Exploring the
Pointe of Ar t
B Y B R E T T W I L B U R
O
n September 21st, 23 artists unveiled
the ballet shoe inspired works they cre-
ated as a benefit for Dance Kids of Monterey
County. Held at the Bennett Sculpture gallery in
Carmel, the event was organized by the Carmel
Sunset Rotary Club. Pairing local dancers with
mostly local artists, who donated their works to
be auctioned off for the fundraiser, raised crucial
funds for the Dance Kids December perfor-
mance of the "Nutcracker." A coffee table book
of the art was created to raise money for dance
scholarships as well.
"In June, we had a meet and greet with the
artists and the dancers," says Ashley Bennett-
Stoddard, gallery artist and head of sales and
marketing. "The dancers were so lovely and
hardworking and passionate. It inspired us. The
artists all agreed to give a 100 percent donation
for work that is inspired by a pair of the dancer's
pointe shoes. Some of them collaborated with
the dancers to create their work."
Mediums include photography, sculpture,
mixed media and painting, and artists include
Lynn Lupetti, Kim Weston, Winston Swift
Boyer, Mary Titus, Andre Balyon and more.
"Every piece is so different," muses Bennett-
Stoddard. "I have three children, and empow-
ering youth is so important. I want them to feel
included in our community."
For more information, go to bennettsculpture-
carmel.com or www.dancekids.org.
SHORTCUTS
GIVING BACK
"Poise," by Lynn Lupetti, created for a Dance Kids of Monterey County fundraiser
organized by Bennett Sculpture Gallery and the Carmel Sunset Rotary Club.
78 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 9
Photo:
Rob
Ellis
