For more information, call 310.450.7819 or visit gusharperart.com.
