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Page Updated: Sunday, July 24, 2005
Celebrating the Arts, Culture and People
of Pasadena, San Marino, South Pasadena,
Altadena & La Cañada Flintridge
A
rt on the Stairwell Gallery at Vroman's Bookstore now features
the works of Russell Hobbs and of Cesar Russ, two Pasadena artists who have both explored city landmarks using different media and points of view. The exhibition, entitled "Visions of Pasadena," opened at a reception held last month and runs through
September 8.
Although both men have been drawn to many of the same scenes and façades, they arrived by very routes.
Mr. Hobbs grew up in Los Angeles and Glendale, served in the United States Army in both World War II and the Korean War, then spent much of his career as an architect. He now resides in Pasadena with his wife, Evie, who attended the opening reception along with their daughter, Vivian Hobbs of San Francisco.
In contrast, Mr. Russ was born and raised in Madrid. At age 18, he was introduced to the great Hungarian photographer Nicolas Muller, who took him on as an apprentice. Ultimately he worked on assignment for the European agency Magnum and his photographs subsequently appeared in Paris Match, Stern, Der Spiegel, Newsweek, Time, Esquire, The Village Voice, El País Semanal and many others. He now resides happily in Pasadena. His companion, Beatriz Ronzero, joined him at the reception and helped him give voice to the gathering in expressing his feelings about his art and this city.
The June opening reception was an intimate gathering co-sponsored by The Nose Wine Cellar (which is located in the Arcade Lane across the street from Vroman’s). After the crowd enjoyed a wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres and a chance to examine the artwork, the artists were introduced by Gallery curator Laura Payne.
Ms. Payne said that both men, beyond being artists, are true gentlemen. Both love Pasadena, its history and its heritage, and because of their artistic gifts we all can see the city with new perspective.
For profiles of the artists and an on-line gallery of some their works, see:
Beatriz Ronzero with photographer Cesar Russ, pen-and-ink artist Russell Hobbs with his wife Evie and their daughter Vivian at the opening reception of "Visions of Pasadena."
